Natural History Books

Book SynopsisIn Walking with Trees, Glennie Kindred takes us on an intimate and profoundly connecting walk with thirteen of our native trees. She leads us into their worlds and opens our hearts to their wonders, their qualities and their potential to heal. This is a book about relationships and inter-relationships: Our relationship with the trees, their relationships with each other and with the natural world around them, and the flow of our communal relationship, past and present, which affects us all as the web of life on Earth. Illustrated with the authors exquisite pencil drawings, Glennie's passion for trees is infectious, and inspires us to look more closely, listen more intently and walk with trees more often. She shares her stories and encounters with trees and weaves together many ways to deepen our engagement with them, from growing them, harvesting and using them for medicine, food, and craftwork. She also encourages us to find our way into a more subtle and intuitive relationship with the trees, as part of our journey to heal our fractured relationship with the Earth. As with all of Glennie's books, the seasonal cycles and the Earth festivals are interwoven and provide further ways to deepen our journey with trees. This is a book about possibilities, for those who care for our environment. This is a book that reminds you of what you might have missed or forgotten, and reminds you of your power. This is a book of our time, where we recognise our deep interconnectivity with the trees, with all of life and with the Earth herself. It inspires us to open our arms and hearts wide, and joyfully embrace the changes.

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Book SynopsisTo watch wild foxes as they go about their lives is a thrill to convert anyone to a fox lover. It is not that difficult, if you know how. Here are tips on how to choose a likely spot, by studying all the telltale signs; how to find your fox family, and then how to equip yourself for watching. Then the excitement begins.

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Book SynopsisAmong the most popular and endearing of Britain's wild creatures, otters inhabit not only the full length of the British and Irish coasts but also many river systems and lochs. Formerly hunted almost to extinction, they are one of conservation's great success stories. In The Secret Life of the Otter, Andy Howard opens their lives to us with a perfect combination of words and images: how they hunt, the beauty of their movement, fierce battles over territory, and how they raise their young. From the Scottish Highlands to Vancouver Island, Andy's stunning photography will amaze and enlighten.Trade Review'In this glittering collection of intimate portraits, Andy Howard brings us closer to the lives of wild otters than any casual observer could ever hope for.' Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE‘This is a cracker of a book with some stunning photos. It really is the next best thing to seeing these wonderful animals in the wild.’ Iolo WilliamsMarvellous.

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Book SynopsisThe second edition of bestselling Keeping Bees with a Smile shows beginner and practicing beekeepers how to attract local bee swarms, keep bees healthy and productive, build simple bee-friendly hives, and harvest honey without stressing bees. Chock-full of techniques for natural beekeeping. Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsForeword— The Bee Book That Makes Sense: A Roadmap to Natural Beekeeping Part I: A Path to Natural Apiculture A Brief Introduction How It All Got StartedA Small Side Note The Industrial and Natural Approaches The Bee Colony's Intelligence The Goals of This Book The Tree Hollow as the Bees' Natural Home Some Useful Facts about Comb The Bee Colony's Developmental CycleA Year in the Life of a Bee Colony A Word or Two on Wintering The Ideal Comb: How Deep Is Deep Enough? Winter Ventilation of the Beehive Bee Races The European Dark Bee Bee Diseases Symbiosis in Nature (A Philosophical Digression) Bees and Their Enemies A Bit of History The History of the Frame Modern Systems of Industrial Beekeeping Bees in the Industrial Hive A Word or Two about Swarming "Little to Smile About" Is There a Way Out? The History of Horizontal Hives with Extra-Deep Frames The Modern Horizontal Hive The Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames Using the Extra-Deep Frame Part II: The Practice of Natural Apiculture A Description of the Horizontal Hive with 25 Extra-Deep Frames How to Keep Bees in a Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames The Central Commandments of Natural Beekeeping A Beekeeper's Tasks in Spring and Summer Fall Procedures: Pulling Honey and Preparing for Winter How to Make Extra-Deep Frames BrushstrokesHow to Capture a Swarm in a Swarm Trap Responsibility Questions and Answers Epilogue to Parts I and II Part III: The Finer Points of Natural Beekeeping Three Years Later Principles of Natural Beekeeping Revisited The Recipe for Success in Beekeeping Nectar Resources Bee Race and Colony Strength On the Mean Bees The QueenThe Vital Rhythms of a Bee Colony The Death of Bee Colonies Various Approaches to Natural Beekeeping More on SupersedureSwarming How to Collect a Swarm The Hive Entrance Spring Inspection of Bee Colonies Spring Buildup of Bee Colonies Preparing for the Main Honeyflow The Main Honeyflow and the Second Half of Summer Pulling Honey and Preparing for Winter Questions and Answers Part IV: How Bee Colonies Winter, And How to Make Wintering as Successful as PossibleIntroduction The Facts: What You Must Know about the Wintering Process of an Individual Bee and of the Colony as a Whole The Colony's Main Job During the Winter The Thermal Physics of a Wintering Colony Bee Respiration in the Winter Cluster The Role of Water in the Wintering Process The Search for the Ideal Home for a Bee Colony The Physiological Condition of a Colony as It Enters the Winter Period Winter Reserves The Location of Winter Reserves The European Dark Bee Wintering Indoors Conclusions to Part IVAfterword Afterword to the Second Edition: Natural Beekeeping Accessible to All Appendix 1: How to Make Swarm Traps and Capture Swarms Appendix 2: How to Produce, Install, and Unite Swarms Appendix 3: Nucs: What to Expect and How to Handle Them Appendix 4: Operations Throughout the Year Appendix 5: How to Build a Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames (Version 1) Appendix 6: How to Build a Horizontal Hive with Extra-Deep Frames (Version 2) Appendix 7: Lazutin Hive Plans (US Version 4— New)Appendix 8: Summary Handouts Glossary Index About the Author / Editor About New Society Publishers

