Natural History Books

Book Synopsis10th anniversary edition with new PrefaceOne of the largest rivers in the world, the Indus rises in the Tibetan mountains, flows west across northern India and south through Pakistan. For millennia it has been worshipped as a god; for centuries used as a tool of imperial expansion; today it is the cement of Pakistans fractious union. Five thousand years ago, a string of sophisticated cities grew and traded on its banks. In the ruins of these elaborate metropolises, Sanskrit-speaking nomads explored the river, extolling its virtues in Indias most ancient text, the Rig-Veda. During the past two thousand years a series of invaders - Alexander the Great, Afghan Sultans, the British Raj - made conquering the Indus valley their quixotic mission. For the people of the river, meanwhile, the Indus valley became a nodal point on the Silk Road, a centre of Sufi pilgrimage and the birthplace of Sikhism. Empires of the Indus follows the river upstream and back in tTrade Review'Impressive and original ...In the course of her journey, Albinia encounters all kinds of danger, and at times her courage tips her into foolhardiness ... This however, is the behaviour we expect of the best kind of travel writer.' * Peter Parker, Daily Telegraph *'Empires of the Indus is a magnificent book, a triumphant melding of travel and history into a compelling story of adventure and discovery ... an inspiring book, and readers with even a fraction of Albinia's wanderlust will want to set off on their own explorations.' * Paddy Docherty, Financial Times *'Such an accomplished first book' * The Sunday Times *'In an engaging blend of travel writing and history, journalist Albinia charts the course of the longest river in the Indian subcontinent.' * Financial Times *'Its originality, enthusiasm and understanding add up to a memorable, illuminating read.' * Scotsman *'Imaginatively structured' * Scotland on Sunday *'As the first book of a young writer, it's an impressive achievement' * New Statesman *'The truly great achievement of this book is to reveal, unflinchingly and with panache, the rich and varied heritage of the Indus in all its appalling spleandour' * Guardian *'Alice Albinia is well placed to unpick the country's complex history in this impressive debut' * Independent *'I have travelled much of the territory described here but I cannot say that I remotely knew it until I read this wonderful book. With her debut work Alice Albinia is set to take her place alongside the greats like Eric Newby and Colin Thubron. Her prose is lucid and entertaining and her insights invariably penetrating' * Fergal Keane *

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Book SynopsisOn 30 January 1607 a huge wave, over 7 meters high, swept up the River Severn, flooding the land on either side. The wall of water reached as far in land as Bristol and Cardiff. It swept away everything in its path, devastating communities and killing thousands of people in what was Britain''s greatest natural disaster. Historian and geographer Mike Hall pieces together the contemporary accounts and the surviving physical evidence to present, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of what actually happened on that fateful day and its consequences. He also examines the possible causes of the disaster: was it just a storm surge or was it, in fact, the only recorded instance of a tsunami in Britain.

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Book SynopsisAll the information you need in order to start keeping poultry: what features to look for, good poultry husbandry, and a beautifully illustrated guide to poultry breeds of the world.

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Book SynopsisAll the facts and expert advice about owning and caring for a horse, along with a guide to 75 breeds and types and their different characteristics, photographed throughout.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Evolution of Charles Darwin:Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews (Nonfiction)“Fascinating . . . A beautifully told coming-of-age story focused on Darwin’s psychological transmutation from a diffident specimen collector expecting to become a country parson to a novice scientist climbing the career ladder in London’s private and prestigious clubs and societies . . . Offer[s] new and exciting ideas that will likely beat out the competition.”—Robert M. Thorson, Wall Street Journal “[Preston’s] books are always entertaining . . . This book fits that mould; it’s an adventure story . . . The author has chosen the perfect topic. It’s nearly impossible to write a dull book about Darwin . . . The real attraction of this book lies in the way it turns the development of evolutionary theory into a personal story.”—Gerald DeGroot, Times (UK) “[A] meticulously researched compelling narrative . . . Diana Preston’s vibrant reconstruction of Darwin’s extraordinary journey, world-changing work and the consequences he experienced makes it all accessible and new in her telling.”—Janet Somerville, Toronto Star“An exciting biography of the immortal naturalist’s legendary journey . . . It was well into the 20th century before essentially all scientists agreed that Darwin was on the right track. Since then, biographies have poured off the presses, but readers cannot go wrong with this expert account. An irresistible scientific biography and adventure story with a happy ending.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“While much has been written about Darwin’s revolutionary scientific achievements on this journey, historian Preston sheds light on the voyage itself, its captain and crew, and the Native populations they encountered.”—Booklist (starred review)“A brisk and accessible account of how Charles Darwin developed his theory of natural selection . . . A rewarding look at the development of an earth-shattering idea.”—Publishers Weekly“Darwin was only 22 when he boarded the HMS Beagle in 1830 under the command of Robert FitzRoy as a ‘gentleman naturalist,’ unaware his name would one day grace an award honouring humans who remove themselves from the gene pool through misadventure. Drawing on the naturalist’s diaries, Preston’s biography reveals a man who, in his chauvinism and blind patriotism, was typical of his time—but in his liberal- and abolition-mindedness, atypical as well.”—Globe and MailPraise for Eight Days at Yalta:“A colorful chronicle of high-stakes negotiations and a study in human frailties, missteps, and ideological blunders.”—Washington Post“Ms. Preston’s conference narrative abjures authorial hindsight judgments, placing the spotlight instead on the characters’ natural blind spots and biases. She also devotes a full third of the book to the summit’s historical context and personalities, the latter of which are nicely developed.”—Wall Street Journal“A highly readable, highly detailed account of the historic meetings and often difficult and contentious negotiations between Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and their staffs, and a vivid description of the once ornate Tsarist palaces and their much deteriorated wartime condition that served as the setting for meetings, dinners, and private talks.”—New York Journal of Books“Lively and nuanced . . . Shrewd on the main personalities . . . Preston goes beyond the horse-trading of three old men, with vivid scene-setting of the tsarist palaces where the conference took place.”—Times (UK)“In this well-written and absorbing book, Diana Preston provides a chronological narrative of these crucial eight days.”—Airmail“On the Yalta conference’s 75th anniversary, this insightful history recounts its enormous, if teeth-gnashing, accomplishments . . . Impressively researched . . . An expert account of an unedifying milestone at the dawn of the Cold War.”—Kirkus Reviews“[A] spirited, behind-the-scenes account of the February 1945 Yalta Conference. Preston mixes foreign policy critique . . . with vibrant descriptions of backstage activities . . . Colorful personalities, piquant details, and a diverse array of perspectives make this a satisfying introduction to the subject.”—Publishers WeeklyPraise for Diana Preston:“A treasure map of a book.”—San Diego Union-Tribune, on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“A superbly rendered popular history.”—Booklist (starred review), on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“Unforgettable . . . The definitive account of the Lusitania.”—Philadelphia Inquirer, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“As majestic as its subject . . . Extraordinarily readable.”—Chicago Sun-Times, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“An engaging narrative . . . Rich in detail and texture.”—San Diego Union Tribune, on Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima“Ultimately this book is about survival, and the author engagingly recounts the nearly impossible task of trying to establish a penal colony with few supplies and poor agricultural conditions. Preston shines in her description of the true nature of Captain Bligh . . . A wonderful look into the beginnings of Australia and the remarkable strength of the survivors of these dangerous voyages.”—Kirkus Reviews, on Paradise in Chains

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative and detailed encyclopedia of trees, with a scientific introduction and fully illustrated throughout.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThis special book-format issue of Birds New Zealands journal Notornisis devoted to the birds of the Auckland Islands Maukahuka/Motu Maha, the largest and biologically most diverse island group in the New Zealand subantarctic region. Its 19 chapters, written by leading ornithologists, cover a wide range of topics, including the history of ornithological discovery, biogeography, the impacts of introduced mammals and people, prehistoric bird communities based on bone assemblages, and population, ecological and genetic studies of several of the endemic or otherwise notable birds of the island group including Auckland Island snipe, white-headed petrel, and several albatross species.Trade Review'Te Papa's Lost Gold: Ornithology of the subantarctic Auckland Islands stands as a collation of nearly all that's known about this remote and spectacular birdland. It's a natural history and a history, too, of the birdwatchers who put in the hard work. ... Its chapters are well-researched scientific papers; there are no bold assertions, no flowery prose; it's all hard-won data based on meticulous observation and plain hard slog' - Matt Vance, reviewed as Book of the Week on Newsroom's ReadingRoom (21 May 2020).Table of ContentsForeward 9 1. Ornithological discovery, exploration, and research on the Auckland Islands, New Zealand subantartic, 11 2. Birds of the Auckland Islands, New Zealand subantarctic, 59 3. Subantarctic Adams Island and its birdlife 153 4. Birds of Enderby Island, Auckland Islands, New Zealand subantarctic, 189. 5. Shipwrecks and mollymawks: an account of Disappointment Island birds 213 6. Introduced land mammals and their impacts on the birds of the subantarctic Auckland Islands 247 7. Holocene bird bones found at the subantarctic Auckland Islands 269 8. An extinct New Zealand raven (Corvus antipodum) on the Auckland Islands - an osteographic enigma? 295 9. Population estimate for yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) in the subantarctic Auckland Islands, New Zealand 299 10. Development of aerial monitoring techniques to estimate population size of great albatrosses (Diomeda spp). 321 11. Variation in the bill colour of the white-capped mollymawk (Thalassarche cauta steadi). 333 12. Population trends of light-mantled sooty albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) at Adams Island and trials of ground, boat, and aerial methods for population estimates 341 13. First northern giant petrel (Macronectes halli) breeding population survey and estimate for the Auckland Islands, New Zealand 357 14. Year-round distribution, breeding cycle, and activity of white-headed petrels (Pterodroma lessonii) nesting on Adams Island, Auckland Islands 369 15. White-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) burrow density, occupancy, and population size at the Auckland Islands 387 16. Genetic analysis reveal an unexpected refugial population of subantarctic snipe (Coenocorypha aucklandica) 403 17. Macquarie Island shags (Leucocarbo purpurascens) at the Auckland Islands - an addition to the New Zealand list 419 18. First record of South Polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki) from New Zealand - Auckland Islands, March 1904 427 19. Endemic is good, introduced is boring? Biases in bird reporting rates at the Auckland Islands 431 Acknowledgements 435

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Book SynopsisSupporting the work of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.Enjoy a heartwarming dog to brighten every single day of the year. From Pickles, the dog who single-handedly saved the 1966 world cup, to Pal, who found silver screen fame as the original Lassie, Battersea''s A Dog a Day contains 365 fascinating stories of dogs to enjoy throughout the year.Beautifully packaged and illustrated throughout with charming illustrations of cheeky puppies and hounds, this is the perfect book for any lover of our four-legged friends.Produced under license from Battersea Dogs Home Limited to go towards supporting the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (registered charity no 206394). For all licensed products sold by Welbeck across their Battersea range, Welbeck will donate a minimum of 20,000 plus VAT in royalties to Battersea Dogs Home Limited, which gives its profits to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.www.battersea.org.uk

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Book SynopsisIn a relentless fight to escape his past, Rex Dalton is unleashed against those who prey on the innocent. When Rex Dalton's family is killed in the Madrid train bombings on March 11, 2004, he emerges from the shadows with one purpose: to hunt the perpetrators who shattered lives that fateful day. Fueled by revenge, Dalton will stop at nothing to take down the criminals targeting innocents. Known by whispered namesEl Gato, Alshaytan, the Ghosthe becomes a sniper with unparalleled precision, a master of disguise, and a lethal force in close combat. Each covert operation plunges the maverick deeper into a world marred by corruption, terrorism, and arms smuggling. But in the heart of Afghanistan, facing an opium cartel, he discovers a loyal partner in Digger, a highly skilled Dutch Shepherd military dog. As the stakes escalate and danger looms, their formidable bond becomes the ultimate weapon in Dalton's relentless pursuit of vengeance. The Fulcrumis the pulse-pounding first installment in JC Ryan's electrifying K9 Thrillers series. _____________________________________________________________________Praise forThe Fulcrum:? ? ? ? ? Read it in one day. Could not put it down. Great story line, characters and dog. ? ? ? ? ? I love this character!!!!! This story is so emotional and I actually felt it along with Rex. ? ? ? ? ? Jack Reacher with a dog. ? ? ? ? ? I thoroughly enjoyed the start to this series about the brash, young American undercover operative, Rex Dalton. ? ? ? ? ? Love me a big Devil Dog!

