Natural History Books

Book SynopsisThe art of needle felting dogs can produce amazingly hyper-realistic - almost taxidermic - results, and with a little know-how, some needles and wool, and a few inexpensive accessories, you can also needle felt like a professional. If you have ever wanted to improve your needle felting and take it to a whole new level to create lifelike dogs, this book, by world class needle felting master Cindy-Lou Thompson of Chicktin Creations, will show you how. Covering four different breeds of dog (Dachshund, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle), with step-by-step instructions and photos, Cindy takes you through the processes of creating different body shapes, proportions, armatures, coats, and blending, as well as realistic accessories such as eyes, noses, mouths, ears, and nails. Learn how to achieve a professional finish with different textured coats, clipping and shaping, and finishing off, using a variety of mediums and methods, some of which Cindy has designed and developed herself, and never revealed until now.Trade ReviewLearn how to achieve a professional finish with different textured coats, clipping and shaping, and finishing off, using a variety of mediums and methods, some of which have been designed and developed by Cindy and have never been revealed until now - Australian Dog Lover. This book is very easy to read and is beautifully illustrated clearly to show specific examples and instructions. - The Kennel Club.Table of ContentsChapter 1 Basic info about wool, tools and other items needed etc Chapter 2 The Dachshund, highlighting proportions, short coats, feet and nails and large ears. Standing pose. Chapter 3 The JR Terrier, showing reverse blending, slightly open mouth, claws. Standing pose. Chapter 4 The Yorkshire terrier, showing long fur attachment, blending colours and clipping. Laying down pose. Chapter 5 The Border Collie, showing long and short fur attachment combinations, clipping, open mouth. Sitting pose. Chapter 6 The Mixed Breed, showing a coat not covered and clipping. Pose to be noted. Chapter 7 When Things Go Wrong, showing how to salvage mistakes. Chapter 8 How to make accessories. Collar/lead, tag, biscuit, List of suppliers Index

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Book SynopsisProfessor Brian Cox is back with another insightful and mind-blowing exploration of space. This time he shows us our universe as we've never seen it before.Trade ReviewPraise for Professor Brian Cox’s previous books: ‘If you didn’t utter a wow watching the TV, you will while reading the book.’The Times ‘Engaging, ambitious and creative’Guardian ‘In this book of the acclaimed BBC2 TV series, Professor Cox shows us the cosmos as we have never seen it before – a place full of the most bizarre and powerful natural phenomena.’Sunday Express ‘Will entertain and delight … what a priceless gift that would be.’Independent on Sunday

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate field guide to birds of Madagascar, the Seychelles, Comoros and Mascarene Islands.The Malagasy region contains one of the most extraordinary concentrations of biodiversity in the world, and a diverse avifauna rich with exciting endemic taxa; birds such as vangas, mesites and asities live nowhere else. This guide covers the whole of the Malagasy region, which comprises both Madagascar and the various islands and archipelagos of the Indian Ocean including the Seychelles, Comoros and Mascarenes Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues all of which host their own endemics and large seabird colonies.Every species in the region is covered in full detail, with a colour distibution map for resident and migrant birds. All species are illustrated on a spectacular series of 124 colour plates by leading bird artists John Gale and Brian Small, with concise species text opposite the plates. The species are arranged to keep the key species of the various archipelagos together in sections.This major work of is a stunning combination of scholarship and beauty. Authoritative yet pocket-friendly, it''s an essential addition to the backpack of any visiting naturalist or birdwatcher, anywhere in the region.Trade ReviewI was fortunate to have a pre-publication copy on my recent trip to Madagascar. It's surely the best and most up-to-date bird field guide out there, with excellent discussions of topics beyond identification. Buy it and take it with you! * Robert. S. Ridgely, Rainforest Trust *Twitchers bound for... Madagascar can enjoy Helm Field Guides' new additions ... Helm's exquisite eye for detail and intricate illustrations - hitting that sweet spot between art and practicality - make these welcome additions. A must-have for any globetrotting birders. * Wanderlust *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements About this book The Malagasy Region and Its Birds Geography, Climate and Habitats Biogeography: Colonisation, Differentiation and Survival Endemic Families and Genera List of Bird Organisations Plate Section Part 1: Larger birds (non-passerines): Malagasy Region Part 2: Landbirds ('near-passerines' and passerines) Part 3: Vagrants: Malagasy region Appendix 1: Checklist of birds of the Malagasy region Appendix 2: A new classification of bird orders and families native to the Malagasy region References Index

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Book SynopsisIn The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins crystallized the gene''s eye view of evolution developed by W.D. Hamilton and others. The book provoked widespread and heated debate. Written in part as a response, The Extended Phenotype gave a deeper clarification of the central concept of the gene as the unit of selection; but it did much more besides. In it, Dawkins extended the gene''s eye view to argue that the genes that sit within an organism have an influence that reaches out beyond the visible traits in that body - the phenotype - to the wider environment, which can include other individuals. So, for instance, the genes of the beaver drive it to gather twigs to produce the substantial physical structure of a dam; and the genes of the cuckoo chick produce effects that manipulate the behaviour of the host bird, making it nurture the intruder as one of its own. This notion of the extended phenotype has proved to be highly influential in the way we understand evolution and the natural world. It represents a key scientific contribution to evolutionary biology, and it continues to play an important role in research in the life sciences.The Extended Phenotype is a conceptually deep book that forms important reading for biologists and students. But Dawkins'' clear exposition is accessible to all who are prepared to put in a little effort.Oxford Landmark Science books are ''must-read'' classics of modern science writing which have crystallized big ideas, and shaped the way we think.Trade ReviewThe Extended Phenotype is a sequel to The Selfish Gene ... he writes so clearly it could be understood by anyone prepared to make the effort * John Maynard Smith, LRB *This entertaining and thought-provoking book is an excellent illustration of why the study of evolution is in such an exciting ferment these days. * Science *Table of ContentsAFTERWORD BY DANIEL DENNETT; GLOSSARY; AUTHOR INDEX; SUBJECT INDEX