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Book SynopsisThe instant no. 2 Sunday Times bestseller!Join the Nicholson family for this heartwarming journey through a typical springtime on their South Yorkshire farm.Throughout the book they reflect on the childhood stories, testing times, poignant memories and enriching experiences that have shaped the lives they lead today. With the coming of a new season, Roger and Cynthia Nicholson and their sons Richard, Robert and David show how the farming year is shaped around the arrival of baby goats, lambs, calves and piglets galore.As Yorkshire's premier open farm attraction, Cannon Hall Farm continues to play host to thousands of visitors and spring is the busiest time of the year. People flock to meet the new arrivals and catch up with old favourites such as the llama and alpaca posse, the stunning shire horses and the irrepressible Shetland ponies, including Ozzy Horsebourne and Jon Bon Pony.Along with all the animal antics, Springtime at Cannon Hall Farm features tales of bygone days when traditional skills, crafts and daily practices shaped life in the countryside. And for fans of Rob and Dave's Channel 5 shows, there are lots of behind-the-scenes secrets you won't want to miss...

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestsellerThe Dogist is a beautiful, funny, and inspiring tribute to the beloved dogs in our lives. Every page presents dog portraits that command our attention. Whether because of the look in a dog’s eyes, its innate beauty, or even the clothes its owner has dressed it in, the photos will make you ooh and aah, laugh, and fall in love. Photographed by Elias Weiss Friedman, aka The Dogist, every portrait in the book tells a story and explores the dog’s distinct character and spirit. Themed sections include Puppies, Cones of Shame, Working Dogs, and Dogs in Fancy Outfits, giving every dog lover something to pore over.Trade Review“A beautiful tribute to our four-legged friends that’s sure to put a smile on your face.” —Modern Dog “Captures photos of dogs just as they are, full head-tilt, snout in the lens, tongue lapping at the air—just being dogs. . . . Talk about a comfort read.” —New York Magazine’s The Cut “Dog lovers won't be able to resist canine photographer Elias Weiss Friedman's new book, The Dogist. . . . Flipping through the pages will make the day of anyone who adores animals.” —InStyle.com “This gorgeously shot ‘Humans of New York’ for canines is the perfect gift.” —New York Post “If Humans of New York and the Sartorialist had a canine love child, it would be the Dogist.” —Publishers Weekly “This is quite simply my favorite book of the season and I love that Elias champions a wide range of dogs, from fancy uptown breeds in NYC to scruffy rescue pups as far away as China. The book is grouped according to type (puppies, working dogs, dogs in raincoats, small breeds, etc.) and tells some incredible stories, like those of dogs rescued from fighting rings who are now certified therapy dogs. Whether you’re picking up a copy for yourself, a loved one or early holiday shopping, The Dogist is a must-have for any animal lover. It’s a celebration of the reasons why we love our pets so much, and how much they bring into our lives.” —DesignSponge.com “Friedman . . . combines his love of dogs and photography in this lively collection of over 1,000 photos. Even readers who wouldn’t consider themselves dog lovers will have a hard time resisting this heartwarming collection of smiling, barking purebreds such as pit bulls, bulldogs, and Labs, as well as adorable mutts.” —Publishers Weekly “Delightful. . . . Animal portraiture enthusiasts may be especially interested in this title as an exemplar of the genre.” —Library Journal “Elias’s photos are a joy. Full of personality and fun.” —William Wegman

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Book SynopsisThe Bird explores the fascinating world of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century ornithological illustration. This was a period of scientific, artistic and geographic discovery, when people began to fully appreciate the immense variety of form and colour within the natural world. This book celebrates this beauty through the lavish illustrations produced at that time. Each chapter focuses on a category of birds, from shorebirds to birds of prey. Feature sections on key ornithological artists such as John James Audubon, Elizabeth Gould and Edward Lear demonstrated how technology, travel and ambition shaped these amazing images, and how their work transformed our understanding of the wonderful world of birds.