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Where to Go from Here 4 Part 1: Getting Started with Freshwater Aquarium Basics 5 Chapter 1: Taking the Plunge: Just the Essentials 7 Focusing on the Tank, Stand, Accessories, and Equipment 8 Knowing where to put your tank 8 Looking at the tank and stand options 9 Figuring out what (besides fish) to put in your aquarium 9 Considering aquarium equipment 9 Determining what you really need 10 Caring for Your New Aquatic Pets 10 Eyeing differences in species 10 Assessing which types of fish are best for you 10 Buying fish — what you need to know 11 Feeding your fish — what types of food to buy 11 Taking care of sick fish 12 Understanding Water, Chemicals, and Live Plants 12 Grasping everything water 12 Using chemicals to improve your aquarium conditions 12 Testing your water 13 Getting a system going 13 Adding live plants 13 Fixing common problems 13 Expanding Your Aquarium Hobby 13 Breeding your fish: Yes or no? 13 Keeping track of your progress 14 Broadening your hobby 14 Contemplating other types of aquarium structures 14 Chapter 2: The Practice of Aquarium Keeping 15 Recognizing the Amazing Benefits of Owning an Aquarium 16 Identifying Aquarium Water Systems 18 Freshwater systems 19 Saltwater systems 21 Brackish systems 22 Organization Is the Key to Success 23 Chapter 3: Finding a Good Location 25 Making Sure Your Floor Is Sound 26 Taking Room Temperature and Its Effects into Consideration 26 Wicked windows 27 Deadly doors 28 High Traffic Areas, Children, and Pets (Spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R) 28 Contemplating Your Water Source When Placing Your Aquarium 30 Thinking about Other Household Items 30 Furniture and space 30 Electrical outlets and TVs 31 Overhead lighting 32 Cleaning considerations 32 Chapter 4: The Tank and Stand 33 Buying a Tank: What You Need to Know 33 Water is heavy 34 Watching the tendency to overspend 35 Checking out starter kits 35 Size matters — gauging space requirements 36 Taking people into consideration 37 Deciding where to buy 38 Examining the Different Types of Aquariums Available 39 Glass aquariums 40 Acrylic aquariums 41 Plastic aquariums (bowls and small tanks) 42 Rimless tanks 42 Considering Different and Unusual Aquarium Styles 43 Wall-mounted aquariums 43 In-wall tanks 43 Furniture aquariums 44 Tower aquariums 44 Indoor pond barrels 45 All-in-one tanks 45 Betta tanks and water gardens 45 Special tanks from the pros 45 Choosing the Right Tank 46 Tank size 46 Tank shape 47 Carrying capacity 47 Picking the Right Stand 47 Wooden cabinet stands 48 Angle and wrought iron stands 48 Aluminum stands 49 Do-it-yourself stands 49 Material-based stands 49 Bow-front stands 49 Moving an Aquarium 50 Chapter 5: Aquascaping Your Aquarium: What to Add and Not Add in Your Tank 51 Taking Clues from Your Fish’s Natural Environment 52 Getting the Lowdown on Substrates 53 Starting with the basics: Gravel, aqua soil, and fluorite 54 Thinking about pH with your substrates 54 Knowing which substrates to avoid 55 Being aware of gravel size and the perils of sand 56 Adding new substrate to your system 56 Using established substrate 57 Considering Rocks, Wood, and Artificial Plants 57 Rocks for freshwater tanks 58 Wood for a freshwater tank 58 Plastic plants 60 Contemplating Other Aquarium Decorations 62 Keeping safety first 62 Eyeing plastic divers and other oddities 62 Aquascaping Tips and Tricks 63 Chapter 6: Selecting the Equipment and Other Stuff Your Aquarium Needs 67 Taking the Mystery out of Filters 68 Mechanical filtration 69 Biological filtration 69 Chemical filtration 70 Sifting through Filtration Systems 70 Undergravel filters 71 Sponge filters 71 Corner filters 72 Power filters 72 Canister filters 73 Fluidized bed filters 74 Diatom filters 74 Wet/dry filters 75 Natural filtration with plants 75 An underground filter’s best friend — powerheads 76 Gauging Heaters and Thermometers 77 Submersible heaters 77 Nonsubmersible heaters 77 Digital heaters 77 Heating your aquarium: Thermometers 78 Making Bubbles with Airstones and Pumps 79 Air pumps 79 Airstones and other bubble makers 80 Connecting Tubing, Valves, and Tees 81 Air-line tubing 81 Gang valves and tees 82 Creating the Best Lighting 83 Looking at bulb types 84 Making a hood choice 85 Part 2: Taking a Closer Look at Fish and How to Care for Them 87 Chapter 7: Fish Anatomy 101 89 Understanding What Makes a Fish Go 90 The dorsal fin 90 The caudal fin 91 The anal fin 91 The pectoral fins 92 The pelvic fins 92 The adipose fin 92 Swimming movement 92 Breathing In and Out — Respiration 93 The gill method 93 The labyrinth organ method 94 Getting Acquainted with the Senses 95 Sight 95 Hearing 97 Smelling 97 Tasting 97 Feeling 98 Comprehending Osmosis and the Salt-to-Water Ratio 98 Fish that don’t drink water 99 Fish that need to drink water 99 Recognizing Traits to Identify Fish 99 Body shape 100 Taxonomy 100 The swim bladder 102 Color and its purpose 102 Chapter 8: Figuring Out What Kind of Fish to Buy 105 Looking Closer at Freshwater Fish 106 Anabantids 106 Cyprinodonts and livebearers 108 Catfish (plecos, cories, and one special Cypriniforme) 112 Characins 114 Unusual characins 117 Loaches 119 African cichlids 120 American cichlids 121 Cyprinids 125 Freshwater tropical invertebrates 127 Contemplating Coldwater Fish and Invertebrates 129 Koi (Cyprinus carpio) 129 Goldfish (Carassius auratus) 129 White cloud mountain minnows (Tanichthys albonubes) 132 Coldwater invertebrates 132 Thinking about Captive-Bred Species 134 Buying Fish Online 135 Chapter 9: Working with a Fish Dealer to Purchase Your Fish 137 Choosing a Quality Fish Dealer 138 Searching for a fish store 138 The importance of great service 140 The store’s appearance 140 Dealer Practices: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 142 Do Bee dealers 143 Don’t Bee dealers 143 Wanna Bee dealers 144 Developing a Good Relationship with Your Fish Dealer 145 Selecting Healthy Fish 145 Start simply and do your homework 145 Look for signs of good health 146 Know your fish’s behavior 146 Understand how big the fish will grow 147 Avoid the first fish off the boat 148 Don’t be Doctor Doolittle 148 Getting the Right Fish without Going Overboard 149 Chapter 10: Feeding Your Wet Pets — Diet and Nutrition 151 Understanding Basic Nutrition 151 Recognizing what your fish need 152 Being aware of overfeeding 153 Underfeeding is just as bad 153 Feeding just what your fish need 153 Knowing What Type of Eater You Have 155 Taking action when they stop eating 155 Meeting your carnivores’ desires 156 Going leafy and feeding vegetarians 156 Feeding fish that eat anything that falls into the tank 157 Identifying the Different Types of Food 157 Prepackaged foods 157 Frozen foods 158 Freeze-dried foods 158 Spirulina 159 Live food — the stuff they really love and want 159 Brine shrimp 160 Infusoria 161 Rotifers 161 Tubifex, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and earthworms (yuck!) 161 Feeding Fry 162 Microworms 162 Liquid, powdered, and growth foods 162 Chapter 11: Recognizing Diseases and Treatments 163 An Ounce of Prevention 163 Your daily review 164 Your weekly to-do list 165 Monthly checklist 168 Identifying Common Ailments and Cures 168 Common bacterial infection 169 Constipation 169 Dropsy 169 Fin rot 169 Fish louse 170 Freshwater velvet 170 Freshwater ich 170 Fungus 171 Gill parasites 171 Hole in the head 171 Intestinal parasites 172 Large skin parasites 172 Mouth fungus 172 Pop-eye 172 Septicemia 173 Skin flukes 173 Slimy skin disease 173 Swim bladder disease 174 Tuberculosis (TB) 174 Keeping an Eye Open for Frequent Causes of Disease 174 Carbon dioxide poisoning 175 Poor water quality 175 Metal poisoning 175 Chemical poisoning 175 Improper diet 176 Overfeeding 176 Frightened fish 176 Relying on a Tried-and-True Home Remedy: Giving a Salt Bath 177 Playing Detective: The Sherlock Holmes Method 177 Using Quarantine Tanks 178 Grasping the purpose and advantages of quarantining 178 Knowing how much time to quarantine 179 Keeping good records: Writing it all down 179 Focusing on the tank 179 Setting Up a Hospital Tank 180 Understanding Medications 180 Part 3: The Background Players: Water, Chemicals, and Plants 183 Chapter 12: All Water Isn’t Created Equal 185 Comparing Different Water Types 186 Tap water 186 Rainwater 188 The advantages of bottled water (not Perrier) 189 Well water (don’t count on it) 189 Collecting Water from Bodies of Water (Why You Want to Forget This Bad Idea) 190 Adding Water to Your Aquarium 190 Using a garden hose 190 Using a Python 191 Moving water the old-fashioned way 191 Chapter 13: Considering Those Crazy Chemicals 193 Understanding Chemical Use 194 Knowing when to use (and not use) chemicals 194 Following instructions to the letter 194 Knowing Which Chemicals You Need to Start Your Aquarium 195 Glass cleaner 195 Dechlorinator 195 Water conditioner 196 Cycling chemicals 196 Bacteria in a bottle 197 Bacteria on a medium 197 Maintaining Your Aquarium: Chemicals to Use 197 Using the Right Chemicals for Your Plants 198 Create your own rainforest 198 Plant growth 199 Root tabs 199 Algae control 199 Naming Chemicals Your Fish Need for Medication 200 Chapter 14: The Nitrogen Cycle and Water Testing 201 Eliminating Fish Waste 201 Conditioning Your Tank 202 Starting the Nitrogen Cycle 203 Encouraging nitrosamonas (good bacteria number one) 203 Promoting nitrobacter (good bacteria number two) 205 Monitoring through the conditioning period 205 Speeding things up a bit 206 Preventing new tank syndrome 207 Testing Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, and pH 207 Changing the water regularly 207 Maintaining proper pH levels 208 Testing Hardness (dH) 210 Chapter 15: Putting It All Together 211 Setting Up Your Tropical Freshwater System 212 Setting Up a Small Plant Tank 214 Setting Up Your Coldwater System 215 Setting Up Your Simple Indoor Goldfish Pond 216 Chapter 16: What You Need to Know: Live Plants for Aquariums 217 Understanding What Live Plants Do for Your Aquarium 218 Identifying Different Plant Types 220 Ferns and mosses 221 Floating plants 221 Stem plants 221 Rooted plants 221 Cuttings 222 Maintaining Plant-Friendly Aquarium Conditions 222 Temperature requirements 222 Substrate for rooting 223 Filtration 223 Feeding 223 Lighting 224 Other supplements 224 Purchasing and Transporting Your Plants 224 Taking from the wild 224 Buying from a dealer 225 Buying online 225 Getting plants home in one piece 226 Achieving acclimation 226 Noticing Potential Plant Problems 227 Recognizing signs of poor plant health and what to do about them 227 Algae 228 Medications 228 Planting Techniques and Aquascaping 229 Chapter 17: Choosing Plant Species for Your Tank 231 Considering Foreground Plants 232 Baby tears (Micranthemum umbrosum) 232 Brazilian micro sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) 233 Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne wendetti) 233 Dwarf anubias (Anubias nana) 234 Dwarf four-leaf clover (Marsilia hirsute) 234 Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) 235 Madagascar lace (Aponogeton fenestralis) 235 Pearl grass (Hemianthus micranthemoides) 236 Looking at Midwater Plants 237 Aquatic banana plant (Nymphoides aquatica) 237 Coffeefolia (Anusbis barteri) 237 Dwarf sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) 237 Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) 238 Contemplating Background Plants 238 Amazon sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) 238 Carolina fanwort (Cambomba caroliniana) 239 Corkscrew val (Vallisneria spiralis) 239 Elodea (Egeria densa) 240 Giant anubias (Anubias barteri) 241 Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) 241 Oriental sword (Echinodorus oriental) 242 Red ludwigia (Ludwigia mullertii) 243 Red-stem milfoil (Myriophyllum matogrossensis) 244 Stargrass (Heteranthera zosterifolia) 244 Going with Floating Plants 244 Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) 245 Duckweed (Lemna minor) 245 Envisioning Pond Plants 245 Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) 246 Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) 246 Starting with Some Easy Plants 247 Part 4: Breeding and Other Fun Stuff 249 Chapter 18: Being Prepared When Trouble Strikes 251 Tackling Physical Fish Problems 252 Separating fighting fish 252 Solving the aggression problem 252 Looking at the injured 253 Dealing with a stuck fish 253 Correcting Feeding Problems 253 Getting your fish to eat 253 Addressing a food hog 253 Dislodging items eaten by your fish 254 Cleaning up the aftermath 254 Addressing Equipment Problems 254 Handling uneven stands and tanks 254 Fixing a clogged filter 254 Analyzing heater problems 254 Lighting falling into the tank 255 Exploding light bulbs 255 Flickering lighting 255 Facing Tank and Decoration Problems 256 Checking for leaks 256 Getting your fish to safety 256 Repairing a small crack 256 When an entire side of your aquarium breaks 257 Uprooted plants and decorations 257 What to do when you lose power 257 Confronting Water Problems 257 Solving green algae problems 258 Controlling chemical problems 258 Cooling a tank that’s too hot 258 Warming a tank that’s too cold 259 Chapter 19: Setting Up the Breeding Tank 261 Deciding to Breed Your Aquarium Fish 262 Breaking new barriers 262 Gaining new knowledge and enjoyment 263 Conserving the environment 263 Choosing Your Equipment for Breeding 263 The aquarium 264 Putting a lid on the whole thing 264 Decorations 264 Substrate 265 Spawning grates 265 Turning up the heat 266 Filtration 266 Plants for safety, spawning, and inspiration 267 Getting the Water Right 269 pH and dH control 269 Water temperature 269 Cleanliness 269 Chapter 20: Ready, Set, Spawn 271 Introducing the Bride and Groom 272 Dealing with aggressive males 274 Setting up the second date 274 Yay, my fish really like each other! 274 Darn, my fish hate each other! 274 Understanding Breeding Types 277 Livebearers 277 The egglayers 277 Saving Everyone from Everyone Else 279 Saving Mom and Dad from Mom and Dad 279 Saving the kids from Mom and Dad 280 Saving the kids from each other 281 Raising the Fry 281 Stepping up to brine shrimp 282 Giving them a real home 282 Picking new stock 282 Understanding Genetics 282 Choosing the best 283 Obtaining variation the good way 283 Obtaining variation through mutation 283 Creating strains through inbreeding 283 Choosing the Right Species for You 284 Breeding livebearers 284 Other fun fish to breed 285 Chapter 21: Recording Data and Photographing Fish 289 Keeping a Logbook 289 Making Your Fish the Stars They Were Meant to Be 290 Knowing Where to Take Pictures 291 Photographing Your Fish with Digital Photography 292 Recording fish 293 Printing your work 293 Sharing your work online 294 Photographing Your Fish the Old-Fashioned Way 294 Film cameras 294 The film 295 Lenses 296 Considering Lighting 297 Relying on lighting 297 Making your fish shine 299 Focusing Your Camera 300 Understanding Composition Techniques 300 Using the rule of thirds 301 Panning the scene 301 Setting up for close-ups 302 Shooting the Tank 302 Building your own photography tank 303 Using different backgrounds 304 Chapter 22: Expanding Your Hobby in Fun Ways 305 Entering a Fish Show 305 Getting to Know the Types of Shows 307 Participating in exhibitions 307 Understanding competition classes 307 Preparing Your Fish for the Show 308 The holding tank 308 Water conditions 309 Tank considerations 309 Knowing what the judges are looking for 310 Transporting Fish to and from a Show 312 Remembering to Have Fun 313 Joining an Aquarium Club 314 Volunteering at an Aquarium or Zoo 314 Writing an Article 315 Setting Up a Tank for a Worthy Cause 316 Sharing Your Love of Aquariums and Science with Others 317 Chapter 23: Advancing Your Hobby: Other Types of Aquarium Systems 319 Trying a Brackish Aquarium Setup 319 Considering a Marine Aquarium System 320 Identifying the types of marine systems 321 Setting up a simple marine aquarium 322 Setting up a coldwater fish-only marine system 323 Comparing Freshwater and Saltwater Systems 324 Adaptability 324 Availability 325 Cost 325 Beauty and friendliness 325 Equipment 326 Part 5: The Part of Tens 327 Chapter 24: Ten Cool Aquarium Gadgets 329 Aquarium Claws (Those Handy Picker-Upper Doodads) to Move Decor 329 Algae Cleaners to Keep Dry 330 Extendable Fish Nets, the Long and Short of It 331 A Tool Box for Storing Stuff 331 Light Timers for the Win 332 Aquarium Sealer (Flood Insurance) 332 Aquascaping Tools to Make You a Star 332 Digital Water Testing Makes It Easy 333 Automatic Gravel Cleaners Do the Job 333 Aquarium Smart Controllers (Spy on Your Fish) 334 Chapter 25: Ten Ways to Kill Your Fish without Even Trying 335 Go Away on Vacation and Forget Them 335 Play Doctor without a License 336 Give Your Cat a Sushi Bar 336 Stuff Your Fish with Seven-Course Meals 337 Mix Apples and Oranges 337 Add Too Many Fish (the Shoehorn Syndrome) 338 Don’t Do Your Homework 338 Let the Neighbor’s Unruly Kid Play with Your Fish 338 Become a Hypochondriac Hobbyist 339 Buy Used or Cheap Equipment 339 Chapter 26: Ten Scientific Fish Laws 341 The Fish Law of Thermodynamics 341 The Fish Law of Metamorphosis 342 The Fish Law of Motion 342 The Fish Law of Anti-Matter 343 The Fish Law of Nutrition 343 The Fish Law of Company 344 The Fish Law of Potential Energy 344 The Fish Law of Psychic Felines 344 The Fish Law of Aggression 345 The Fish Law of Time 345 Chapter 27: Ten Aquatic New Year’s Resolutions 347 Feed the Fish the Good Stuff 347 Clean the Tank Frequently 348 Reduce Celibacy 348 Remove Algae 348 Monitor Filter Mediums 348 Turn on the Lights 349 Use My Test Kits 349 Pay Attention to My Fish 349 Redecorate the Tank 349 Share with Others 350 Index 351