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Book SynopsisCharles Darwin's account of the momentous voyage which set in motion the current of intellectual events leading to The Origin of Species  When HMS Beagle sailed out of Devonport on 27 December 1831, Charles Darwin was twenty-two and setting off on the voyage of a lifetime. His journal, here reprinted in a shortened form, shows a naturalist making patient observations concerning geology, natural history, people, places and events. Volcanoes in the Galapagos, the Gossamer spider of Patagonia and the Australasian coral reefs - all are to be found in these extraordinary writings. The insights made here were to set in motion the intellectual currents that led to the theory of evolution, and the most controversial book of the Victorian age: The Origin of Species. This volume reprints Charles Darwin's journal in a shortened form. In their introduction Janet Brown and Michael Neve provide a background to Darwin's thought and work, and this edition also includes notTable of ContentsVoyage of the Beagle - Charles Darwin List of maps and illustrationsAcknowledgmentsChronologyIntroductionA note on this editionCharles Darwin's Journal of ResearchesAuthor's prefaceAppendix One: Admiralty instructions for the Beagle voyageAppendix Two: Robert FitzRoy's "Remarks with reference to the Deluge"Biographical guide

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated guide to 75 of the most unique and fascinating mushrooms in the world, including interesting insight into their history, uses, and etymologies.From sweet little toadstools to giant puffballs, mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes. With over 10,000 mushrooms in the world, some are cute and colorful, while others may look super adorable but are actually deadly. No matter the kind, it’s time to celebrate all types of mushrooms with The Little Book of Mushrooms. This book is a collection of everything you need to know about 75 of the world’s most unique mushrooms. With information on their etymology, geographic location, characteristics, and culinary or healing powers, this book is the perfect companion for amateur mushroom hunters, cottage-core fans, or anyone just looking for a beautifully illustrated book on some of the most incredible fungi around the world.

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Book SynopsisIn Planting for Garden Birds find straightforward ideas and easy to achieve plans that will make your garden irresistible to birds.Packed with interesting facts, environmental and habitat information as well as easy to achieve planting ideas, this is a practical, illustrated guide for people wanting to encourage more birdlife to their outdoor space.By gardening sustainably, you can make a considerable difference to the wildlife populations in your immediate area, as well as in the country as a whole. While some birds are residents we’ll see from day to day, others are fleeting visitors – but they’re all potential guests in our gardens if we make the environment suitably welcoming.Planting for Garden Birds is aimed at the keen amateur gardener and those hoping to take their knowledge and experience to the next level.Planting for Garden Birds is part of a series of books aimed at encouraging wildlife into your garden. Other titles in the series are: Planting for Butterflies, Planting for Wildlife, Planting for Honeybees.

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Book SynopsisFrom Kate Greenaway Award-winning illustrator Grahame Baker-Smith, Wild is the Wind follows the extraordinary path of the wind around the globe.Cassi watches a little swift dive and swoop in the still air. Then a small breeze stirs the leaves in the trees, and as the wind grows bolder, a whiff of danger sends small creatures running for cover. Across the ocean, the wind awakes with a fury, whipping the waves, cresting each one with wild, white horses. This extraordinary sequel to the award-winning The Rhythm of the Rain takes readers on a journey along the path of the world's wind, through hurricanes, tornadoes, and gentle ocean breezes. All of this is witnessed by a tiny swift who relies on the winds to circumnavigate the globe.

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Book SynopsisDon't forget to pack this handy butterfly guide when visiting Cyprus. It lists all 49 butterfly species, with colour images of the wing uppersides of both sexes and undersides of each of the resident species. Figures illustrate the key ID features of superficially similar species. Larval hostplants, distribution and flight periods are included.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to draw your favorite furry friend! With Christopher Hart's simple templates, any pet owner can do it. Whatever your pet, you can capture it in a beautiful drawing! Chris Hart, the world's bestselling art instruction author, has created templates that work for pups and kitties of just about any shape and size--from poodles, dachshunds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs to tabbies, Persians, and Siamese cats. Every template is easy to follow so you'll get adorable results worthy of framing . . . no matter what your skill level.

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Book SynopsisSheep are the thread that runs through the history of the English countryside. Our fortunes were once founded on sheep, and this book tells a story of wool and money and history, of merchants and farmers and shepherds, of English yeomen and how they got their freedom, and above all, of the soil. Sheep have helped define our culture and topography, impacting on everything from accent and idiom, architecture, roads and waterways, to social progression and wealth. With his eye for the idiosyncratic, Philip meets the native breeds that thrive in this country; he tells stories about each breed, meets their shepherds and owners, learns about their past - and confronts the present realities of sheep farming. Along the way, Philip meets the people of the countryside and their many professions: the mole-catchers, the stick-makers, the tobacco-twisters and clog-wrights. He explores this artisan heritage as he re-discovers the countryside, and finds a lifestyle parallel to modern existence, struggling to remain unchanged - and at its heart, always sheep.Trade ReviewPhilip Walling has written a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable account of this shared history... after reading this book you may look at a sheep, or a roast lamb, or a tweed jacket, with the glimmerings of a new appreciation.' -- Angus Clarke * The Times *Delightful ... Counting Sheep deserves its place on the bookshelf of any lover of the countryside. -- Horatio Clare * Daily Telegraph *Jacobs are yet another breed supposed to have swum ashore from a wrecked ship, this time a Spanish galleon in 1588. These were gentlemen's sheep, and commercial farmers would be disdainful of their being kept as ornaments with no concern for profit. To their gentle owners they were living lawn mowers that bred their own replacements and needed no fuel. But to a working farmer they were (and still are) little better than goats, and a damned nuisance. * From Counting Sheep *

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Book SynopsisThis powerful collection features the 100 winning images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 competition.