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Book SynopsisWhen Puffling finds a lost egg on Skellig Michael, she sets off to return the egg to its nest!She travels all over the island searching the owner of this stray egg, meeting lots of new friends along the way ... but who lost this mystery egg? And what kind of baby animal is going to hatch from it?

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Book Synopsis20 WALKS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOUR DOG AND GREAT PUBS WHERE THEY'RE WELCOME. This collection of tried-and-tested walks, all between 1 and 5 miles, has been written specifically for dogs and their owners, allowing for maximum off-lead time.

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Book SynopsisWhen Denis O'Connor rescues a three-week-old kitten from certain death during a snowstorm, little does he know how this tiny creature will change his life forever. Against all odds the kitten - who he names Toby Jug - survives and forms an unusually strong bond with his rescuer.Set against the rural splendour of Northumberland, Paw Tracks in the Moonlight charmingly chronicles the adventures of one man and his Maine Coone cat. From an invasion of bees at Owl Cottage to the case of the disappearing tomatoes, life with Toby Jug - who believes himself to be human - is never dull. Nevertheless, it is only when Denis and Toby Jug embark on a summer camping trip on horseback in the Cheviot Hills that a new world opens up for them both.Trade ReviewBeautifully told. * The Crack *This genuinely endearing cat's life story is going to warm the cockles of hearts all over the world. * Lancashire Evening Post *A charming book that will appeal to all ages. * The Pulse *A lyrical glimpse into a long-vanished rural world. * MyShelf.com *

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Book SynopsisLeads readers to some of the best spots to discover rare plants, observe endangered species of insects and animals and enjoy unique and special habitats.

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Book Synopsis-Reissue of an important work written by the father of Canadian astronomy -Astronomy is popular! The constant stream of incredible pictures from Hubble telescope has inspired people around the world to look up at the night sky -Beautifully packaged - ideal for gift book market Astronomy is one of the oldest branches of science. It has fascinated humanity from the earliest times. Huge advances have been made since Clarence Augustus Chant's acclaimed work, Our Wonderful Universe, was first published in 1928. We have sent humans into space and walked on the Moon. Spacecraft have landed on Mars, and the International Space Station, a joint project among five space agencies, has been continuously occupied by humans since November 2000. We are using telescopes and satellites to observe the skies, studying planets, moons, stars, galaxies, and comets, as well as supernovae explosions, gamma ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background radiation. Today's and tomorrow's challenges reach ever further, with key questions such as 'is there other life in the Universe?', and 'what is the nature of dark matter?', and 'what is the ultimate fate of the Universe?' at the forefront of modern consciousness. Astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs can still play an important active role, especially in the discovery and observation of variable stars, tracking asteroids and discovering transient objects, such as comets and novae. Written in a clear and charming style, Our Wonderful Universe is developed in the form of a talk, presenting the fundamental facts of astronomy in a simple and logical progression. It is illustrated with the complete set of drawings and plates that accompanied the original edition. Its purpose and approach is just as relevant today, and we hope that readers will enjoy the way in which Chant leads us on his journey of discoveries of the Universe.

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Book SynopsisWhen we see a bird, do we actually notice it? Many of us don't. But in Britain, there are more than a million members of the RSPB and, thanks to social media, there is also a growing number of bird photographers. From the giant raptors of our skies to the sweetest singing garden robin, from the streets of London to the Masai Mara, 'How To See Birds' offers us the key to a thrilling world. Using his photographs as a guide, Matthew Stadlen takes us on a very personal birdwatching journey and, in the process, helps us to see birds - to really see birds! The book also includes a foreword by Martin Harper (Global Conservation Director, RSPB).Trade Review"Very pretty pics of very pretty birds."--David Baddiel. "Bright and beautiful - the photographs alone are stunning"--Rory Bremner "Matt Stadlen turns out to be the Audubon of the digital camera - his photos are a lark at dawn, a nightingale in moonlight - in the best way he takes the bird."--Simon Schama "Matt Stadlen's bird photography is exquisite. Each is caught by his lens for the briefest of moments - in flight, at rest, feeding or flirting - and held there in all their miraculous detail and beauty. A book that will bring fresh delight with every turn of the page."--Juliet Stevenson "An utterly enchanting view of the lives of birds - up close and personal."--Alan Rusbridger

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive illustrated book brings together veterinary-approved advice on cat care and a directory of the world's best-known cat breeds.

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Book SynopsisFueled by an abiding concern with environmental crisis for more than three decades, contemporary artist Alexis Rockman (b. 1962) depicts an ominous and complex vision of ocean life affected by humankind in a monumental new series titled Oceanus.