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsForeword xvii Introduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 3 Icons Used in This Book 4 Beyond the Book 4 Where to Go from Here 5 Part 1: Taking Flight with Beekeeping 7 Chapter 1: To Bee, or Not to Bee? 9 Discovering the Benefits of Beekeeping 10 Harvesting liquid gold: Honey 11 Bees as pollinators: Their vital role to our food supply 11 Being part of the bigger picture: Save the bees! 13 Getting an education: And passing it on! 13 Improving your health: Bee therapies and stress relief 15 Determining Your Beekeeping Potential 16 Environmental considerations 16 Zoning and legal restrictions 16 Costs and equipment 17 Time and commitment 18 Beekeeper personality traits 18 Allergies 19 Deciding Which Beekeeping Approach to Follow 19 Medicated beekeeping 20 Natural beekeeping 20 Organic beekeeping 21 Combining approaches 21 Chapter 2: Getting to Know Your Honey Bees 23 Basic Body Parts 24 Skeleton 24 Head 25 Thorax 26 Abdomen 27 The Amazing Language of Bees 27 Pheromones 27 Shall we dance? 28 Getting to Know the Male and the Two Female Castes 29 Her majesty, the queen 29 The industrious little worker bee 32 House bees 33 Field bees 36 The woeful drone 37 The Honey Bee Life Cycle 39 Egg 39 Larva 41 Pupa 42 Other Stinging Insects 43 Bumblebee 44 Carpenter bee 44 Mason bee 45 Wasp 45 Yellow jacket 46 Bald-faced hornet 47 Part 2: Starting Your Adventure 49 Chapter 3: Alleviating Apprehensions and Making Decisions 51 Overcoming Sting Phobia 52 Knowing what to do if you’re stung 53 Watching for allergic reactions 54 Building up a tolerance 54 Understanding Local Laws and Ordinances 55 Easing the Minds of Family and Neighbors 55 Location, Location, Location: Where to Keep Your Hives 57 Knowing what makes a perfect bee yard 57 Urban considerations 59 Understanding the correlation between geographical area and honey flavors 64 Knowing When to Start Your Adventure 64 Chapter 4: Selecting a Hive That’s Perfect for You 67 The Langstroth Hive 68 The Kenyan Top Bar Hive 70 The Apimaye Insulated Hive 73 The Flow Hive 75 The Warré (People’s) Hive 78 The Five-Frame Nuc Hive 81 The Observation Hive 83 Make a Beeline to the Best Beehive 86 Hives for harvesting honey 87 Hives for pollinating your garden 87 A hive for learning and teaching 88 Chapter 5: Basic Equipment for Beekeepers 91 Starting Out with the Langstroth Hive 92 Knowing the Basic Woodenware Parts of the Langstroth Hive 92 Hive stand 93 Bottom board 93 Entrance reducer 95 Deep-hive body 96 Queen excluder 97 Shallow or medium honey super 98 Frames 100 Foundation 103 Inner cover 106 Outer cover 106 Knowing the Basic Parts of a Top Bar Hive 108 The top bar 108 Everything else 109 Ordering Hive Parts 110 Startup hive kits 110 Setting up shop 111 Adding on Feeders 112 Hive-top feeder 112 Entrance feeder 114 Pail feeder 115 Baggie feeder 116 Frame feeder 117 Top Bar hive feeders 118 Fundamental Tools 118 Smoker 119 Hive tool and frame lifter 119 Bee-Proof Clothing 120 Veils 120 Gloves 122 Really Helpful Accessories 123 Elevated hive stand 123 Frame rest 125 Bee brush 125 Slatted rack 126 Screened bottom board 126 Beekeeper’s toolbox 128 Chapter 6: Obtaining and Installing Your Bees 131 Determining the Kind of Bee You Want 132 Deciding How to Obtain Your Initial Bee Colony 135 Ordering package bees 135 Buying a “nuc” colony 136 Purchasing an established colony 138 Capturing a wild swarm of bees 138 Picking a Reputable Bee Supplier 139 Deciding When to Place Your Order 141 The Day Your Girls Arrive 142 Bringing home your bees 142 Recipe for sugar syrup 143 Putting Your Bees into the Hive 144 Hiving steps for Langstroth type hives and Steps 1–7 for Top Bar hives 144 Hiving Steps 8–14 for Top Bar hives 150 Watching your bees come and go from their new home 151 Part 3: Time for a Peek 153 Chapter 7: Opening Your Hive 155 Establishing Visiting Hours 156 Setting an Inspection Schedule 156 Preparing to Visit Your Langstroth or Top Bar Hive 157 Making “non-scents” a part of personal hygiene 157 Getting dressed up and ready to go 158 Lighting Your Smoker 159 Opening a Langstroth Hive 161 Removing the hive-top feeder 164 Removing the inner cover 165 Opening a Top Bar Hive 166 The Hive’s Open! Now What? 168 Chapter 8: What to Expect When You’re Inspecting 169 Keeping a Journal 170 Inspecting a Langstroth Hive 171 Removing the first frame of your Langstroth hive 171 Working your way through the Langstroth hive 173 Holding up frames for inspection 174 Knowing when it’s time for more smoke 175 Replacing Langstroth frames 175 Closing the Langstroth hive 176 Inspecting a Top Bar Hive 177 Working your way through the Top Bar hive 177 Top Bar comb management 179 Looking into Top Bar cells 180 Replacing the top bars and closing the hive 181 Understanding What to Always Look For 181 Checking for your queen 181 Storing food; raising brood 182 Inspecting the brood pattern 182 Recognizing foodstuffs 183 Your New Colony’s First Eight Weeks 183 Checking in: A week after hiving your bees 183 The second and third weeks 186 Weeks four through eight 188 Chapter 9: Different Seasons, Different Activities 193 Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer 194 Your summer to-do list 195 Your summertime commitment 195 Falling Leaves Point to Autumn Chores 196 Your autumn to-do list 196 Your autumn time commitment 200 Clustering in a Winter Wonderland 201 Your winter to-do list 202 Your wintertime commitment 203 Spring is in the Air (Starting Your Second Season) 203 Your spring to-do list 204 Your springtime commitment 205 Administering spring medication 205 Reversing hive bodies 207 Managing Top Bar Hives in the Spring 208 Finding the cluster 208 Preventing the urge to swarm 209 Expanding the brood nest 209 The Beekeeper’s Calendar 210 Part 4: Common Problems and Simple Solutions 213 Chapter 10: Anticipating and Preventing Potential Problems 215 Running Away (to Join the Circus?) 216 Swarming 216 Absconding 227 Where Did the Queen Go? 227 Letting nature take its course 228 Ordering a replacement queen 228 Introducing a new queen to the hive 229 Avoiding Chilled Brood 230 Dealing with the Dreaded Robbing Frenzies 231 Knowing the difference between normal and abnormal (robbing) behavior 231 Putting a stop to a robbing attack 232 Preventing robbing in the first place 232 Ridding Your Hive of the Laying Worker Phenomenon 234 How to know if you have laying workers 234 Getting rid of laying workers 235 Preventing Pesticide Poisoning 237 The “Killer Bee” Phenomenon 237 What are “killer bees”? 238 Bee prepared! 239 Chapter 11: Colony Collapse Disorder 241 What is CCD? 242 What to Do If You Suspect CCD 243 Why All the Fuss? 243 What’s Causing CCD? 244 The cellphone theory 244 It may be the perfect storm 244 Answers to FAQs 248 What You Can Do to Help 248 Chapter 12: Keeping Your Bees Healthy 251 Understanding the Importance of Good Nutrition 252 What bees eat 252 The need for good gut health 253 Taking steps to ensure good nutrition 253 Medicating or Not? 254 Knowing the Big-Six Bee Diseases 254 American foulbrood (AFB) 255 European foulbrood (EFB) 256 Chalkbrood 257 Sacbrood 258 Stonebrood 258 Nosema 259 A handy chart 260 Chapter 13: Heading Off Honey-Bee Pests 263 Parasitic Problems 263 Varroa mites 264 Tracheal mites 271 Zombie (Phonid) flies 276 Other Unwelcome Pests 276 Wax moths 277 Small hive beetle 278 Ants, ants, and more ants 279 Bear alert! 280 Raccoons and skunks 281 Keeping out Mrs Mouse 282 Some birds have a taste for bees 283 Pest Control at a Glance 283 Chapter 14: Raising Your Own Queens 285 Why Raising Queens is the Bee’s Knees 286 Understanding Genetics 287 Dominant and recessive genes 287 Inbreeding versus outcrossing 288 Accentuate the positive 289 What Makes a Queen a Queen 291 Talking about the Birds and Bees for Honey Bees 292 Creating Demand: Making a Queenless Nuc 293 Queen-Rearing Method 1: Go with the Flow 294 If the queen cells are capped 294 If the queen cells are open 294 Mind the timeline 295 Queen-Rearing Method 2: The Miller Method 296 Queen-Rearing Method 3: The Doolittle Method, also Known as Grafting 298 Tools and equipment 298 How it’s done 301 Providing nuptial housing 303 Finding Homes for Your Queens 304 Evaluating the Results 305 The Queen Rearer’s Calendar 306 Marking Your Queens 307 Part 5: Sweet Rewards 309 Chapter 15: Honey, I Love You 311 Appreciating the History of Honey 311 Understanding the Composition of Honey 313 Healing with Honey 314 Honey and diabetes 314 Honey’s nutritional value 315 Honey and children 315 Choosing Extracted, Comb, Chunk, or Whipped Honey 315 Extracted honey 316 Comb honey 317 Chunk honey 317 Whipped honey 317 Honeydew honey 318 Taking the Terror out of Terroir 318 Customizing your honey 319 Honey from around the world 320 The Commercialization of Honey 324 Is it the real deal? 324 Raw versus regular honey 325 Organic or not? 325 Your own honey is the best 325 Appreciating the Culinary Side of Honey 326 The nose knows 326 Practice makes perfect 327 Recognizing defects in honey 328 Pairing Honey with Food 328 Infusing Honey with Flavors 329 Judging Honey 329 Honey Trivia 330 Chapter 16: Getting Ready for the Golden Harvest 333 Having Realistic Expectations 334 What Flavor Do You Want? 334 Assembling the Right Equipment to Extract Honey 335 Honey extractors 335 Uncapping knife 336 Honey strainer 336 Other handy gadgets for extracting honey 337 Honey containers 340 Planning Your Extracted Honey Harvest Setup 340 Gathering Comb Honey Equipment 342 Section comb cartridges 342 Cut comb 342 Branding and Selling Your Honey 342 Creating an attractive label 343 Finding places to market your honey 346 Selling your honey on the web 346 Chapter 17: Honey Harvest Day 347 Knowing When to Harvest 348 Bad things come to those who wait! 349 A few pointers to keep in mind when harvesting liquid gold 350 Getting the Bees out of the Honey Supers 351 Shakin’ ’em out 352 Blowin’ ’em out 353 Using a bee escape board 353 Fume board and bee repellent 354 Honey Extraction from a Langstroth Frame 356 Harvesting honey using an extractor 357 Cleaning frames after extracting 359 Harvesting Honey from Your Top Bar Hive 360 Selecting the comb to harvest 360 Getting the bees off Top Bar comb 362 Harvesting using the crush-and-strain method 362 Harvesting honey using a honey press 363 Harvesting cut-comb honey 365 Harvesting Wax 365 Part 6: The Part of Tens 367 Chapter 18: More than Ten Fun Things to Do with Bees 369 Making Two Langstroth Hives from One 369 Making One Langstroth Hive from Two 371 Dividing a Top Bar Hive into Two Colonies 373 Combining Two Top Bar Hive Colonies 375 Building an Elevated Hive Stand 376 Building materials list 377 Cut list 377 Planting Flowers for Your Bees 378 Asters (aster/callistephus) 379 Bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea) 380 Bee balm (Monarda) 380 Hyssop (Agastache) 380 Malva (Malvaceae) 381 Mint (Mentha) 381 Nasturtium (Tropaeolum minus) 381 Poppy (Papaver/Eschscholzia) 381 Salvia (Salvia/farinacea-strata/ splendens/officinalis) 382 Sunflowers (Helianthus/Tithonia) 382 Brewing Mead: The Nectar of the Gods 382 Create Cool Stuff with Propolis 385 Propolis tincture 386 Propolis ointment 386 Propolis varnish 387 Making Gifts from Beeswax 387 Beeswax candles 388 Beeswax furniture polish 389 Beauty and the Bees 389 Use your cappings 390 Equipment 390 The recipes 391 Packaging and labeling 396 Chapter 19: More than Ten Frequently Asked Questions about Bee Behavior 397 Chapter 20: My Ten Favorite Honey Recipes 403 Honey Curry Vegetable Dip 405 Golden Cornbread 406 Honey Picante Chicken Wings 407 Apricot Honey Bread 408 Asian Honey-Tea Grilled Prawns 409 Broiled Scallops with Honey-Lime Marinade 410 A Honey of a Chili 411 Beef and Potato Tzimmes 412 Chewy Honey Oatmeal Cookies 413 Apple Honey Tart 414 Part 7: Appendixes 415 Appendix A: Helpful Resources 417 Honey Bee Information Websites 417 Apiservices — Virtual beekeeping gallery 417 The Barefoot Beekeeper 418 Beemaster Forum 418 Bee-Source.com 418 Facebook — Top Bar Beekeeping 418 Honey Bee Health Coalition 418 Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium (MAARAC) 419 National Honey Board 419 Bee Organizations and Conferences 419 The American Apitherapy Society Inc 420 American Beekeeping Federation 420 American Honey Producers 420 Apiary Inspectors of America 420 Apimondia: International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations 421 Eastern Apiculture Society 421 Heartland Apicultural Society Inc 422 International Bee Research Association 422 USDA Agricultural Research Service 422 The Western Apiculture Society 423 Bee Journals and Magazines 423 American Bee Journal 423 Bee Culture 424 Bee World 425 Beekeeping Supplies and Equipment 425 Apimaye Insulated Hives 425 Barnyard Bees 426 Bastin Bees 426 Bee-commerce.com 427 BeeInventive 427 Bee Vital 428 Betterbee 428 Blue Sky Bee Supply 428 Dadant & Sons, Inc 429 Glorybee Inc 429 Healthy Bee 430 Hive Butler 430 Hive Tracks 430 Hungry Bear Farms 431 Kelley Beekeeping 431 Mann Lake 431 Miller Bee Supply 432 Oliverez 432 Pierco 433 Pigeon Mountain Trading Company 433 Rossman Apiaries 433 Sacramento Beekeeping Supplies 434 Swienty Beekeeping Equipment (EU) 434 Thorne Beekeeping Supply (UK) 435 Western Bee Supplies 435 State Bee Inspectors (United States) 436 Appendix B: Beekeeper’s Checklist 437 Appendix C: Glossary 441 Index 449