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Book SynopsisThe land that was to become Scotland has travelled across the globe over the last 3,000 million years - from close to the South Pole to its current position. During these travels, there were many continental collisions, creating mountain belts as high as the present-day Himalayas. The Highlands of Scotland were formed in this way. Our climate too has changed dramatically over the last 3 billion years from the deep freeze of the Ice Age to scorching heat of the desert. And within a relatively short time - geologically speaking, we will plunge back into another ice age. In Set in Stone, Alan McKirdy traces Scotland's amazing geological journey, explaining for the non - specialist reader why the landscape looks the way it does todays. He also explores Scots and those working in Scotland have played a seminal role in the development of the science of geology, understanding Earth processes at a local and global scale.

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Book SynopsisCan horses feel shame? Do deer grieve? Why do roosters deceive hens? We tend to assume that we are the only living things able to experience feelings but have you ever wondered what’s going on in an animal’s head? From the leafy forest floor to the inside of a bee hive, The Inner Life of Animals opens up the animal kingdom like never before. We hear the stories of a grateful humpback whale, of a hedgehog who has nightmares, and of a magpie who commits adultery; we meet bees that plan for the future, pigs who learn their own names and crows that go tobogganing for fun. And at last we find out why wasps exist.Trade ReviewAlways fascinating… Wry, avuncular, careful and kind, Wohlleben guides us from one creature to the next -- Richard Kerridge * Guardian *Wohlleben presents short chapter in bite-sized portions, so the reader has a constant sense of learning something new almost with every page ... The formula is provably winning. I still felt I was on a robust learning curve as subjects as diverse as motherly love, gratitude, deception, desire, shame and knowledge of good and evil were explored one by one ... fascinating -- Katharine Norbury * Observer *Wohlleben is connecting with something big here… He truffles up some wonderful animal facts, too… Wohlleben’s empathy with animals can be touching and illuminating -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *Entertaining and enthusiastic -- Tim Smith-Laing * Daily Telegraph *The Inner Life of Animals will rock your world. Surprising, humbling, and filled with delight, this book shows us that animals think, feel, and know in much the same way as we do -- and that their lives are, to them, as precious as ours are to us. -- Sy Montgomery, author of THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS

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Book Synopsis'A gripping exploration of one of the most fundamental, but also perplexing aspects of existence.' PROF. LEWIS DARTNELL, author of Origins'Such an enjoyable read...full of delightful nuggets that you will want to impress your friends and family with.' PROF. JIM AL-KHALILI, NYT bestselling author of The World According to Physics'This is a lovely, fascinating book. It blends history, geology, chemistry, philosophy and, of course, physics in a way that's delightful to read.' - ABIGAIL BEALL, author of The Art of Urban Astronomy--------Discover the secrets of one of the biggest puzzles in our history - Time. As a subject, it has perplexed and fascinated generations of scientists, historians and more, and continues to spark the most intriguing questions being asked in science today. Can time be stopped? Is time travel possible? Does time even exist...? In these ten bite-sized essays, Colin Stuart delves into these big questions and uncovers the most awe-inspiring and revealing things we should all know about time. Perfect for readers of Carlo Rovelli and anyone fascinated by space and the universe, this is a must-read for those short on time, but not curiosity.Trade ReviewA gripping exploration of one of the most fundamental, but also perplexing aspects of existence. * Professor Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins *This little book was full of delightful nuggets about the nature of time that you will want to impress your friends and family with...such an enjoyable read, I got through it in one sitting. * Professor Jim Al-Khalili, NYT bestselling author of 'The World According to Physics' *This is a lovely, fascinating book. It blends history, geology, chemistry, philosophy and, of course, physics in a way that's delightful to read * Abigail Beall, author of 'The Art of Urban Astronomy' *

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Book Synopsis'So, so good! ... More gems than a pirate's chest ... science, art, history, culture - it's epic and mammoth, a repository of all our truths through their lives' Chris PackhamA powerful and fascinating insight into the 100 animals - from the blue whale to the mosquito - that have had the biggest influence on humanity through the ages. We are not alone. We are not alone on the planet. We are not alone in the countryside. We are not alone in cities. We are not alone in our homes. We are humans and we love the idea of our uniqueness. But the fact is that we humans are as much members of the animal kingdom as the cats and dogs we surround ourselves with, the cows and the fish we eat, and the bees who pollinate so many of our food-plants.  In The History of the World in 100 Animals, award-winning author Simon Barnes selects the 100 animals who have had the greatest impact on huma

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Book Synopsis'Clear and compact ... It's hard to fault as a brief, easily digestible introduction to some of the biggest questions in the Universe' Giles Sparrow, BBC Four's The Sky at Night, Best astronomy and space books of 2019: 5/5All the matter and light we can see in the universe makes up a trivial 5 per cent of everything. The rest is hidden. This could be the biggest puzzle that science has ever faced.Since the 1970s, astronomers have been aware that galaxies have far too little matter in them to account for the way they spin around: they should fly apart, but something concealed holds them together. That 'something' is dark matter - invisible material in five times the quantity of the familiar stuff of stars and planets.By the 1990s we also knew that the expansion of the universe was accelerating. Something, named dark energy, is pushing it to expand faster and faster. Across the universe, this requires enough energy that the equivalent mass would be nearly fourteen times greater than all the visible material in existence.Brian Clegg explains this major conundrum in modern science and looks at how scientists are beginning to find solutions to it.Trade ReviewClear and compact ... It's hard to fault as a brief, easily digestible introduction to some of the biggest questions in the Universe -- Giles Sparrow, BBC Sky at Night * Best astronomy and space books of 2019: 5/5 *