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Book SynopsisBestselling author of The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben, invites you to reconnect with natureAs soon as we step out of the door, nature surrounds. Thousands of small and large processes are taking place, details that are long often fascinating and beautiful. But we've long forgotten how to recognise them.Peter Wohlleben, bestselling author of The Hidden Life of Trees, invites us to become an expert, to take a closer look and interpret the signs that clouds, wind, plants and animals convey. Chaffinches become weather prophets, bees are live thermometers, courgettes tell us the time.The Weather Detective combines scientific research with charming anecdotes to explain the extraordinary cycles of life, death and regeneration that are evolving on our doorstep, bringing us closer to nature than ever before. A walk in the park will never be the same again.Trade ReviewThe best weather detectives are the birds, plants and animals we share this fragile world with. But how many of us nowadays can interpret the clues they offer? Peter Wohlleben delves deep into the mysteries of animal and bird behaviour, soil management, plant adaptation, and ways of mitigating the effects of climate change on our gardens and our planet. * Christopher Somerville, walking correspondent for The Times. Author of The January Man *Wohlleben’s insightful observations of nature, combined with his signature blend of science and imagination, invite us into deeper relationship with the ecology of our homes * David George Haskell, Pulitzer finalist and author of The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees *For a society increasingly distanced from nature, Wohlleben renews our appreciation of the wonderful and varied ties between the living and nonliving worlds, including those that bind our favorite plants and animals with that most familiar of all physical entities, the weather * Bill Streever, nationally bestselling author of Cold *[A] fascinating book * Daily Mail *A treasure trove of fascinating information about the environment. A primer for the curious gardener... a book to browse and then think to yourself, 'Oh, so that's why.' * Town and Country magazine *

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Book SynopsisAnatomy, particularly functional anatomy, is a vital and dynamic subject, an appreciation of which leads not only to superior husbandry and welfare, but also to a better understanding of the anatomical challenges associated with riding, training, overtraining, injury and rehabilitation. Using Alexa McKenna's fabulous illustrations, this book shows the correlation of the skeleton, muscular system and locomotion, providing a clear insight into the functional and dysfunctional horse. It also addresses the largely misunderstood concept of 'perfect conformation' and looks at the effect on function of the rider and tack, using cutting-edge diagnostic techniques such as thermal imaging and gait analysis. Again with the emphasis on the visual, readers will be able to appreciate how muscles function in differing athletic disciplines by analysing the heat generated in musculoskeletal structures after exercise. This will also highlight the importance of post-competition recovery. The book concludes with a range of useful techniques to improve the function of any horse, including stretches, taping, wrapping and other proprioceptive techniques to increase balance, flexibility, awareness and posture.Trade ReviewGain an insight into how your horse's body works, and discover some tools to help reduce the chance of him picking up an injury. Author Gail Williams, a qualified veterinary physiotherapist, aims to equip you with knowledge about your horse's skeletal system so you can understand more about how injuries occur and how they can be prevented. There's a fascinating section on foot balance and gait analysis, plus some useful stretches and groundwork exercises you can use with your own horse to improve his muscle tone and range of movement, and keep him in tip-top physical shape. While you may be forgiven for thinking the topic of anatomy is quite technical, this book makes it something that everyone can understand. Horse Vet Gail Williams explains how your horse moves, and why and how it can go wrong. The wonderful illustrations by Alexa McKenna will help you understand how horses use their muscles in different disciplines, as well as the issues associated with overtraining and injury. Horse & Rider 'This is a useful book to have on your shelf and addition to any collection certainly' Four Front Magazine

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Book SynopsisFor centuries, English country gentlemen had collected exotic pictures for their saloons and rare books for their libraries. By the end of the 17th century, they had begun to plant nurseries. Within the space of a few years thousands of new plantations enriched the British landscape, and demand was high for the most splendid imports: maples and pines from the American colonies, cypresses and cedars from Europe and Lebanon, oriental plane from Greece and Turkey, with its romantic associations with Plato''s Academy.How did these extraordinary plants make their way to the forests of Britain and Ireland? Who were the scholars and daredevils who combed the new and old worlds in search of green treasure? What crimes did they commit, and what price did they pay, to bring the world''s charismatic megaflora to the gardens of home? In this exuberant history, Thomas Pakenham reveals the marvellous tales of adventure, discovery, rivalry and passion that created the modern British lands

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Book SynopsisLimestone Country is a perceptive, lyrical evocation and investigation into four landscapes in Europe and beyond. Seemingly disparate these places are bound together by their limestone geology, by personal experience and Fiona Sampson's unique imagination.