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Book SynopsisIn an increasingly global community of researchers and practitioners, new technologies and communication means have made the transfer of policies from one country or region to another progressively more prevalent. There has been a lot of attention in the field of public administration paid to policy transfer and institutional transplantation. This book aims to create a better understanding of such transfers in the water management sector. These include the adoption of modern water management concepts, such as integrated water resources management and forms of water governance, which are strongly promoted and sometimes also imposed by various international organizations. Transfers also occur within the scope of development aid or for the purpose of creating business opportunities. In addition, many research organisations, consultancies and governmental agencies are involved in cross-border work. The purpose of this book is therefore to present practical examples of the transfeTable of ContentsForeword 1. Introduction 2. Water Management Solutions: On Panaceas and Policy Transfer 3. Contextual Interaction Theory for Assessing Water Governance, Policy and Knowledge Transfer 4. How Contextual Factors Influence the Effectiveness of International Projects: The Case of Dutch-funded Flood Risk Management Projects in Romania 5. Testing of the Contextual Interaction Theory in the Evaluation of Cooperation and Collaboration of Water Management Projects in India 6. Contextual Considerations Shaping the Transferability of Policies for Drinking Water Source Protection: A Canadian Case Study 7. Translating Water Policy Innovations in Kazakhstan: The Importance of Context 8. Public Participation as an Essentially Contested Concept: Insights from Water Management in Turkey 9. Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships in Fragile Political Contexts: Experiences from the Palestinian Water and Waste Sector 10. Transferring International Commitments to the Local Level: The Case of Integrated Urban (Waste)water Management in Hanoi, Vietnam 11. Institutional Innovation of Water Governance in Mexico: The Case of Guadalupe Basin, near Mexico City 12. Translating the Global Climate Change Discourse to the Local: An Analysis of Dutch Storylines on Adaptation 13. Adaptive Responses to Drought and Water Deficiency: Transfer of Governance Approaches across South and North Europe 14. The Transfer of Building with Nature Approach in the Context of EU Natura 2000 15. Conclusions Index

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Book Synopsis''Britain''s top dog whisperer... a canine-human Esther Perel'' The ObserverBringing a new puppy home is a joyous experience, but it can also be quite daunting.Should you really let a puppy ''cry it out'' alone on the first night? How do you introduce it to other family members and pets? When should you start training? What equipment do you really need for that first week? And will you ever be able to work from home again uninterrupted?!Louise Glazebrook, dog behaviourist and author of bestseller The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read, is asked all these questions and more every day. In this new, informative and compassionate guide for dog owners, Louise shows how working with your puppy at their pace, understanding their needs, will build a beautiful bond for life.Everything Your Puppy Wants You To Know shares all of Louise''s advice on how to settle a puppy in at home, work through developme

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Book SynopsisCHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 BY WATERSTONES AND THE TIMES''Entertaining and original.'' Guardian''Accessible and insightful, it''s a thought-provoking read.'' Observer'' Highly readable.'' The Times''Nothing less than brilliant.'' Wall Street JournalWhat if human intelligence is actually more of a liability than a gift? After all, the animal kingdom, in all its diversity, gets by just fine without it. At first glance, human history is full of remarkable feats of intelligence, yet human exceptionalism can be a double-edged sword. With our unique cognitive prowess comes severe consequences, including existential angst, violence, discrimination, and the creation of a world teetering towards climate catastrophe. What if human exceptionalism is more of a curse than a blessing?As Justin Gregg puts it, there''s an evolutionary reason why human intelligence isn''t moreTrade ReviewI love the book and everyone should read it -- Ryan HolidayIf Nietzsche Were A Narwhal makes some extraordinary and thought-provoking points. It is not only engagingly written, but its controversial thesis is worth taking seriously... some of the cognitive concepts introduced...are nothing less than brilliant. * Wall Street Journal *Beautiful, thought-provoking, and often hilarious * BBC Science Focus *Gregg's clever and provocative book is full of irreverent notions and funny anecdotes - the creative upside to being a human animal. But our ability to abstract from our immediate experience means we can take that creativity too far....undeniably entertaining * New York Times *A dazzling, delightful read on what animal cognition can teach us about our own mental shortcomings. You won't just tear through this book in one sitting - you'll probably want to invite Justin Gregg over for dinner to spend more time inside his brilliant mind. This is one of the best debuts I've read in a long time, and I dare you to open it without rethinking some of your basic ideas about intelligence. -- Adam GrantI defy you not to be interested by this book - it finds a novel way of getting at very deep questions about who we are and what it means, and does so with clear-eyed compassion and a certain humor that softens the conclusion a bit -- Bill McKibbenCombining first rate story-telling with the latest research on animal minds and cognitive psychology, If Nietzsche Were A Narwhal is the rare book that will cause readers to think deeply about big questions and moral issues and to laugh out loud on nearly every page. I loved it. -- Hal HerzogIf Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is a book full of observations as surprising and off-the-beaten-path as its title. It's scientifically very well informed. It's not a treatise - it's a pleasure. -- Carl SafinaI felt dumber after reading this book. Mission accomplished, Justin! -- David GrimmWe've heard that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but have you ever considered that having a human mind is more a bane than a gift? Justin Gregg's delightful and provocative book melds science with anecdote to explore that question. Read it, have your preconceptions challenged, and feel some humility. It might do you good. -- Jonathan BalcombeA highly original take on the nature of intelligence across life forms. Simultaneously thought -provoking and delightfully humorous, Justin Gregg guides readers into an essential re-thinking of human exceptionalism. This is a welcome upending of all we have been molded to believe about humans and other animal minds. -- Lyanda Lynn HauptThis is an important book to read if you want to understand animals for what they are - not as cardboard cutouts, or as furry humans. Animal minds aren't in competition with us, although Gregg makes a good case that if they were, they would win hands down. The idea that human intelligence may be nothing more than a failed evolutionary dead end, gives humanity an important challenge to which we must rise. -- Arik KershenbaumWhat's it like to be a bat, a bee, or a bed bug? In this enthralling book, Justin Gregg offers a window into the minds of other creatures, and debunks many of the myths of human exceptionalism. He makes the provocative argument that human thinking may be complex, but it is by no means superior - and its unique qualities could even be the cause of our species' ultimate downfall. If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is both a humbling and awe-inspiring read. -- David RobsonA funny, perceptive book that answers questions we've been told not to ask. Like many of the great sages, Justin Gregg uses animal stories to treat deep questions of consciousness and justice. The result is a deft field guide to the mixed blessings of intelligence and the real possibility that consciousness (and joy) exist perfectly well without it. -- William PoundstoneA sparkling and witty tour of the many minds we share this planet with. Nietzsche might be surprised to find himself contemplated in the company of beasts from narwhals to slugs - but the fascinating and detailed payoff of the cognitive lives of so many animals is immense. -- Clive WynneEnlightening! If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is a hilarious and thrilling look at intelligence that asks: are humans really the best? Gregg will dazzle and sweep you off your feet with his detailed exploration of the animal kingdom and its many secrets. This is an absolute must-read. -- Wednesday MartinIf Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is an unusual, delightful, and entertaining book that will help us achieve a more precise understanding of human nature, counterintuitively by looking at our reflection in light of the clues of conscious behavior expressed by our fellow animals. I loved Dr. Gregg's book because I learned quite a few interesting things from each chapter. As a scholar, I can offer no higher praise. Highly recommended. -- Oné R PagánIf Nietzsche were a Narwhal is a beautiful, thought-provoking and often hilarious exploration of this planet's different kinds of minds. Justin Gregg points out that while many of the hallmarks of human intelligence are also found, in some form, in animals from insects to narwhals, humans are by all means exceptional. But our intelligence is still constrained by our evolutionary history; we may be too intelligent for own good, and too stupid to look after our planet with a sufficiently long-term planning perspective. Gregg's magnificent book is a poignant reminder that if we don't raise our game fast, we might once again cede Earth to the rule of insects and other supposedly less intelligent creatures. -- Lars Chittka[If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal] challenges deep-seated ideas about the superiority of human intelligence by contrasting it with stories of animals who've gotten along just fine without it * Publishers Weekly *A fascinating take on human intelligence. * Kirkus Reviews *Wonderfully accessible and charmingly narrated, this is a fascinating investigation of intellect and cognition -- Publishers Weekly(An) entertaining and original book...Gregg is a brilliant communicator of complex ideas, with a writing style that is rich in both humour and detail. His argument is also surprisingly convincing. * PD Smith, Guardian *So many of our narratives describe how our mega-human brains have allowed us to conquer the world. But these brains have also led us to a point where we might make ourselves extinct. And crucially, do they make us any happier? These are deep and important questions; Gregg harnesses his marvellous human brain to also make them really funny. This is a great way to get acquainted with the current understanding of other animal intelligence and an interesting corrective to our anthropocentric instincts. * BBC Science Focus *Justin Gregg's witty exploration of animal intelligence is a useful guide - but there is more to human life than a search for contentedness... No one who reads Gregg's witty and instructive book will come away without having learnt some humbling truths about themselves and their animal kin. His argument is twofold. He details instances of intelligent behaviour which show that attributes believed to be uniquely human are present, in varying degrees, in animals, birds, fish and insects. On the other hand, he suggests that in humans these attributes come at a price. Consciousness - the hallmark of the human species in many philosophies - is double-edged in precisely this way. * New Statesman *'By melding science, history and philosophy, the book becomes a highly readable, and on occasion quite surprising, tour of the limits of consciousness.' * The Times *'His understanding of human and animal cognition provides real insight into how we think, why our brains have evolved to think that way, and what we might want to do about it - since, perhaps uniquely as a species, we can.' * Financial Times *'A fascinating work of popular science... Accessible and insightful, it's a thought-provoking read.' * The Observer *