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Book SynopsisThe new book from the author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Millie Marotta’s Animal Kingdom. Lose yourself in the calming world of woodland wildlife. Whether it’s statuesque pines or a steamy tropical forest, you will discover a wealth of beautiful and intriguing creatures that dwell in the world’s forests – from foxes, fireflies and fallow deer to lemurs, leaf frogs and lady bugs. Millie’s much-loved intricate drawing style will be irresistible for those who love to colour. Meander through a world of towering trees, leafy canopies, exquisite blossoms and underground burrows to meet a huge array of animals that make the woods their home. Featuring species from across the globe, this is a celebration of the world’s forests – vibrant and teeming with life – guaranteeing hours of relaxation and colouring fun.Trade Review'A new book from colouring extraordinaire Millie Marotta is always an occasion, and we’re happy to report that her latest, Woodland Wild, is another sensational addition to her catalogue.' * Papercrafter *

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Book SynopsisThough it remains by far the world's most famous mountain, in recent years Everest's reputation has changed radically, with long queues of climbers on the Lhotse Face, lurid tales of frozen corpses and piles of high altitude trash. It wasn't always like this though. Once Everest was remote and inaccessible, a mysterious place, where only the bravest and most heroic dared to tread. The first attempt on Everest in 1922 by George Leigh Mallory and a British team is an extraordinary story full of controversy, drama and incident, populated by a set of larger than life characters straight out of Boys Own and Indiana Jones. The expedition ended in tragedy when, on their third bid for the top, Mallory's party was hit by an avalanche that left seven men dead. Using diaries, letters, published and unpublished accounts, Mick Conefrey creates a rich character driven narrative, exploring the motivations and private dramas of key individuals and detailing the back room politics and bitter rivalries that lay behind this epic adventure.Trade ReviewThe 1922 expedition was perhaps the most exciting of all Everest ventures. One hundred years ago virtually nothing was known about the effects of extreme altitude and those brave pioneers were making it up as they went along, pushing the boundaries of human possibility. With his usual forensic analysis and keen eye for the previously untold anecdote, Mick Conefrey re-illuminates one of the greatest mountain adventures of all time. * Stephen Venables *A gloriously British failure: The lost story of the tweed jacket-wearing and Kendal mint cake-eating band of eccentrics who were the first to try to conquer Everest is finally told 100 years on ... The story of that first attempt on the mountain is one history has largely erased. Failure tends to be forgotten. But in its centenary year, that 1922 expedition is celebrated in a gripping new book by mountaineering historian Mick Conefrey. Yes, it was a failure - but a glorious one. * Daily Mail *Table of Contentsi: Dramatis Personae ii: Introduction 1: Himalayans at Play 2: No Place for Old Men 3: The Hardest Push 4: Larger than Life 5: Oxygen Drill 6: News from the North 7: We May Be Gone Some Time 8: The Gas Offensive 9: Summit Fever 10: Trouble in the Sanctuary 11: A Terrible Enemy 12: 2020 Hindsight iii: Bibliography and Sources iv: Acknowledgements v: Index

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Book SynopsisA Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of India is an introductory photographic identification guide to 280 bird species and 100 closely related species most commonly seen in India. Aimed at first-time birders, it is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High quality photographs from one of India's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, vegetation, opportunities for naturalists and the main sites for viewing the listed species. This new 2nd edition includes updated taxonomy and over 300 new images. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of India encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name as well as its vernacular name, its status in each state as well as its global IUCN status.

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Book SynopsisA fully revised edition of this bestselling, easy-to-use identification guide to 278 bird species covering the most commonly seen in Sri Lanka. Written by an experienced birder with a track record for writing to a popular audience, this is an ideal, portable guide for residents and visitors alike. The author's top quality photographs are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, plumage, distribution, habits and habitat. The species accounts cover 75 of the 82 families of birds recorded in Sri Lanka and distinguish between highly scarce migrants and vagrants to explain what a realistic and good 'country list' and 'trip list' would be for residents and visitors respectively. The user-friendly introduction covers bird topography, bird orders, a novel photographic summary in taxonomic order of all 34 endemic birds that are key target species, and the main sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is a checklist of all of the birds of Sri Lanka encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific names as well as its national status.