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Book SynopsisBen Law's incredible sense of the land and his respect for age old traditions offers a wonderful insight into the life of Prickly Nut Wood.Having travelled to Papua New Guinea and the Amazon, observing age-old techniques for living in, working in and preserving forests and woodland, Ben Law felt compelled to return home and apply his learnings to a 400-year-old plot of woodland near where he grew up Prickly Nut Wood.This is the story of how he came to know and love his woodland, how he lived off the land, how he coppiced and hedged and created charcoal, how he puddled and built shelter, and finally how he carved out his famous, characterful woodland home that Kevin McCloud has cited as his favourite ever Grand Design.Trade Review‘Ben Law’s house is my favourite Grand Design’ Kevin McCloud ‘This book will leave you with a sense of awe and admiration but also a yearning to follow in Ben’s footsteps’ Permaculture magazine ‘Ben continues to inspire his readers about woodland … In Prickly Nut Wood, Ben Law practically demonstrates the benefits of living close to the land’ Woodland Matters

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Book SynopsisAsk anyone to picture a bird or a fish and a series of clear images will immediately come to mind. Ask the same person to picture plankton and most would have a hard time conjuring anything beyond a vague squiggle or a greyish fleck. This book explains the biological underpinnings of each species while connecting them to the larger living world.Trade Review"A stunningly beautiful work of art that is sure to draw the reader into this world typically missed by all but a few oceanographers and marine biologists." -Karen Osborn, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural HistoryTable of ContentsPrologue, by Mark Ohman Introduction. Plankton: Wonders of the Drifting World What Are Plankton? Plankton and Man The Origins: Life Shapes the Planet Explosions, Extinctions, and Evolution of Life in the Ocean A Chronological History of the Planet and the Tree of Life Taxonomy and Phylogeny: Hierarchical Categorizations Organisms of All Sizes, with Different Roles and Behavior Collecting and Identifying Plankton, Then and Now Plankton of the World Villefranche-sur-Mer, France: A Bay Famous for Its Plankton Between Ecuador and Galapagos: Tara Oceans Expedition South Carolina, United States: Salt Marsh Estuaries Izu Peninsula and Shimoda, Japan: Autumn Plankton Unicellular Creatures: From the Origins of Life Bacteria, Archaea, and Viruses: Invisible but Omnipresent Unicellular Protists: Precursors of Plants and Animals Phytoplankton Coccolithophores and Foraminifera: Limestone Architects Diatoms and Dinoflagellates: Silicate or Cellulose Houses Radiolarians: Polycystines and Acantharians: Symbiosis at the Ocean Surface Ciliates, Tintinnids, and Choanoflagellates: Motility and Multicellularity Ctenophores and Cnidarians: Ancestral Forms Ctenophores: Carnivorous Comb Jellies Jellyfish: Equipped to Survive Siphonophores: The Longest Animals in the World Velella, Porpita, and Physalia: Planktonic Sailors Crustaceans and Mollusks: Champions of Diversity Crustacean Larvae: Molting and Metamorphosis Copepods to Amphipods: Variations on a Theme Phronima: Monster in a Barrel Pteropods and Heteropods: Mollusks That Swim with Their Feet Cephalopods and Nudibranchs: Beautiful Colors and Camouflage Worms and Tadpoles: Arrows, Tubes, and Nets Chaetognaths: Arrows in the Oceans Polychaete Annelids: Worms in the Sea Salps, Doliolids, and Pyrosomes: Highly Evolved Gelatinous Animals Larvaceans: Tadpoles That Live in a Net Embryos and Larvae Epilogue Acknowledgments Bibliography, Websites Credits Index

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated collection of fascinating, surprising, and funny facts about extinct animals.In the past, amazing and strange animals roamed the earth, including giant sea scorpions, tiny horses, enormous sloths, and fierce terror birds. These and many more fantastic extinct animals are illustrated in this whimsical collection by Swedish artist Maja Säfström.

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Book SynopsisWritten by the former chief historian of NASA, here is the first in-depth, fully illustrated history of space exploration.Trade Review'A richly illustrated chronicle of space exploration … captures the awe-inspiring side of space' - Nature'A very easy to read and fact-packed overview of how space exploration was launched by imagination, nurtured by science, and built by technological drive and innovation' - Magonia Review of Books'An informed and informative read that never talks down to its readers … a clean, uncluttered design' - BBC Sky at NightTable of Contents1. Laying the Foundations for Space Exploration • 2. WWII Paves the Way for Space Exploration • 3. Making Space Exploration Real • 4. The Space Age Dawns • 5. The Race to the Moon • 6. New Nations/New Missions • 7. Spaceplanes and Orbital Stations • 8. The Lure of the Red Planet • 9. Beyond Mars • 10. Transterrestrial Expectations