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Book SynopsisIt will make you laugh and it will make you cry: Felix The Railway Cat is the SUNDAY TIMES bestselling, extraordinary tale of a close-knit community and its amazing bond with a very special cat. ''The global sensation'' Daily Telegraph________ When Felix arrived at Yorkshire''s Huddersfield Train Station as an eight-week-old kitten, no one knew just how important this little ball of fluff would become.Although she has a vital job to do as ''Senior Pest Controller'', Felix is much more than just an employee of TransPennine Express. Felix changes lives in surprising ways. She is always ready to leap into action and save the day: from bringing a boy with autism out of his shell to providing comfort to a runaway child shivering on the platform one night.So when tragedy hits the team at Huddersfield, it is only Felix who can pull them back together. But a chance friendship Trade ReviewTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERIt will make you laugh and it will make you cry: Felix The Railway Cat is the extraordinary tale of a close-knit community and its amazing bond with a very special cat.'The global sensation' Daily TelegraphWhen Felix arrived at Yorkshire's Huddersfield Train Station as an eight-week-old kitten, no one knew just how important this little ball of fluff would become. * From the publisher's description *A delightful book * Surrey Life *Full of funny and heartwarming stories . . . [It] will delight all cat lovers * Your Cat *A phenomenon * Big Issue *The global sensation * Daily Telegraph *The purrfect railway cat * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisPublished in the UK for the first time, The Last American Man is by the author of huge international bestseller Eat, Pray, LoveTrade Review'It is almost impossible not to fall under the spell of Eustace Conway ... his accomplishments, his joy and vigor, seem almost miraculous' * New York Times Review of Books *'Gilbert takes a bright-eyed bead on Eustace, hitting him square with a witty modernist appraisal of folkloric American masculinity' * The Times *'Conversational, enthusiastic, funny and sharp, the energy of The Last American Man never ebbs' * New Statesman *'A riveting, deftly written, biography' * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisRaffleton Grey is as BORED as a hamster can be. He wants to go to the fair but he's STUCK in his cage.There's only one thing for it . . . Get ready for the most exciting HAMSTER GETAWAY in history!Freedom means new friendships and tasty ice cream and fairground rides. But as night falls, things begin to get a bit scary. Perhaps home isn't so bad after all especially if you have a new friend by your side . . .This hilarious rhyming adventure is perfect for reading (and laughing!) out loud a fun-packed summertime getaway that's irresistible to readers both big and small!Trade ReviewA tale about a daring escape – with a twist at the end! ... Hilarious and gorgeously illustrated * Storytime Magazine *This delightful rhyming story about a hamster who wants to escape is a perfect summer read * Bookseller *In this lively picture book a well-crafted rhyming text and vigorous, comical, eventful pictures tell the tale of the escaped hamster Raffleton Grey’s seaside adventure and new friendship. * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisLearn more about the beautiful trees around you with this identification guide, perfect for beginners, featuring over 150 common British and European species.If you want to know the difference between a Serbian spruce and a silver birch or how different trees change through the seasons then What''s that Tree? is the ideal guide for you. Species overviews show you what to look for where and related trees are shown side by side for quick comparison and identification.Clear photography of leaves will help you to directly compare the tree you''re looking at with those in the guide and will assist you with specific features of the leaf to help identify the tree. This quick-reference guide also includes information on bark, flowers, and seeds.The perfect pocket guide for beginners but also a handy reference for the more seasoned naturalist, What''s that Tree? will help you to become an expert tree-spotter in no time.

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Book SynopsisFor millennia, trees have offered renewal and inspiration.  They have provided for humanity on every level, from spiritual sanctuary to the raw material for our homes, books, and food. In this beautiful and revealing book, National Geographic combines legendary photography with cutting-edge science to illuminate exactly how trees influence the life of planet Earth—from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of the world’s most remarkable trees, from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori 'lord of the forest,' to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth’s largest living thing. You’ll also discover how an astronaut carried tree seeds to the moon and back; the reason 'microdosing' on tree gas is a sure way to boost your immune system; and why playing in the dirt boosts serotonin, happiness hormone.   For nature and science enthusiasts, as well as phot

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from Tom''s life with six cats in UNDER THE PAW, he now picks up the story in TALK TO THE TAIL, updating readers on what has happened with his feline friends as well as looking back for more confessions about his animal-loving past. Readers of Tom''s previous book will be delighted to read what has happened to his six eccentric cats. Why does Janet keep bringing 1980s sweet wrappers into the house? Will 24-hour surveillance of The Bear, using a state-of-the-art cat GPS system, finally solve the mystery of his wanderlust? Tom also writes about his bumbling forays into the remainder of the animal kingdom. He attempts to overcome his crippling fear of horses with disastrous results, chase ostriches in Kenya, put his hand into a tiger''s mouth for 0.9 seconds and he meets his ''alter-doggo'' -- the spaniel Tom regularly walks who likes to roll around in dead animals. Where will it all end? Will he give in to temptation and get a dog, a goat or even more cats? With this

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Book SynopsisThe volcano among the most familiar and perhaps the most terrifying of all geological phenomena. However, Earth isn''t the only planet to harbour volcanoes. In fact, the Solar System, and probably the entire Universe, is littered with them. Our own Moon, which is now a dormant piece of rock, had lava flowing across its surface billions of years ago, while Mars can be credited with the largest volcano in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, which stands 25km high. While Mars''s volcanoes are long dead, volcanic activity continues in almost every other corner of the Solar System, in the most unexpected of locations. We tend to think of Earth volcanoes as erupting hot, molten lava and emitting huge, billowing clouds of incandescent ash. However, it isn''t necessarily the same across the rest of the Solar System. For a start, some volcanoes aren''t even particularly hot. Those on Pluto, for example, erupt an icy slush of substances such as water, methane, nitrogen or ammonia, that fTrade ReviewFire and Ice is an assured, essential read on everything you could hope to know about volcanoes on both our world and others. It captures the intrigue, mystery and wonder of space, and underscores just how much we have to thank volcanoes for on Earth. * New Scientist *Starkey’s excellent book is the first to examine these extra-terrestrial volcanoes of our Solar System … It’s an explosive read in more ways than one. * Forbes *In Fire and Ice, geologist and solar system maven Natalie Starkey reveals to us that Earth is not the only host for active volcanoes. You can find them in places not previously imagined, like the surfaces of other planets and their moons. And you think you’ve seen everything? Some of these volcanoes even spew ice. Read all about it in this mind-expanding book. * Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist American Museum of Natural History *[Starkey] masterfully weaves the latest information we have about volcanoes throughout the Solar System into a broader narrative about planets and moons themselves. The result is a book about volcanoes — and so much more ... entertaining and informative. * Nature *A FANTASTIC exploration of the hidden workings of the planets, and a timely reminder of what a fascinating and dramatic place our solar system is. * Dallas Campbell, Science television presenter and author *Fire and Ice explores a unique blend of space volcanoes – from the inner workings to the outer landscapes. Natalie journeys into the weird nature of volcanism and dives into current outstanding questions that we are still exploring. * Dr Caitlin Ahrens, NASA / USRA *Natalie Starkey leads us on an incredible journey across our Solar System, revealing a wonderful variety of volcanic geology. A fascinating look at volcanoes and the space science that enables us to study them. * Rebecca Williams, Volcanologist *Starkey takes readers on NASA’s expeditions, onto islands, and between tectonic plates undersea with vivid, immersive descriptions. The result is a thoroughly accessible look at a lesser-known part of the universe. * Publisher's Weekly *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Destruction Chapter 3: Making a Magma Chapter 4: Construction Chapter 5: Creating a Life-giving World Chapter 6: Peering In Chapter 7: Warming Up Chapter 8: Cooling Off Chapter 9: Fiery Moons Chapter 10: Fiery Planets Chapter 11: Ice Worlds Chapter 12: What Next? Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisA SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEARLonglisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year''Rich and joyous ...The book''s quiet optimism about our ability to change, and to learn to love small things passionately, will stay with me for a long time'' Helen Macdonald''Big-hearted and quietly gripping'' Guardian''I love Jon Day''s writing and his birds. A marvellous, soaring account'' Olivia Laing''[A] beautiful book about unbeautiful birds'' Observer''This is nature writing at its best'' Financial Times''Awash with historical and literary detail, and moving moments ... Wonderful''Telegraph''Every page of this beautifully written book brought me pleasure'' Charlotte Higgins''A vivid evocation of a remarkable speTrade ReviewPrecise and poignant * Spectator *I love Jon Day's writing and his birds. A marvellous, soaring account * Olivia Laing *A compelling blend of personal memoir, nature writing and popular science, Day's book considers the humble pigeon, probably our oldest companion species. * Mail on Sunday *Homing did something I thought would be impossible - made me fall in love with the humble, familiar feral pigeon. It is both a repository of fascinating stories and memorable characters, and a deeply felt personal enquiry into the nature of 'home'. Every page of this beautifully written book brought me pleasure * Charlotte Higgins *'A terrific book which explores the sport inside out, as well as our own human concept of what home is' * Daily Telegraph *In this lucid and beguiling book, Jon Day has written marvellously interwoven tale of our two species * Jonathan Raban *A meditation that swoops agilely over topics from tyranny of technology to the paradoxes of parenting and the rewards of simply staying put. . . . A joyful, richly rewarding book * Mail on Sunday *Big-hearted and quietly gripping * The Guardian *[A] Vivid evocation of a remarkable species and a rich working-class tradition...a charming defence of a much-maligned bird * Daily Mail *Day's stories from the history of human-pigeon relations are well chosen and well told ... there's a great deal to like in the simple imagery of a young family and their pigeons growing up together in an east London home * Literary Review *This beautiful book by an English lecturer-cum-pigeon fancier reveals eerie parallels between human and bird life ... [A] beautiful book about unbeautiful birds * The Observer *Jon Day takes on the humble racing pigeon to ask just what home is, how we establish it, miss it and depart and return to it. He elevates this heroic bird to its rightful place in natural history and our history too, and celebrates its shared instinct with us for home... the art his own family and academic career... He has many fascinating accounts of how we've exploited these miraculous birds' homing instincts in war and peace... Day swoops and soars over many fields of art and science to unravel our instinct for homeEndlessly interesting and dazzlingly erudite, this wonderful book will make a home for itself in your heart * Prospect Magazine *I totally love Jon Day's new book Homing. For people who recognise that feeling familiar to Freud, of being homesick for nowhere, Jon's sense of making a particular home, or of knowing your way back to one, is a miracle-narrative of birds and men. Humane and beautifully navigated, it is hands down a book of the year -- Andrew O'HaganA dazzlingly erudite memoir about family, children and pigeon-fancying. An unlikely combination perhaps, but Day pulls it off. * Prospect Magazine *Day's stories from the history of human-pigeon relations are well chosen and well told ... there's a great deal to like in the simple imagery of a young family and their pigeons growing up together in an east London home * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisThe thing about farms is, there are lots of noises. But this was a CRUNCH and a CRASH which aren't good noises. Especially when Bruce the boar is around . . .