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Book SynopsisWhether you are seeking to bring animal magic into your practice or simply want to bond with a furry, finned, or feathered friend in more meaningful ways, this guide will expand your magical practice and amplify your power with the help of an animal familiar. MORE THAN JUST BLACK CATS Discover your personal animal familiar and open yourself to a new way of working alongside the animal kingdom in your magical practice. More than simple elements to be added to spells, animals are allies who can teach any witch about energy, life force, and different kinds of consciousness. For centuries, witches have been linked with familiars such as black cats; however, the world of animal familiars is not limited to felines. Dogs, birds, rodents, reptiles, and even the guppies in your aquarium can be your special companions and magical co-creators. And familiars are not just limited to the pets that we live with; animals in the wild can also enhance our magic and teach us valuable spiritual lessons. In this comprehensive book, you'll learn how to identify an animal familiar and invite them into your witchcraft practice. You'll find spells to attract, protect, and bond with your familiar. You'll learn magical ways to calm your familiar and even rituals to help your familiar transition at the end of life. You'll access ways to talk to your familiar and build psychic links to help you understand them. You'll discover ways to invite your familiar to participate in your magical rituals, to exchange spiritual energy with your familiar, and even learn how to shapeshift into animal form.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive photographic guide to the mammals of Spain, Portugal and the Balearic Islands.With rushing rivers, steep mountains, and a rich variety of forests, the Iberian Peninsula is home to a wealth of wildlife. Over recent years, areas of conservation and rewilding have seen mammals such as the Grey Wolf and the endemic Iberian Ibex and Iberian Lynx thrive, making it an increasingly popular destination for ecotourists. Written by celebrated wildlife photographer Carlos Bocos Gonzalez and naturalist James Lowen, this guide covers all 99 terrestrial and aerial mammal species resident in the region. Each species account includes concise details on the animal's behaviour, habitat and activity periods, as well as full colour photographs and descriptions of key features to aid accurate identification. Practical guidance for finding wildlife is also provided, including an overview of some of the best locations, seven recommended mammalwatching itineraries and i

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Whitley Award for Best Natural History Book 2022A compelling, funny, first-hand account of Australia''s wonderfully unique mammals and how our perceptions impact their future. Think of a platypus: they lay eggs (that hatch into so-called platypups), they produce milk without nipples and venom without fangs and they can detect electricity. Or a wombat: their teeth never stop growing, they poo cubes and they defend themselves with reinforced rears. Platypuses, possums, wombats, echidnas, devils, kangaroos, quolls, dibblers, dunnarts, kowaris: Australia has some truly astonishing mammals with incredible, unfamiliar features. But how does the world regard these creatures? And what does that mean for their conservation?In Platypus Matters, naturalist Jack Ashby shares his love for these often-misunderstood animals. Informed by his own experiences meeting living marsupials and egg-laying mammals on fieldwork in Tasmania and mainland Australia, as well as his work with thousandsTrade Review‘Charming, informative … a marvellous read’ Tim Flannery, New York Review of Books ‘Ashby reveals marvellous creatures, and the mysteries and myths surrounding them’ BBC Wildlife magazine ‘Ashby’s spirited tour of the Australian bestiary is a revelation to readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of platypus biology, and unacquainted with nabarleks, dunnarts and other indigenous Australian fauna.’ Natural History ‘Building on his considerable scientific knowledge and decades of field experience, Ashby immerses readers in all things platypus … A must-read for any mammal nerd or Aussie wildlife enthusiast.’ Nature Conservancy's Cool Green Science ‘An engaging natural (and enraging colonial) history’ Washington Independent Review of Books ‘From platypuses and possums, through wombats, echidnas, devils and kangaroos, to quolls, dibblers, dunnarts and kowaris, Ashby knows them all; and he guides his readers on a tour of their lives, their evolutionary stories and the challenges they face in the modern world.’ The Well-read Naturalist ‘Fascinating … This is wonderfully dorky stuff … A persistently, defiantly upbeat book, downright infused with Ashby’s scientific exuberance’ Open Letters Review ‘Keen to overturn the warped, colonial perception that monotremes (e.g. platypuses and echidnas) and marsupials are more primitive than other mammal species, the zoologist author who runs Cambridge's Natural History Museum takes us on a tour of the fauna of Australia in all their glory …Engaging and entertaining’ Bookseller ‘This is a compelling, funny, firsthand account of our wonderfully unique mammals and how our perceptions of them impact their future.’ Australian Geographic ‘Ashby has an infectious enthusiasm for Aussie marsupials and monotremes’ West Australian ‘Written in a lively, conversational style and drawing on decades of fieldwork, this is a beguiling portrait of our unique fauna.’ Sydney Morning Herald

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Book Synopsis''Magnificent'' Robert MacfarlaneWinner of the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the YearOur lives depend on shipping but it is a world which is largely hidden from us. In every lonely corner of every sea, through every night, every day, and every imaginable weather, tiny crews of seafarers work the giant ships which keep landed life afloat. These ordinary men live extraordinary lives, subject to dangers and difficulties we can only imagine, from hurricanes and pirates to years of confinement in hazardous, if not hellish, environments. Horatio Clare joins two container ships on their epic voyages across the globe and experiences unforgettable journeys. As the ships cross seas of history and incident, seafarers unfold the stories of their lives, and a beautiful and terrifying portrait of the oceans and their human subjects emerges.''Tremendous'' The TimesTrade ReviewWonderful… Clare’s account of his journeys with the officers and crews of container ships is gripping and stomach-churning in equal measure * Daily Telegraph *[A] beautifully written account of seafaring life -- Ian Critchley * Sunday Times *A lyrical, heartfelt but eye-opening chronicle... Both romantic and realistic, written from the heart but crafted with a seafarer’s “passionate precision”, [Clare’s] book will steer you into the new year on a course that may deepen your grasp both of that world, and of ourselves -- Boyd Tonkin * Independent *If you can't run away to sea (though I recommend you do), Clare's book is a warm and captivating companion to it * Guardian *Stupendous and extraordinarily exciting... What Clare demonstrates, even beyond his undoubted gifts as writer, is his basic humanity. I read his wonderful book with gratitude for his insight – but also with increased admiration for the men to whom we owe almost everything in our comfortable and secure lives -- Philip Hoare * Times Higher Education *Rich and dense, full of old sea-dog stories, with barely a word wasted, it’s a triumph of quiet artistry -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *This is a warm and lyrical book about a tough trade in tough times -- Sara Wheeler * Observer *Wonderful... Clare’s writing is fluid, light and eminently readable, but perhaps his greatest asset is his empathy -- Philip Hoare * Sunday Telegraph *Clare’s powers of plain description are tremendous -- Libby Purves * The Times *A fabulous account... There is Conradian insight in Clare’s portrayal of the crews to which he is supernumerary, from the captain who hums as he negotiates narrow channels to the first mate constantly crunching carrots -- Giles Foden * Condé Nast Traveller *