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Wildlife of Australia is a decent introduction to the most popular and easily seen mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs of the continent, and its casually written style makes it both informative and enjoyable. Whether on a first visit to Australia, returning on a casual vacation or simply enjoying armchair birding from around the world, this guide can be a useful addition to a birder's library or field bag."--Melissa Mayntz, About.com Birding/Wild Birds "We loved this pocket guide to the Wildlife of Australia and the authors and publishers are to be congratulated on producing such a high quality, genuine pocket book that is jam-packed with information. If you are heading down under, make sure you take this book with you."--Alan Davies and Ruth Miller, Biggest Twitch "[T]he emphasis is on the creatures a visitor is most likely to see in or near the major tourist regions. The text is concise but detailed and the images are uniformly excellent. I was able to use them without difficulty to identify the animals, and particularly the many birds I had photographed on my various trips to Australia. This book will certainly accompany me on my next visit."--AnthonyToole, Shvoong.com "If space or weight are an issue on your travels, then this would be the one guide to take with you."--Jim Morgan, Birding Frontiers "Anyone who likes wildlife and is planning a visit to Australia should have this book."--FHB, Wildlife Activist "The text is well written and informative giving salient points of identification and range. The photos are good quality portraits taken by 16 photographers."--Roy John, Canadian Field Naturalist "While the book is obviously designed for tourists ... it may well also appeal and be useful to local beginner naturalists or children with an interest in fauna."--Judy Smith, CorellaTable of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments 3 Vegetation Associations of Australia 4 Habitats 6 Mammals 26 Birds 54 Amphibians 258 Reptiles 262 Abbreviations 276 Glossary 277 Further Reading 279 Photo Credits 280 Index 281

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the Nature Guidebook Award, National Outdoor Book Awards""I highly recommend this book. It may change your life in ways you never imagined possible."---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book is the definitive field guide to the sharks, rays, and chimaera of Europe and the Mediterranean."---Paul Cox, Shark Trust"This book is an utter delight, a treasure trove for shark geeks and a remarkable achievement for both author and illustrator. If you're interested in elasmobranchs and want a truly comprehensive i-d resource for this region, look no further."---Simon Rogerson, SCUBA Magazine"This book is a tour de force and will become the authoritative field guide and species reference for this region and an essential part of any interested person’s wildlife tool kit."---David Sims, Marine Biologist magazine"A great thing to have on your bookshelf. . . . Nobody, it seems, produces better marine-life scientific illustrations than Marc Dando, whose work can be admired here. Author David Ebert, programme director of the Pacific Shark Research Centre, knows his elasmobranchs and, while this is a reference book, has a clear and authoritative style."---Steve Weinman, Diver Magazine"Recommended for a wide range of readers from experts to enthusiasts who are interested in chondrichthyans particularly for this part of the world."---Phillip C. Sternes, Journal of Fish Biology ​​​​​​"Everything you might ever want to know about these sharks and their relatives, from detailed dentition infographics for most shark species, to highly notated and very beautiful identification illustrations, is crammed into 384 exquisitely designed pages. This is the standard that all marine life field guides should aspire to reach." * DIVE Magazine *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"She’ll make gull lovers of us all!"---Rebecca Gibson, BBC Wildlife Magazine"It's sure to make even gull sceptics among us look to the sky in new, profound ways." * Coast Magazine *"The Gull Next Door is ecologically rigorous."---Patrick Galbraith, The Critic"Taylor ... has written what I consider the best book on gulls I have read."---Jim Williams, Star Tribune"The book is full of great stories, and I really enjoyed the read, as you will."---John Miles, BirdWatching Magazine"[An] information-packed book."---Marc Bekoff, Animal Emotions"The Gull Next Door is one of those books that is interesting, enlightening, at times making the reader smile and the author’s enthusiasm for these birds is definitely infectious through these pages. This is an enjoyable book that gull experts and novices can enjoy, but most of all it is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves birds."---Nick Upton, Dartford Waffler"[An] informative, thoughtful, and entertaining book."---Johannes Riutta, The Well-read Naturalist

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Longlisted for the Non-Obvious Book Awards""The subtitle says it all—Bjornerud and graphic artist Hagerman have compiled a wonderfully quirky collection of 'curiosities' that, collectively, detail the Earth’s transformation over eons and illustrate how our understanding of the planet has deepened through time. . . . A charming work, chock-full of information."---Laurie Selwyn, Library Journal, starred review"This is a garnet of a geology book: rooted in the planet, jewel-like and multi-coloured."---Andrew Robinson, Nature"[Geopedia] is a buffet of bite-size chapters perfect for dipping in and out of. . . . Its pocket-size format makes it perfect as a traveling companion, and its short chapters suit our frazzled attention spans, making it a fun alternative to night-time doomscrolling or heavier nonfiction. No matter if you’re a hard-core rockhound or a geological outsider, you’ll get something worthwhile from this little gem of a book."---Howard Lee, Ars Technica"A neat little book . . . . Take a dip into Geopedia for a bit of quirky fun." * Descent *"A fascinating, illuminating read. Organized alphabetically, the articles span the gamut of the sub-disciplines. Bjornerud explores both the etymology of the scientific terms and their scientific import. Readers who pick it up will learn a lot."---I. D. Sasowsky, Choice"perfect for casual reading .... Bjornerud...is a gifted writer" * Choice *"A cute little book of curiosities to dip in and out of but, like a box of rich chocolates, you probably will not want to finish it off all in one sitting."---Helen Coombs, Proceedings of the Open University Geological Society