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Book Synopsis‘[A] delightful hymn of praise to the most extraordinary of all the world's bird families – hummingbirds’ STEPHEN MOSS ‘A brilliant read’ MARK AVERY 'Ever thoughtful and engaging, Jon Dunn pursues these dazzling creatures through dust and jungle' BENEDICT ALLEN 'A warm-hearted and enthusiastic triumph of nature writing' TIM DEE _____________________ For centuries hummingbirds have captured our imaginations: revered by Native Americans, coveted by European collectors and admired worldwide for their jewel-like plumage, acrobatic flight and immense character. Though their renown extends throughout the world, hummingbirds are found exclusively in the Americas. Small in stature yet fiercely tenacious, they have conquered every habitat imaginable: from boreal woodlands to deserts, mangrove swamps to volcanic slopes, and on islands both tropical and sub-polar. The Glitter in the Green takes us on an unforgettable journey in search of the most remarkable examples of this wildly variable family. There’s the Bee Hummingbird in Cuba, the smallest species of bird to have ever lived; the diminutive Rufous Hummingbird, whose annual migration exceeds 3,000 miles; and the critically endangered Juan Fernández Firecrown, marooned on the remote Pacific island that inspired Robinson Crusoe. Jon Dunn brings us closer than ever before to these magnificent creatures, exploring a heady mix of rare birds, a history redolent with mythology, and the colourful stories of the people obsessed with hummingbirds through the ages. With great passion for his subject and a taste for adventure, Dunn transports us to wondrous landscapes from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, and invites us into the kaleidoscopic world of the hummingbird – the bird that has won the hearts and minds of mankind for millennia.Trade ReviewDunn's vast love letter is as gleaming and mesmeric as its tiny subject. His travels to observe the often elusive family Trochilidae take him from the smoky air of an Alaska besieged by wildfire, to coastal Santa Marta, Colombia. The book ... is as much an ode to our world writ large as it is to one of its most captivating birds * Vanity Fair *The Glitter in the Green braids the cultural history and daunting needs and feats of these wondrous birds with vivid accounts of the author’s sometimes hazardous, far-flung mountain, forest and island expeditions ... Exceedingly well-researched and packed with fascinating lore, it should appeal to avid birders and general readers alike -- Heller McAlpin * Wall Street Journal *Ever thoughtful and engaging, Jon Dunn pursues these dazzling creatures through dust and jungle to the chillier shores at the far end of the world -- Benedict AllenEnticing ... brilliant ... a warm-hearted and enthusiastic triumph of nature writing, passionate yet expert, human and humane as well as biologically spot on, freighted with life that is troublingly exciting, and sparkling with its subject ... a memorable and essential book -- Tim DeeAn adventure-filled, continent-spanning travelogue ... By carefully peeling back layers of history to find shimmering hummingbirds hidden within, Dunn has created essential reading to understand human obsession—past and present—with these remarkable creatures -- Jonathan C. SlaghtGlittering gems of the Americas and nowhere else on Earth, hummingbirds lure Jon Dunn from Alaska to Chile in this whizzing travelogue of hummer natural history ... exquisite -- Dan FloresMore than just an observant birdwatcher, Jon Dunn is a talented traveler and writer ... The Glitter in the Green is a vivid exploration of a dazzling subject -- Thor HansonAt a time when we are confined to our home patch, Jon Dunn transports us to the Americas, in this delightful hymn of praise to the most extraordinary of all the world’s bird families – hummingbirds -- Stephen MossFull of natural history, quotes from early explorers, local history, and adventure, Dunn’s chronicle of his hummingbird quests will make readers just as obsessed with these small, quick birds dipped in rainbows * Booklist, starred review *This is more than a bird book ... It combines one person’s adventure with arguably the most spectacular group of birds in the world: hummingbirds! The immensely talented writer Jon Dunn follows these highly diverse jewels from Alaska, down the Americas to Tierra del Fuego, and weaves an environmental and cultural dialogue around these hummers and the human-dominated world they live in -- Dr. Joel CracraftThe author chronicles his travels from his home in the Shetland Islands to the Americas in search of this alluring bird… A mesmerizing, wonder-filled nature study that also serves as a cautionary tale about wildlife conservation. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *An engaging history of the species ... This inviting narrative describes the author’s search for the rare Mangrove Hummingbird in Costa Rica, as well as others threatened with habitat loss in Cuba and Mexico ... An essential book for bird watchers, especially hummingbird lovers, as well as anyone interested in natural history -- Mark Jones * Library Journal *Natural history writer Dunn takes readers on a wondrous globe-trotting pilgrimage to seek out hummingbirds... Dunn’s vivid prose, balanced with just the right amount of detail, will captivate birders and non-birders alike * Publishers Weekly, starred review *A delightful and rich adventure into hummingbird territory, recounted with a deftly literate touch. A glittering treat -- Dominic Couzens, author of 'A Bird a Day'A rich, fascinating and absorbing book, combining personal adventure with the natural history of the most magical birds on the planet -- Lev Parikian, author of 'Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear' and 'Into the Tangled Bank'Jon Dunn's wide-ranging journey underlines how hummingbirds’ famous beauty has often blinded us to the deeper wonders of their daring, passionate lives. -- Jonathan Meiburg, author of 'A Most Remarkable Creature'Jon Dunn’s searching book on these tiny, enigmatic birds takes on a tour of brilliance ... In beautiful, measured prose, Dunn shows us the hummingbirds’ worlds and, of course, the challenges they face at our hands. It is a lovesong to the hummingbird that will make you wonder and hope for their survival in equal measure. -- Melanie Challenger, author of 'How to be Animal'It’s a brilliant read, and not only if you are keen on hummingbirds but just if you are keen on nature, and places, and people and history -- Mark AveryA good place to begin to understand the birds’ dramatic pleasures is with this entertaining book. One of Jon Dunn’s real achievements is his ability to conjure the plastic form and astonishing chromatic architecture of many hummingbird species -- Mark Cocker * Spectator *The Glitter In The Green contains astonishing photographs and stories about these rare and beautiful birds * Herald *At times, just reading the book was an adrenaline burner. Epic quest followed epic quest. I was swept along, wide-eyed at the places, the friendly people and the nail-biting conclusion of wondering if, after all the effort, the hummingbird in question would materialise -- Anthony Mcgeehan * Rare Bird Alert *

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Book SynopsisFrom the Big Bang to the Gaia Mission, this is a very personal history of the universe through the author's favourite 100 stars.Astronomer Florian Freistetter has chosen 100 stars that have almost nothing in common. Some are bright and famous, some shine so feebly you need a huge telescope. There are big stars, small stars, nearby stars and faraway stars. Some died a while ago, others have not even yet come into being. Collectively they tell the story of the whole world, according to Freistetter. There is Algol, for example, the Demon Star, whose strange behaviour has long caused people sleepless nights. And Gamma Draconis, from which we know that the earth rotates around its own axis. There is also the star sequence 61 Cygni, which revealed the size of the cosmos to us.Then there are certain stars used by astronomers to search for extra-terrestrial life, to explore interstellar space travel, or to explain why the dinosaurs became extinct.In 100 short, fascinating and entertaining chapters, Freistetter not only reveals the past and future of the cosmos, but also the story of the people who have tried to understand the world in which we live.Trade Review'An ingenious basic course in astronomy' * Die Welt *Delightful ... an excellent diversion for people of all levels of astronomical knowledge * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *Our cosmic narrative is told in a very different, inventive manner by the Austrian writer and astronomer Florian Freistetter, who examines it through the device of providing short portraits of his hundred favourite stars. It's the classic trick of focusing on the particular to tell a wider story, and here it is done beautifully * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisThis is an unusual and practical guide to the sky as we see it -- with the naked eye. The author, an experienced teacher, leads the reader from the stars as seen from Earth, through observation of the Sun, Moon and various planets, to a deeper understanding of the Copernican revolution, comets and meteors, and to the sky of the Southern Hemisphere.The text includes mythological and historical aspects of the subject and has numerous exercises for the student. The final chapter is a unique collection of poetry related to the stars from ancient India to modern times. Appendices include future astronomical events, technical data, materials and publications, and a comprehensive glossary of astronomical terms.Trade Review'An excellent introduction to the sky for the general public. The basic material is factually accurate, and the inclusion of descriptions of famous astronomers gives the book a special charm.'-- Irwin Shapiro, Director, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics'It's an owners manual for the sky.'-- E. C. Krupp, Director, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles'With remarkable clarity and deft organisation, Norman Davidson leads us far along a path toward a renewed knowledge and intimacy with the stars and planets … an invaluable resource for teachers. I commend it heartily.'-- Arthur Zajonc, Professor of Physics, Amherst CollegeTable of ContentsIntroductionThe Stars — IThe Stars — IIThe SunThe MoonEclipsesThe PlanetsThe Copernican RevolutionComets and MeteorsThe Southern Hemisphere SkyThe Stars in PoetryAppendices: Astronomical Events * Technical Data * Astronomical Symbols * much more …

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Book SynopsisCat Care Strategies, Tips, and Secret Tricks ​“This delightful book is great for cat parents of all ages and experience levels…I give it Four Paws Up” —Larissa Wohl, on-air pet rescue expert, producer, and host#1 New Release in Cat BreedsThere are over 95 million pet cats in the United States, and most cat owners will tell you that they have the best cat, so why not prove it with this one-of-a-kind keepsake for cat lovers.Claw This Journal. Following in the paw prints of Sassafras’s beloved dog keepsake, Chew This Journal, comes this creative cat care activity tracker.Show some love for your emotional support cat. Many cat people incorporate their fur babies into their coping strategies for their emotional well-being, and since our cats do so much for us, it’s about time we support their emotional wellness too! Claw this Journal guides you on how to have fun and intentional time with your house companion.The cat lover’s craft book. Skip the expensive cat furniture and cat carrier backpack, and instead opt to pamper your pet with exciting DIY cat care tricks like enrichment activities and cat crafts that are sure to keep even senior cats from indulging in too many cat naps!Inside this cat care tracker you’ll find: Crafts like cozy DIY cat beds, mouth-watering treats for cats, and a memory book of your pet’s milestones, silly moments, and adorable faces Brainbusters for your cats to ponder over such as cat puzzles, cardboard forts, and DIY cat toys Journaling pages to track your cat’s grooming, training, and activity progress If you love pet training books like Chew This Journal, Who’s a Good Dog?, or Puppy Love, you’ll love Claw This Journal!Trade Review“Each year, millions of unwanted kittens and cats end up in our shelter system because they're simply misunderstood. But with Claw This Journal, that is no longer an excuse. This delightful book is great for cat parents of all ages and experience levels. Not only does it provide educational insight into the feline world, it also includes many fun and engaging activities to keep your kitty entertained, enriched, and exercised! I give it Four Paws Up” —Larissa Wohl, on-air pet rescue expert, producer, and host

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Book SynopsisSara Dykman made history when she became the first person to bicycle alongside monarch butterflies on their storied annual migration-a round-trip adventure that included three countries and more than 10,000 miles. Equally remarkable, she did it solo, on a bike cobbled together from used parts. In Bicycling with Butterflies-praised as "poetic" (Publishers Weekly) and called "a collective cry for climate action" (Booklist)-Dykman recounts her incredible journey. We're beside her as she navigates unmapped roads in foreign countries, checks roadside milkweed for monarch eggs, and shares her passion with eager schoolchildren, skeptical bar patrons, and unimpressed border officials. We also meet some of the ardent monarch stewards who supported her efforts, from citizen scientists and researchers to farmers and high-rise city dwellers. With both humour and humility, Dykman offers a compelling story, confirming the urgency of saving the threatened monarch migration-and the other threatened systems of nature that affect the survival of us all.

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Book SynopsisWe’ve all seen the YouTube videos of dogs performing amazing tricks. How did their owners train them to blow bubbles, skateboard, and fetch beer from the refrigerator? Teach Your Dog Crazy Tricks expertly details how to train your dog to pull off 50 impressive tricks sure to wow friends and family.Desiree van Zon and her border collie Tess competed for years in canine freestyle dance, becoming Dutch champions in 2022. Thanks to their years of training together, van Zon has developed clear and concise methods for training dogs in a wide range of tricks for varying skill levels. Inside you’ll find heavily illustrated chapters dedicated to: Trick Training Basics Beginner Dog Tricks Intermediate Dog Tricks Advanced Dog Tricks Expert Dog Tricks Bond with your dog and blow minds with Teach Your Dog Crazy Tricks!

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Book SynopsisWind is everywhere and nowhere. Wind is the circulatory system of the earth, and its nervous system, too. Energy and information flow through it. It brings warmth and water, enriches and strips away the soil, aerates the globe. Wind shapes the lives of animals, humans among them. Trade follows the path of the wind, as empire also does. Wind made the difference in wars between the Greeks and Persians, the Mongols and the Japanese. Wind helped to destroy the Spanish Armada. And wind is no less determining of our inner lives: the föhn, mistral, sirocco, Santa Ana, and other ?ill winds? of the world are correlated with disease, suicide, and even murder.Heaven?s Breathis an encyclopedic and enchanting book that opens dazzling new perspectives on history, nature, and humanity.