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Book SynopsisOn the brink of a critical moment in human history, this book presents a vision of planetary stewardship - a rethinking of our relationship with our planet - and plots a new course for our future. The authors, whose work is the subject of a new Netflix documentary released in summer 2021 and narrated by Sir David Attenborough, reveal the full scale of the planetary emergency we face - but also how we can stabilise Earth''s life support system. The necessary change is within our power if we act now. In 2009, scientists identified nine planetary boundaries that keep Earth stable, ranging from biodiversity to ozone. Beyond these boundaries lurk tipping points. To stop short of these tipping points, the 2020s must see the fastest economic transition in history. This book demonstrates how societies are reaching positive tipping points that make this transition possible: Activism groups such as Extinction Rebellion, or the schoolchildren inspi

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Book Synopsis''Thrilling'' Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall''Authoritative and furious, urgent and persuasive'' Sunday Times''Compelling ... Roberts is that precious pearl: a practising scientist who not only knows his field inside out, but also understands how to write'' Guardian Oceans are the most mysterious places on earth. Their depths remain largely unexplored, yet ninety-five percent of the planet''s habitable space lies within them. And now the life they support is in the balance.Callum Roberts uses his lifetime''s experience working with the oceans to take us on a panoramic tour beneath the seas, exploring the richness of life in the deep and how it has altered over the centuries. He shows the catastrophic impact of humanity on the oceans, but also how we can restore them to life.''For anyone who loves the sea, Ocean of Life is a wake-up call, an urgent alert'' Daily Mail''At the heart of this book is a deep loTrade ReviewThose of us who worry about the future of our oceans could do a lot worse than take up this single refrain, "Listen to Callum Roberts!". Shouted in the ears of the world's leaders, it might just make a difference. Meanwhile we should all read Ocean of Life, a thrilling narrative of oceanic natural history and a vital call to action -- Hugh Fearnley-WhittingstallAuthoritative and furious ... a grand survey ... impossible to ignore ... Ocean of Life is the sort of book that inspires you to get in touch with your MP. It is elegantly written, at times overwhelming and depressing, but generally urgent and persuasive. Informed citizens of our watery planet should read it -- Brian Schofield * Sunday Times *At the heart of this book is a deep love of the ocean and a profound concern for its viability as a resource for us all ... A story told with both scientific accuracy and narrative skill ... Roberts's clear, well-written accounts give us access to vast amounts of scientific information ... each chapter is edged with fascinating details about the life of the sea -- Stephen R Palumbi * Nature *The urgency of Callum Roberts' message - that we have very little time to save the oceanic environment on which our existence depends - is in no way undermined by the entertaining and brilliantly-written nature of his writing. This is simply a fascinating book, taking in everything from the elemental formations of the oceans to the denizens that inhabit them; from minute plankton to the great whales - and everything that threatens them, and us. Roberts imparts his vast knowledge with a consummate talent for colourful narrative and devastating facts. His book will be required reading for anyone who cares about the oceans - not least because, as well as underlining the scale of the problems, he offers us the hope of real solutions -- Philip Hoare, author of 'Leviathan or, The Whale'Ocean of Life is an excellent and engrossing work. Mr. Roberts, a British professor of marine conservation, has corralled an astonishing collection of scientific discovery ... I hope a great many people-particularly those in that undecided middle-read this book -- G. Bruce Knecht * Wall Street Journal *Callum Roberts has done it again. From showing us the past with the wisdom of a Dickens character in his earlier book, he now leads us toward the future in The Ocean of Life. It's a book so fine, I wish I'd written it! -- Carl Safina, author of 'Song for the Blue Ocean' and 'The View From Lazy Point' * - *An engrossing survey of the relationship between man and the sea for readers living through the greatest environmental changes in 65 million years ... Roberts's meditation will have readers gasping aloud with wonder, even as the sobering truth of humans' profound interdependence with the sea provokes concern -- Starred review * Publisher's Weekly *An impressive history of the oceans ... one of this book's strengths is the many solutions Roberts outlines to reverse the dismal state of the seas -- Pilita Clark * Financial Times *There is a dearth of good and comprehensive books on a subject that can seem too complicated and depressing for any single tome. Callum Roberts has now provided one ... there is no quibbling with the evidence of marine horrors that Mr Roberts presents * The Economist *It's probably a bit too soon to start talking about candidates for books of the year. But Callum Roberts' latest offering should already be considered a strong contender. Roberts is that precious pearl: a practising scientist who not only knows his field inside out, but also understands how to write compelling, persuasive non-fiction -- Leo Hickman * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisAll the facts and expert advice about owning and caring for a dog, along with a guide to breeds and their different characteristics, photographed throughout.

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Book SynopsisThis attractive and cleverly structured guidebook gives dog walkers access to 16 pubs and 16 great walks in the region of the Cotswolds

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With rolling green hills and extensive woodlands, it’s easy to see why the Chiltern Hills are one of the most beautiful and well visited of all England’s natural wonders. Crossing five counties and covering 833 square kilometres, the Hills are home to a huge variety of habitats including chalk grasslands, scrub, river valleys, commons and farmland. This book will take the reader on a journey of the Chilterns, from its earliest settlers to today’s enthusiastic trekkers, exploring how the Hills have been shaped by their occupants and, in turn, how the Hills have shaped them. Exquisitely illustrated and expertly researched, A Journey Through The Chiltern Hills is a must-read for anyone interested in this beautiful and breathtaking area.