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Prepare to be amazed! This book is full of some incredible facts . . . . Anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of our Lepidoptera would do well to take a look at what this book has to offer."---Peter Eeles, Dispar: The Online Journal of Lepidoptera ​​​​​​​"The facts will amaze you and the images gather you into an awe-inspiring world that we seldom even think about. Princeton prides itself in excellence and its publishing arm lives up to the high bar."---Bo Beolens, Fat Birder"Extraordinary photographs allow the reader, like the photographer, to get up close and personal to a huge range of colourful moths . . . . By the time the reader turns to the last page, says the author, he hope that they will appreciate these species’ role in their respective environments. There is no doubt about that at all." * Country Smallholding *"The book covers just about everything you could imagine about moths and even more as the authors have been very thorough in incorporating a vast amount of information into a beautifully illustrated book."---Geoff Carpentier, North Durham Nature Newsletter"I cannot express what a pleasure reading this book inspires in me, every page has a strikingly colourful or terrifying image as we get face-to-face with moths and their caterpillars."---Alan Wright, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside"This is a visually stunning book on moths. . . . Whether you’re familiar with moths or a newcomer, it should get you excited about them."---Andrew Cormack, Gwent Wildlife Trust"An incredible guide to the often neglected world of moths . . . If this is the standard they have set then the rest of the books in this series are going to be an essential purchase just like this one."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalists Association"The illustrations are excellent, some of the best I have seen anywhere, of moths in all life stages, of habitats . . . . There is something of interest on almost every page."---Adrian Spalding, Entomologist’s Gazette ​​​​"An excellent publication written for moth enthusiasts and amateur or professional entomologists. This book, as well as the entire series, does an excellent job of providing the reader with the most interesting and essential facts."---M. Rindoš, European Journal of Entomology

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Book SynopsisA guide to the 99% of the Universe our eyes can’t see from a dazzling new voice in popular scienceTrade Review‘Engaging…this book will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about how we’ve learned what we know about the Universe.’ -- Chris North, BBC Sky at Night‘Matthew Bothwell’s excellent book is a compelling read. He sets the latest fascinating discoveries in their historical context, and highlights the mysteries that challenge future astronomers. The coverage is comprehensive and clear. The book stands out in a crowded field and deserves very wide readership.’ -- Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal‘Matthew Bothwell has opened a new window onto the night sky for his readers… A unique and compelling read that will open your eyes to the beautiful and multifaceted universe that scientists are exploring today.’ -- Emily Levesque, author of The Last Stargazers‘Matt’s book is an excellent introduction to how astronomers have learnt "what’s out there", particularly using radiation invisible to the human eye. He deftly conveys ideas with a cheerful and infectious enthusiasm, using humour, vivid analogies and personal anecdotes to bring our understanding of the Universe to life, without losing any scientific rigour. Highly readable, it offers an increased sense of wonder at the workings of the cosmos.’ -- Carolin Crawford, Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy‘The Invisible Universe shows everything in a new light. In clear language this book takes you from the familiar to the deeply strange, from blue skies to black holes and beyond, showing how much we’ve learned and the immensity of what we have yet to understand.’ -- Ken MacLeod, author of the award-winning Fall Revolution series‘Matt Bothwell guides us through the world of astronomy and astrophysics with an engagingly written, up-to-date view of some of the key current frontiers. He opens our eyes to wavelengths beyond the light we can see. His journey includes galaxies, black holes, star formation, dust, gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy – all with interesting historical context, accessible explanations and richly peppered with accurate analogies. A compelling read.’ -- Andrew Coates, Professor of Physics at UCL and Deputy Director (Solar System) at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory‘This book bursts with information without once becoming dull or over-complicated. Ideas are introduced at an accessible level, and unique analogies put abstract concepts and almost inconceivable quantities into a context that we can understand intuitively… Some of the core scientific content of this book may have been covered in other popular astronomy books, but rarely in such an engaging, warm, and readable way. Readers of all ages who want to gain a better understanding of the unseen Universe will find something here to enjoy.’ -- Astronomy Now‘Intriguing… In Dr Bothwell’s fascinating new book, we are taken on a cosmic journey… beautifully presented in a way that makes for compelling reading and opens up your mind to the unseen. A book that fully deserves to be on any curiously minded person’s book shelf.’ * Astronomy Ireland *‘A fascinating account that particularly stands out in the crowded field of scientific literature… Explaining difficult concepts in a digestible way, The Invisible Universe is a must-read for those seeking a straightforward route into the world of astronomy. One can’t help being attracted to Bothwell’s infectious passion for science, prompting us to stare out at the night sky and wonder what other discoveries lie hidden amongst the stars.’ -- Reaction‘A highly recommended and enjoyable read, especially if this is your first guidebook for this armchair trip… Dr. Bothwell examines each topic with the right mix of history, anecdote, analogy, science and implications… captivating.’ -- Starvind‘Matthew Bothwell has opened a new window onto the night sky for his readers, taking us on a sweeping tour of some of the most cutting-edge phenomena in the cosmos and using his knack for clear, precise, and inventive explanations to help us all see the unseen. A unique and compelling read that will open your eyes to the beautiful and multifaceted universe that scientists are exploring today.’ -- Emily Levesque, author of The Last Stargazers‘Excellent… a great read… Matthew Bothwell has a sense of wonder and joy about the concepts and ideas he is explaining. His enthusiasm and marvel are contagious… definitely the best book we have read and reviewed in 2022.’ -- Simon Cocking, Irish Tech News‘This is a beautifully articulated and informative book all about the wonders of our universe and the history behind it all. I was drawn to this book because the concept of space and all that’s in it interested me, and reading this has made me even more fascinated. It is truly a page-turner and was really hard to put down once I started reading.’ -- SMS Non-fiction Book Reviews