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Book SynopsisAn invaluable site guide for New England birders, now available in a new updated edition. With over 470 species of birds recorded, Maine offers an abundance of birding opportunities for people of all levels of interest and experience, from those looking beyond their backyards for the first time to knowledgeable visitors looking to plug a hole in their list of sightings. The state’s wealth of undeveloped land and its extensive coastline, countless islands, and varied habitat combine to host an impressive diversity of birds at all times of the year. Birders travel to Maine from near and far to seek hard-to-find species, from the only Atlantic puffins breeding in the United States on offshore islands to Bicknell’s thrushes high in the mountains. This book fills an important niche for the birdwatching community by offering comprehensive entries detailing the best locations for finding birds throughout the state for enthusiasts of all levels of skill and interest. It contains descriptions of 202 birding sites in Maine, with explicit directions on how to get there, for all sixteen of the state’s counties, several as large as other New England states! Each chapter features a county map, a brief overview by Derek J. Lovitch, numerous specific site guides, and a list of rarities. The book also contains a detailed and useful species accounts guide for finding the most sought-after birds. Lavishly illustrated in color throughout, Birdwatching in Maine is the best available resource for finding birds in the largest of the New England states. This updated edition features a new introduction, as well as new birding sites and maps.Trade Review“Whether an experienced Maine birder or visitor, or even just a mildly interested bird enthusiast who likes to explore, this book . . . is a must-have for your personal library, although it may spend more time in the car and in your hands than on the shelf!” * Boothbay Register *“Lovitch’s new birding guide, Birdwatching in Maine, is a must-have for all who love Maine’s birds. The book is comprehensive, covering all the state’s best bird watching places.” * Bangor Daily News *Table of ContentsPreface xvIntroduction: Why Go Birding in Maine? 1Basics of Birding in Maine 3How to Use This Book 5American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics 91 Y ork County 13Derek LovitchY1 Fort Foster and Seapoint Beach 14Y2 Mount Agamenticus 17Y3 The Nubble (Cape Neddick) 18Y4 Winter Alcid and Harlequin Duck Tour 20Y5 Moody-Ogunquit Beach and Beach Plum Farm 22Y6 Wells Marshes and Beaches 24Y7 Wells Reserve at Laudholm 26Y8 First Chance Whale Watch 27Y9 Kennebunk Plains 28Y10 Sanford Lagoons 31Y11 Timber Point and Fortunes Rocks Beach 33Y12 Biddeford Pool 35Y13 Saco “Yacht Club” and Riverwalk 41Y14 Pleasant Point Park 43Y15 Waterboro Barrens Preserve 44Y16 Killock Pond Road, and Maynard Marsh andLittle Ossippee River Wildlife Management Areas 45Y17 Sawyer Mountain Loop 482 C umberland County 51Derek LovitchC1 Scarborough Marsh 53C2 Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove State Parks 60C3 Dyer Point and Two Lights State Park 62C4 Village Crossings and the Cape Elizabeth Greenbelt Trail 64C5 Portland Harbor Winter Gull Loop 65C6 The Eastern Promenade 68C7 Back Cove 71C8 Evergreen Cemetery and Other Urban Sites 73C9 Capisic Pond Park 77C10 Odyssey Whalewatch 78C11 Casco Bay Islands (especially Peaks Island) and the Mailboat 80C12 Riverbank Park and Westbrook Riverwalk 82C13 Sebago Lake State Park and the Sebago Lake Loop 83C14 Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island 87C15 “Greater Yarmouth Goose Fields” 89C16 Old Town House Park 91C17 Morgan Meadow Wildlife Management Area 92C18 Bradbury Mountain State Park and Spring Hawk Watch 93C19 Winslow Park and South Freeport 95C20 Florida Lake Park 98C21 Wharton Point to Simpson Point 100C22 Harpswell Neck 102C23 Bailey Island 1053 O xford County 107Kirk BettsO1 Brownfield Bog 109O2 Pleasant Mountain 111O3 Fryeburg Harbor Loop 112O4 Heald and Bradley Ponds 114O5 Streaked Mountain 115O6 Virgil Parris Forest (Packard Trail) 116O7 Norway Loop 116O8 White Mountain National Forest 118O9 Mount Will 119O10 Rumford Whitecap Mountain 120O11 Grafton Notch State Park 121O12 Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge 1224 A ndroscoggin County 125Dan NickersonAN1 Androscoggin River Tour, Durham to Lewiston 126AN2 Beaver Park, Lisbon 129AN3 Miller Park—Papermill Trail, Ricker Farm, and AndroscogginRiver Trails 131AN4 The “Louie” Loop 133AN5 Range Pond State Park 136AN6 Lewiston-Auburn Parks and Trails 137AN7 Auburn North Circuit 141AN8 Sabattus Pond 1445 S agadahoc County 149John BerrySA1 Morse Mountain and Seawall Beach 151SA2 Popham Beach State Park 152SA 3 Reid State Park 155SA4 New Meadows River 158SA 5 Bath Landfill and Waterfront 158SA6 Whiskeag Creek Trail (Sewall Woods and Thorne Head) 161SA 7 Bradley Pond 162SA8 Bisson’s Farm 163SA 9 Cathance Preserve 164SA10 Merrymeeting Bay (including the Mouth of the AbagadassetRiver) 165SA11 Green Point Wildlife Management Area 1686 L incoln County 171Allison Childs Wells and Jeffrey V. WellsL1 Monhegan Island 172L2 Boothbay Harbor Loop 177L3 Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch 178L4 Boothbay Center Loop 179L5 Ocean Point—Linekin Preserve Loop 181L6 Pemaquid Point Loop 183L7 Eastern Egg Rock via the Hardy Boat 186L8 Schmid Preserve–Zak Preserve Loop 187L9 Old Cedar Grove Road and Pownalborough Court HouseTrails 189L10 Great Salt Bay Loop 191L11 Dresden Bog Loop 194L12 North Lincoln County Loop 1967 K ennebec County 199Herb WilsonKE1 Cobbosseecontee Lake 201KE2 Vaughan Woods 202KE3 Mill Park and Augusta State Airport (West Augusta) 203KE4 Viles Arboretum 204KE5 Hatch Hill Landfill 206KE6 Messalonskee Lake 208KE7 Sidney Bog 210KE8 China Lake 211KE9 Waterville Loop 213KE10 Kennebec River 216KE11 Kennebec Highlands Trails 217KE12 River Road Farmlands 2188 K nox County 221Kristen LindquistKX1 St. George River in Warren 222KX2 Weskeag Marsh 223KX3 Thomaston Waterfront 226KX4 Owls Head Area Loop 228KX5 Rockland Breakwater 230KX6 Vinalhaven Island (and Ferry) 232KX7 Chickawaukie Lake and Maces Pond 238KX8 Clarry Hill 239KX 9 Appleton Ridge to the Gibson Preserve 241KX10 Beech Hill Preserve 243KX11 Merryspring Nature Center 246KX12 Camden Harbor 248KX13 Camden Hills State Park 2499 Waldo County 253Seth BenzWO1 Fernald’s Neck Preserve 254WO2 Ducktrap Harbor 256WO3 Islesboro (Island) 257WO4 Lake St. George State Park 260WO5 James Dorso (Ruffingham Meadow) Wildlife ManagementArea 261WO6 Belfast Tour 262WO7 Head of Tide and Stover Preserves 266WO8 Bog Brook Sanctuary / Sheepscot-Wellspring Land AllianceProperties 269WO9 Frye Mountain State Wildlife Management Area 270WO10 Sears Island 272WO11 Cape Jellison Loop 276WO12 Sandy Point Beach and Sandy Point Wildlife ManagementArea 278WO13 Unity Area 279WO14 Howard L. Mendall (Marsh Stream) Wildlife ManagementArea 28310 Hancock County 285Rich MacDonaldH1 Deer Isle Tour 287H2 Blue Hill Peninsula Tour 290H3 Holbrook Island Sanctuary 292H4 Acadia National Park Tour (including Park Loop Road) 295H5 Mount Desert Island (West) Tour 301H6 East Mount Desert Island Tour 304H7 Bar Harbor Whale Watch 306H8 Trenton 308H9 Schoodic Peninsula Tour 309H10 Great Pond Mountain Wildlands 311H11 Ellsworth Tour 312H12 Route 9, Airline Road (“the Airline”) and Stud MillRoad Tour 31411 Franklin County 317Kirk BettsF1 White Granite Park 319F2 Foothills Land Conservancy 320F3 Whistlestop Trail 321F4 Mount Blue State Park 322F5 Perham Stream Birding Trail 323F6 Saddleback Mountain 324F7 Rangeley Lakes 326F8 Rangeley Loop Drive 328F9 Bald Mountain 331F10 Boy Scout Road and the Kennebago River 332F11 Quill Hill 334F12 Sugarloaf Area 335F13 Burnt Mountain (aka Burnt Hill) 33712 S omerset County 339Ron JosephSO 1 Mill Island Town Park 341SO2 Shawmut Dam 342SO3 Goodwill-Hinckley School Nature Trail, L. C. Bates Museum,and Kennebec Valley Community College Farm Fields 343SO4 Madawaska Bog Wildlife Management Area 344SO5 Gilman Pond Farm and Stream Inlet 345SO6 Long Falls Dam Road 346SO7 Moore Pond 35013 P enobscot County 353Luke SeitzPE1 Sebasticook Lake 354PE2 Corinna Marsh 355PE3 Plymouth Pond 357PE4 Essex Woods 358PE5 Bangor Waterfront Tour 359PE6 Penjajawoc Marsh 361PE7 Bangor City Forest and Orono Bog 362PE8 University of Maine Campus 363PE9 Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 365PE10 Stud Mill Road 36614 W ashington County 369Herb WilsonWN1 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge 370WN2 Southern Washington County Blueberry Barrens 371WN3 Addison Marsh 372WN4 Great Wass Island 372WN5 Roque Bluffs State Park 374WN6 Machias Loop 374WN7 Machias Seal Island 376WN8 Hamilton Cove and Boot Head Preserves 377WN9 Lubec and the Lubec Bar and Flats 380WN10 Quoddy Head State Park 383WN11 Campobello Island 386WN12 Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge: Edmunds Division 387WN13 Pleasant Island–Eastport Loop 388WN14 Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge: Baring Division 390WN15 The Burn Road 39115 P iscataquis County 393Luke SeitzPS1 Shirley Bog Railroad Bed 395PS2 Big Moose Mountain 397PS3 Lily Bay State Park 398PS4 Kokadjo Area 398PS5 Golden Road 400PS6 Harvester Road 401PS7 Baxter State Park: Nesowadnehunk Campground 405PS8 Baxter State Park: Roaring Brook Campground andSandy Stream Pond 406PS9 Baxter State Park: Mount Katahdin 40716 A roostook County 411Luke SeitzAR1 Mars Hill Pond 412AR2 Masardis Area 413AR3 Aroostook State Park 414AR4 Lake Josephine 415AR5 Christiana Reservoir 417AR6 Collins Pond 418AR 7 Limestone / Fort Fairfield Goose Tour 419AR8 Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge 421AR9 Stockholm–Van Buren Path 422AR10 Muscovic Road 424AR11 Sinclair Area 425AR12 Square Lake Road 426AR13 The North Maine Woods 42917 S pecies Accounts 432References 465About the Editor and Contributors 467Index of Bird Species 473

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING 'Funny, accessible and full of wonders' Melissa Harrison, author of The Stubborn Light of Things Lev Parikian is on a joyful journey to discover the quirks, habits and wonders of how we experience nature. ___ It’s often said that we're a nation of nature lovers, but what does that really mean? Lev Parikian sets out to explore the many ways that he, and we, experience the natural world - from pavement to garden and from wildlife reserve to far-flung island. He visits the haunts of famous nature lovers to examine their insatiable curiosity; meets ramblers, birders and den-builders; and gets up close and personal with the nature he finds everywhere - including the kitchen sink. Open a window, hear the birds calling and join this warm and generous journey into the tangled bank. ___ ‘If, like me, you've got more *into nature* in the last few months, but sometimes feel a bit excluded by nature writing, then this book will make you feel included and welcomed.’ Tracey Thorn ‘A witty, touching and profound book about one man's burgeoning relationship with the natural world - and it's also a joy to read.’ Stephen Moss ‘Lev's endearing child-like joy at even the smallest of encounters is infectious.’ BBC Wildlife MagazineTrade Review'Funny, accessible and full of wonders - a genuine breath of fresh air. - Melissa Harrison, author of All Among the Barley and The Stubborn Light of Things 'An open, warm and unique journey full of unabashed enthusiasm for the natural world. A rare thing.' - Stephen Rutt, author of The Seafarers'Lev Parikian is one of those rare beasts: a nature writer with a sense of humour. This is a witty, touching and profound book about one man's burgeoning relationship with the natural world - and it's also a joy to read.' - Stephen Moss, naturalist and author'Lev's endearing child-like joy at even the smallest of encounters is infectious - this book will have you peering more closely at the spider in your bathroom or the woodlouse in your garden, and following his advice to "Look. Look again. Look better".' - BBC Wildlife Magazine'Try Lev Parikian's witty Into the Tangled Bank. He starts with the wildlife found in your kitchen sink, and gradually deepens connections to nature within and outside your own four walls.' - Ann Pettifor, Guardian (Best Books to Inspire Hope for the Planet)'I genuinely think Into the Tangled Bank should be put on prescription for anyone suffering depression or loneliness because it is an absolute tonic of a book that creates happiness in the very soul of the reader. I adored it.' - Linda's Book Bag'If, like me, you've got more *into nature* in the last few months, but sometimes feel a bit excluded by nature writing, like you don't know enough, then this book will make you feel included and welcomed.' - Tracey Thorn

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Book Synopsis___ See the British year afresh and experience a new way of connecting with nature – through the prism of Japan’s seventy-two ancient microseasons. Across seventy-two short chapters and twelve months, writer and nature lover Lev Parikian charts the changes that each of these ancient microseasons (of a just a few days each) bring to his local patch – garden, streets, park and wild cemetery. From the birth of spring (risshun) in early February to ‘the greater cold’ (daikan) in late January, Lev draws our eye to the exquisite beauty of the outside world, day-to-day. Instead of Japan’s lotus blossom, praying mantis and bear, he watches bramble, woodlouse and urban fox; hawthorn, dragonfly and peregrine. But the seasonal rhythms – and the power of nature to reflect and enhance our mood – remain. By turns reflective, witty and joyous, this is both a nature diary and a revelation of the beauty of the small and subtle changes of the everyday, allowing us to ‘look, look again, look better’. It is perfect gift to read in real time across the British year. ___ ‘A fresh new look at the microseasons of nature’s calendar, seen through Lev Parikian’s eyes – with his usual humour, attention to detail and beautifully written prose.’ Stephen Moss ‘Buy this book. Plant it somewhere handy and whenever you’re in need of a “spark of joy” pick it up and read a few pages. Its wit will make you smile. It will transport you to a wilder, gentler, more beautiful world.’ Ann Pettifor