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Book SynopsisFrom a 2018 Wainwright Prize shortlisted author, THE CIRCLING SKY is part childhood memoir, blended with exquisite nature observation, and the story of one man's journey over a year to one of the UK's key natural habitats, the New Forest of HampshireIn the form of several journeys, beginning in January 2019, Neil Ansell returns for solitary walks to the New Forest in Hampshire, close to where he was born. With beautiful sightings and observations of birds, trees, butterflies, insects and landscape, this is also a reflective memoir on childhood, on the history of one of the most ancient and important natural habitats in the United Kingdom, and on the Gypsies who lived there for centuries - and were subsequently expelled to neighbouring cities. It is also part polemic on our collective and individual responsibility for the land and world in which we live, and how we carTrade ReviewA beautiful evocation of life in a forest and a powerful reminder of the interconnected fate of all wild things, including ourselves * Raynor Winn *Like taking a refreshing and eye-opening walk in the open air with the most interesting, observant and companionable of guides. In The Circling Sky Neil Ansell reveals the remarkableness of the relatively unexotic New Forest, moving deftly from personal reflection to beautiful nature writing, to a crucial, timely argument about the history and importance of common land. * Naomi Ishiguro *Neil Ansell's series of walks in the New Forest through the course of a year coalesce into a skilful exploration of memory, childhood, and how certain landscapes can become an integral part of your life. Ansell is a gifted naturalist, sensitive, inquisitive, at times justly enraged, invariably joyful. The Circling Sky is a wonderful tribute to a unique and precious place * James Macdonald Lockhart *The Circling Sky reads like a vivid and subtle nature programme for your mind's eye. Its New Forest setting is a world within a world; a fragile Eden with an utterly astonishing cast of birds; a unique harbour to an array of species both familiar and unexpected, and a complex, sometimes dark human history. At times it felt like Danny the Champion of the World had grown up, lived an intriguing life, and was now communicating his subtle life philosophy as he walked among the trees. I finished this book sharing its author's desire to look closer, to "walk in peace", and - as he puts it - to "camp without camping", and simply fall sleep beneath a tree. * Damian Le Bas *'Top-class nature writing. The book is a poetic meditation as well as a forthright argument. Ansell is among my most-admired British nature writers' * Rebecca Foster, shinynewbooks.co.uk *Neil Ansell is a wonderful guide...this is a delight of nature writing * Choice magazine *Neil Ansell takes us on a thoughtful journey through the fabulous New Forest. He combines evocative description with an accurate naturalist's eye, in the best tradition of modern British nature writing. * Jeremy Purseglove *His articulate reminiscences and observations on history, wildlife and the changing landscape will make readers reflect on the world around us and our part - individually and collectively - in looking after it * Culturefly *Neil Ansell is a writer of extraordinary sensitivity and insight * climatecultures.net *An immersive delving into the delights of the New Forest. Neil Ansell writes with such warmth and such wonder on the wild - with vital eyes and mind he senses the essence of the world around him, tucked down in the landscape to observe better the life of the natural world * Dr James Canton *His anecdotes gleam * TLS *Beautifully charts the challenges and solaces of being alone and part of nature * Bookseller *[A] captivating memoir...vivid as photographs, yet sketched with something more profound than simple reportage. Beneath the measured, knowledgeable, unfussy voice is a meaningful, and even important record: not just of a changing landscape, but of a man such places have shaped. * The Herald *Ansell's beautiful memoir of his walks through the Scottish wilderness makes the case for being truly a part of nature rather than outside of it * Observer *Neil Ansell is a genuine creature of the wild. His knowledge of remote places, and his love for them, come from deep and sustained immersion. He writes in prose which is entirely right for its subject - unshowy, level-headed, quietly surprising. The Last Wilderness is a wonderful experience which tingles with all the sensations of being out on the hill, in all weathers, alone * Philip Marsden *Ansell has the rare skill of combining vividly the intimacy of detail and the astonishing grandeur of this North West coastline of Scotland. Through his keen eyes we look again at the familiar with a sense of wondrous revelation * Madeleine Bunting *An easy storyteller, with a companionable style. His year in the forest is painterly in its attention to colours...his knowledge of birds is formidable * Herald Magazine *Every foray Ansell makes into the New Forest yields captivating insights * Saga Magazine *

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Book Synopsis**NOW A MAJOR FILM A Christmas Gift from Bob, starring Luke Treadaway as James and Bob himself. A gift book of wisdom from everyone''s favourite street cat.**''One thing I''ve known about Bob from the very beginning is that he possesses a wisdom that is unusual, even in cats. In the decade since we met he''s grown even wiser in my eyes. This book is a collection of the insights I''ve gained during my years with Bob.'' In the spring of 2007, busker James Bowen came across an injured ginger tom cat in the hallway of his shelter in north London. What he didn''t know was that this would be the start of a friendship that would turn both their lives around, and lead to A Street Cat Named Bob, the international bestseller that tells the story of their friendship. The Little Book of Bob is a collection of the wisdom James has learnt from Bob throughout the years, as they go through thick and thin together. From the power of friends

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Robin, The Wren and The Twelve Birds of Christmas. With around 700,000 breeding pairs, the swallow is one of the most familiar birds in Britain. Though we consider the swallow to be 'our' bird, we also share this beloved creature with millions of others across the globe. Whilst we see it on a daily basis for half the year, the swallow then flies south to Africa, living on only in our memory in the long, dark winter.In The Swallow Stephen Moss documents a year of observing the swallow close to home and in the field to shed light on the secret life of this extraordinary bird. We trace the swallow's life cycle and journey, including the epic 12,000-mile round trip it takes every year, to enable it to enjoy a life of almost eternal sunshine, and the key part the swallow plays in our traditional and popular culture.With beautiful illustrations throughout, this captivating year-in-the-life biography reveals the hidden secrets of this charismatic and beautiful bird.PRAISE FOR STEPHEN MOSS: 'A superb naturalist and writer' Chris Packham'Inspired, friendly and blessed with apparently limitless knowledge' Peter Marren'Moss has carved out an enviable niche as a chronicler of the natural world' Daily MailTrade ReviewA delight * Choice *

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Book SynopsisA powerful work of memoir and storytelling that will change the way we think about the natural world.Like many diasporic people of colour, Claire Ratinon grew up feeling cut off from the natural world. She lived in cities, reluctant to be outdoors and stuck with the belief that success and status could fill the space where belonging was absent. But a chance encounter with a rooftop farm was the start of a journey that caused her to rethink the life she'd been creating and her beliefs about who she ought to be. Enlivened, she turned her hand to growing food in London before finding herself yearning for a small parcel of land to call her own. Unearthed tells the story of her leaving the city for the English countryside - and her first garden - in the hope of forging a pathway towards the embrace of the natural world and a sense of belonging cultivated on her own terms.'Ratinon's story will change hearts and minds' Alice Vincent'A beautiful book about nature...I recommend it' Afua Hirsch, author of Brit(ish)Trade ReviewA beautiful book about nature, and how reengaging with the foundational experience of our species of growing and cultivating crops can be a source of healing and spiritual truth... I recommend it -- Afua HirschThis is an outstanding work of storytelling and nature writing. It's also a hard-hitting and educational read * Gardens Illustrated, *Books of the Year* *It is rare for a book to come along that tells a story that has never been heard before. Unearthed is just that and more. Deeply felt, deeply told, deeply generous, Claire Ratinon's story of trying to find a place of belonging in a post-colonial landscape is one that will change hearts and minds. How vitally we have needed this narrative, how beautifully it has been told. -- Alice Vincent, author of RootboundExquisite * Nova Reid, Author of The Good Ally *Poignant and groundbreaking... we are tenderly offered a new possibility of deeper wonder, awe and profound hope as we unearth the truth that grows in all our gardens * The Garden *

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Book SynopsisFilled with expressive sentiments and beautifully simple illustrations from award-winning artist and best-selling author Joanne Fink, This book offers healing comfort to all who are grieving and dealing with loss. Affirming and cathartic, this comforting book will help bring healing without sugarcoating the sadness of losing a pet. Everyone who has lost a pet--whether recently or years ago--will connect with the thoughtful sentiments and beautiful illustrations. This is a sweet sympathy gift of comfort for anyone who endures the journey of losing a four-legged friend.

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Book Synopsis“A rare gift: an inspiring tale about trees, trauma and the very purpose of life.” —Andrew Nikiforuk, author of Empire of the Beetle Diana Beresford-Kroeger—a world-recognized botanist and medical biochemist—has revolutionized our understanding of the natural world with her startling insights into the hidden life of trees. In this riveting memoir, she uncovers the roots of her discoveries in her extraordinary childhood in Ireland. Soon after, her brilliant mind bloomed into an illustrious scientific career that melds the intricacies of the natural world with the truths of traditional Celtic wisdom. To Speak for the Trees uniquely blends the story of Beresford-Kroeger’s incredible life and her outstanding achievement as a scientist. It elegantly shows us how forests can not only heal us as people but can also help save the planet.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisExplore the night skies with this beautiful illustrated monthly guide to the stars and planets.This large-format almanac allows you to step outside and track the planets, locate the Milky Way, recognise the constellations of the zodiac and watch meteor showers.Stargazers' Almanac 2023 is a beautiful month-by-month guide to the night skies. It's designed specifically for naked-eye astronomy -- no telescope required! -- making it ideal for beginners, children and backyard astronomers. It is a perennially popular Christmas gift -- and one which lasts the whole year round.Each monthly chart features two views of the night sky, looking north and south, and a visual guide to the phases of the moon and the movements of the planets.Stargazers' Almanac 2023 also features:-- Advice on how to navigate the night sky-- Overhead reference map of the sky-- Reference plan of constellations-- Glossary of constellations and Latin names-- Glossary of brightness of stars-- Guide to the signs of the zodiac and how they relate to the stars-- Loop and eyelet for easy wall hanging; presented in a sturdy cardboard gift envelope-- Printed on sustainably sourced FSC paper using plant-based inks which reduces chemical emissions and makes this almanac easier to recycleSuitable for astronomy enthusiasts throughout the Northern Hemisphere's temperate (non-tropical) latitudes.Trade Review'A very good, very useful Almanac.'-- Sir Patrick Moore'This Almanac will show you the wonders of the night sky, a sight that is becoming ever more precious with light pollution often masking our view.'-- Bill Bryson'This calendar has a place in the study or library as a reminder of what's up in the sky, and has popular appeal especially for newcomers to astronomy.'-- Journal of the British Astronomical Association'Practical, nice to look at and suitable for all levels of skywatcher, I recommend the Stargazers' Almanac.'-- Popular Astronomy'Now a regular player on the night-sky-watching scene, the Stargazers' Almanac is in good time to be selected as a Christmas gift for anyone with the slightest interest in what is going on "up there"… a very worthwhile publication.'-- The Observatory MagazineTable of ContentsThe ConstellationsHow to use this GuideJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberThe man who stirred up the Milky WayVoyagers into the voidStars and insectsStars overhead

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