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Book Synopsis*WINNER OF THE ACKERLEY PRIZE 2023* ‘The most thoughtful and soothing book I’ve read this year.’ Daily Mail ‘There is just one object I want to carry inside the van... It was believed lightning would not strike a house that held a thunderstone. I place this fossil on the windowsill, its surface gleaming like cat’s eyes ahead of me on a dark road.’ In the wake of a traumatic lockdown, Nancy Campbell buys an old caravan and drives it into a strip of neglected woodland between a canal and railway. There is no plumbed water, no electricity point and the walls are as thin as a Kinder egg. But it is the first home she has ever owned. As summer begins, Nancy embraces the challenge of how to live well in a place in which possessions and emotions often threaten to tumble, clearing industrial junk from the soil, forging unconventional friendships off-grid and helping the wild beauty surrounding her to flourish. But when illness and uncertainty loom once more, she has to find a way to hold on to beauty and wonder, to anchor herself in this van, this safe space, this shelter from the storm. An intimate journal across the space of a defining summer, Nancy Campbell’s memoir is celebration of the people and places that hold us when the storms gather; a soul-shaking journey that reminds us what it is to be alive. ___ ‘A beautiful and often very funny account of hope and healing in the face of illness and uncertainty.’ TLS ‘How to find beauty and wonder even in the most trying of circumstances’ The Scotsman ‘An uplifting, heart-filled read full of hope and love.’ Lulah Ellender, author of GroundingTrade Review‘Campbell’s memoir of the year she spent in that caravan is the most thoughtful and soothing book I’ve read this year’ Daily Mail ‘A beautiful and often very funny account of hope and healing in the face of illness and uncertainty’ TLS ‘This raw, honest account of semi-urban caravan life offers a valuable lesson in how to find beauty and wonder even in the most trying of circumstances […] she is wonderfully alert to every nuance of every experience, and writes with joyous precision about the summer she sees unfolding all around her.’ The Scotsman ‘Hopeful, honest and lyrically written, a memoir which celebrates resilience in precarious times.’ The Simple Things A ‘many-splendoured book, which is at once an after-love, ever-loving letter to her ex; a real-time journal to keep herself company and emotionally intact; a worked-over piece of literary art (Campbell writes beautiful prose) and a rich newcomer to the latest and most exciting department of place writing.’ Horatio Clare, The Spectator ‘The Fifty Words for Snow and The Library of Ice author digs deep into the elemental again, escaping lockdown by buying a caravan and finding hope in neglected woods’ i weekend ‘One is swept along by the subtle, elegant prose and a narrative that is rich in literary references, sometimes carried away by poetic drift, yet overriddingly a visceral, energising sense of a life live well’ Country Life ‘I’ve read Campbell’s work before – the gorgeous crystalline perfection of Fifty Words for Snow gave me tightly controlled, crisp prose delivered with scientific precision. Thunderstone is different. Campbell’s deft hand with language remains, but under the microscope now is herself, in raw and emotional detail. […] Campbell’s depiction of the canal community where her caravan resides is tender and warm’ Kate Blincoe, Resurgence & Ecologist ‘I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a writer who writes about these things as movingly, as gracefully — as beautifully — as Nancy Campbell.’ The Clearing ‘I picked this book up to have a quick browse and two hours later wondered where the time had gone. Thunderstone is an honest and moving account of the author’s journey through a series of traumas, from the onset of the pandemic — coinciding with her partner’s stroke — to dealing with her own illness. This book is an uplifiting, positive and poetic look at life in all its rawness: a celebration of change, self-discovery, and off-grid life that is, quite simply, a pleasure to read.’ The Countryman ‘I hope to thank Nancy Campbell for this book in person someday. For giving us this humbling, honest, raw & deeply moving book that reminds us what it means to be alive.’ Kerri ni Dochartaigh, Caught By the River ‘An utterly beautiful, life affirming, soul shaking, heart-breaking wonder of a book. […] This is a humbling, honest, raw and deeply moving book that reminds us what it means to be alive.’ Kerri ní Dochartaigh, author of Thin Places ‘An uplifting, heart-filled read full of hope and love.’ Lulah Ellender, author of Grounding: Finding Home in a Garden ‘Thunderstone goes well beyond mere memoir. Nancy is a badass, a wild woman corralling experiences of poetry, humanity and the natural world to shape visions of new ways forward for us all.’ Matthew Teller, journalist and author of Nine Quarters Of Jerusalem ‘A courageous, compassionate, uncanny chronicle of life and loss on the fringes.’ Dan Richards, author of Outpost ‘A memoir of great honesty and clarity, intimacy and subtlety… It asks profound questions about how to live through the storms of life with authenticity.’ Gavin Francis, author of Adventures in Human Being / Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence ‘Any book by Nancy Campbell has to be worth reading.’ Dervla Murphy ‘A writer of quiet strength, clarity and empathy, with a traveller's eye for detail and the precision of a poet, Nancy Campbell is the wisest and kindest of guides through heartbreak and beyond.’ Nick Hunt, author of Outlandish: Walking Europe’s Unlikely Landscapes ‘Humbling, humorous and exquisite.’ Sarah Thomas, author of The Raven's Nest ‘If this is a story of grief and illness, loneliness and heartache, one is left with the feeling that here is a writer who knows better than most of us how to live.’ Helen Jukes, author of A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings ‘Nancy Campbell’s deep knowledge of art, nature and other cultures is completely transporting […] I couldn’t put it down.’ Tanya Shadrick, author of The Cure For Sleep ‘Beginning with an elemental howl of grief, poet and explorer Nancy Campbell’s new book swiftly morphs into a handbook of post-disaster reconstruction, the building blocks of which are close observation, humour, and visceral engagement with the world around her.’ James Attlee, author of Under the Rainbow: Voices from Lockdown

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Book SynopsisA captivating, life-affirming memoir of a life in nature that celebrates finding wonder in our world. 'A wonderful book... It has taught me a lot. I feel great love for it' MAX PORTERAt the age of sixteen, Marc Hamer left home with only a rucksack and started walking. By day, he observed the animals and birds. By night, he slept under hedges, in woodlands and on riverbanks. It was the beginning of a life in nature.Years later, now working as a gardener and mole-catcher in the Welsh countryside, Marc tells of the experiences that have shaped him and of the wonders that he encounters each day. He considers, too, the fascinating ways of the mole and the myths that surround this curious creature.This beautiful, meditative book explores what nature can teach us about ourselves and our search for contentment. It is a celebration of living peacefully and finding joy in the world around us.'It is rare to encounter such respect and understanding of nature' Rosamund Young, author of The Secret Life of Cows** Longlisted for The Wainwright Prize 2019 **(Published in hardback as How to Catch a Mole)Trade ReviewIn lyrical prose, Hamer revealed a curious kinship with moles - creatures who, like him, often work alone. Like Laurie Lee, Hamer is an elegist, attracted to what's beautiful precisely because it's poised to pass away. * Washington Post *From the first few words I knew I had encountered loving honesty and no one needs more than that. It is rare to encounter such respect and understanding of nature for herself. -- Rosamund Young, author of The Secret Life of CowsHow To Catch A Mole is a beguiling mixture: part autobiography, part handbook, part travel book, part philosophical treatise. I’m happy to report that it succeeds on each level -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *Not only a compelling meditation on the 'little gentleman in black velvet'…but also a fascinating, lyrical account of the loneliness and beauty of life on the margins, a memoir of vagrancy * Times Literary Supplement *This is a wonderful book about our relationship with the earth, with other animals and with our own troubled humanity. It has taught me a lot. I feel great love for it. -- Max Porter

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Book SynopsisEnter the secret lives of Britain''s ordinary garden birds and the brilliant, unconventional woman who opened her doors to them.In the late 1930s, Len Howard packed up her life in London, bought a plot of land in Sussex and built herself a little house there. This was to be Bird Cottage, a place where the doors of the house were open to the birds of the garden great tits, blue tits, robins, blackbirds, willow warblers and many others. Len lived the rest of her life alongside her bird neighbours, with some sleeping in her bedroom and many flitting in and out all day long.This is the book she wrote about the birds a study not just of their behaviour but their individual personalities. We learn about their intelligence, emotional lives, and characters, their capacity for play and humour, the range of their song, their likes and dislikes, and their bond with Len.Enchanting, life-enriching, revelatory and completely original, this is a gorgeous evocation

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Book SynopsisDiscover what you can do to save the planet from plastic. Start now. All it takes is 2 minutes of your time.'I read this book yesterday and I've done three things today and that is testament to Martin's brilliant vision and ideas. Now it's your turn!' Chris Packham'Once, plastic was the miracle material. Now it's the monster. We all need to cut down our plastic consumption and join Martin's #2minutesolution anti-plastic movement. I'm in.' Julia BradburyOpen this book with your children, give it to your friends. Share your #2minutesolution on twitter and instagram and inspire others. Martin Dorey, anti-plastics expert, has been working to save our beaches from plastic for the past 10 years. His Beach Clean Foundation and global call to arms #2minutebeachclean has been taken up by people all over the world, and has proven that collective small actions can add up to a big difference.Together we can fix this.Trade ReviewI read this book yesterday and I've done three things today and that is testament to Martin's brilliant vision and ideas. Now it's your turn! -- Chris PackhamOnce, plastic was the miracle material. Now it's the monster. We all need to cut down our plastic consumption and join Martin's #2minutesolution anti-plastic movement. I'm in. -- Julia BradburyI find Dorey's two-minute solution genius -- Lucy Dunn * The Pool *Hot on the heels of the socially ground-breaking #2minutebeachclean... simple, smart and effective #2minutesolutions to inspire us... * Coast magazine *

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Book Synopsis'It is rare to read something that so closely mixes science fiction with reality, but Space 2069 does just that ... [It's] an intelligent portrait of where we may be in the next half-century. - BBC Sky at NightNearing half a century since the last Apollo mission, mankind has yet to return to the Moon, but that is about to change. With NASA's Artemis program scheduled for this decade, astronomer David Whitehouse takes a timely look at what the next 50 years of space exploration have in store.The thirteenth man and the first woman to walk on the Moon will be the first to explore the lunar south pole - the prime site for a future Moon base thanks to its near-perpetual sunlight and the presence of nearby ice.The first crewed mission to Mars will briefly orbit the red planet in 2039, preparing the way for a future landing mission. Surviving the round trip will be the greatest challenge any astronaut has yet faced.In the 2050s, a lander will descend to the frozen surface of Jupiter's moon Europa and attempt to drill down to its subsurface ocean in search of life.Based on real-world information, up-to-date scientific findings and a healthy dose of realism, Space 2069 is a mind-expanding tour of humanity's future in space over the next 50 years.Trade ReviewIt is rare to read something that so closely mixes science fiction with reality, but Space 2069 does just that ... [It] packs a sizeable punch ... an intelligent portrait of where we may be in the next half-century. * BBC Sky at Night *Rich, topical and informative * Physics World *[A] skilful history of space exploration ... A realist, Whitehouse emphasizes that, without a major breakthrough in rocket technology, travel to Mars will test the limits of human endurance and willingness to bear the expense. His forecast for 2069 is a struggling 18-man international base on Mars. China will have its own. A fine overview of the past and future of human space exploration. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the wonders of the Universe with this indispensable guide. The Night Sky is chock full of information explaining what, when and how to observe space and understanding the night sky.Not only accessible, but also invaluable, this is the perfect practical guide for both budding and seasoned astronomers, an easy introduction to astronomy and a useful resource for more experienced stargazers.

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Book Synopsis'This is a book for anyone who has ever thought they didn't quite fit in' -- Beverley Cuddy, Dogs Today'An inspirational story that is told with humour, candour and humility that I am sure will offer hope to others who also struggle with their mental health' -- Mark Winstanley Chief Executive, Rethink Mental IllnessIncredible Kratu tells the story of the lovable rascal from Crufts who became the peoples' champion worldwide and, in so doing, healed his owner's heart. A solitary child who only really found solace in nature, Tess Eagle Swan ran away from home aged sixteen and, by her late twenties, had already survived violence and drug addiction. In the following decade, life spiralled further out of control. Something had to change.Tess had always loved animals, so when she saw a post on Facebook about the plight of two dogs in Romania, she was moved to take action, helping find homes for both. It was the first step on the road that led her to Kratu - the Carpathian/Mioritic Shepherd cross she adopted in 2014. From his humble beginnings on a Roma camp in Transylvania, Kratu has gone on to become a canine international treasure. Now a trained assistance and therapy dog, he has brought joy to millions with his lovable antics - not least with his legendary appearances at Crufts. But the role he has played in Tess's story is more compelling still. After a lifetime of distress, Tess and Kratu's bond allowed Tess to finally learn to love herself and answer some of the questions behind her troubled beginnings. Incredible Kratu is the inspirational true story of this unlikely pair, who found in each other the love and support they needed to beat the odds and turn both their lives around.Trade ReviewKratu is such a big personality it's quite amazing he can fit inside a book. It's also hard to believe he was ever small and vulnerable, but Tess saved him and he saves her, too. However, neither could be relied on to blindly follow pointless rules. When Kratu went rogue in the big ring at Crufts he showed the world that different is often very much better. This is a book for anyone who has ever thought they didn't quite fit in -- Beverley Cuddy * Dogs Today Magazine *An uplifting and inspirational story about how one life-changing bond saved two souls. Perfect for dog-lovers and those on their healing journey * Happiful mag *Laugh... cry... learn. An astonishing book: by turns emotional, funny, eye-opening. A moving story of how two souls that knew so much suffering found each other and became a force for good. Very thought provoking and ultimately uplifting, not just for dog lovers but for anyone with a heart. It's a five star book in all possible ways -- Ann Green, Chief reporter * Psychic News Magazine *You won't want to miss Incredible Kratu, Tess Eagle Swan's book about her fascinating journey with this very special dog. I love how she has honoured who he is as an individual, delights in his entertaining assertions of his own personality, and gives him agency whenever possible. As if the story isn't compelling enough, the excellent writing keeps the reader turning the pages. Anyone who loves dogs will love this book. Highly recommended. -- Risë VanFleet, PhD, CDBC Author, The Human Half of Dog Training

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