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Book SynopsisNatural swimming pools are cleaned by plants instead of chlorine so they are gentle on the eyes and healthy for swimmers. This book describes how to build a pool to suit your site and maintain the nutrient level in perfect balance to keep the algae down and the water sparkling.Trade Review"It is a well laid out, detailed and useful book for anyone wanting to learn more about natural pools and I only wish I'd read it before building my own." -- Ben Law Permaculture Magazine If you have every tackled a DIY project for the first time, you will know that having a good set of instructions is critical if you want it to work properly and look spectacular. We get lots of enquiries from people across the world who are keen to build their own DIY Clearwater Revival

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Book SynopsisDive into the wonderful world of saltwater fish Setting up and keeping a healthy, thriving saltwater aquariumand the gorgeous creatures that live within ittakes a lot more know-how than you might realize. Fortunately, this friendly and informative guide is here to make having a slice of the salty life in your own home easier than ever! This fully updated edition of Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies explains in plain English how to care for a variety of marine fish and invertebrates, upkeep a tank, feed your saltwater friends, and stay informed of the latest technology in luxury tanks! Understand aquarium set up best practicesMaintain a thriving aquatic environmentBuild the luxury saltwater tank of your dreamsBe inspired by a full-color insert Whether you're looking for basic information on how to set-up, start, and maintain a saltwater aquarium or alreadyown one and want to whet your appetite with the latest tips, tricks, and design ideas, this book covers the gamut! Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Saltwater Aquarium Basics 5 Chapter 1: Taking Your First Salty Steps 7 Chapter 2: Some Things Fishy 17 Chapter 3: Choosing the Best Fish for You 41 Chapter 4: Looking Closer at Invertebrates 67 Chapter 5: Going from the Dealer to Your Home 93 Part 2: Setting Up Your Aquarium 101 Chapter 6: Selecting the Best Aquarium That Meets Your Needs 103 Chapter 7: Figuring Out Filters 115 Chapter 8: Heating and Lighting Your Aquarium 141 Chapter 9: Decorating Your Tank — Fishy Furnishings and Finishing Touches 159 Chapter 10: Partial to Salt — The Brackish Aquarium 185 Chapter 11: Getting Your Aquarium Up and Running 193 Part 3: Taking Proper Care of Your Aquarium 201 Chapter 12: Tackling the Nitrogen Cycle 203 Chapter 13: Considering Chemistry: Salt, Acidity, and Gases 211 Chapter 14: The Lowdown on Algae 221 Chapter 15: Keeping Your Aquarium Clean and Handling Issues 233 Part 4: Caring for Your Fish 247 Chapter 16: Feeding Your Fish 249 Chapter 17: Preventing Stress 263 Chapter 18: Playing Fish Doctor — Diseases and Treatments 273 Chapter 19: Observing Your Fish 285 Part 5: The Part of Tens 293 Chapter 20: Ten Fish to Avoid 295 Chapter 21: Ten Invertebrates to Avoid 299 Chapter 22: Ten (Plus More) Simple Metric Conversions 303 Chapter 23: Ten Great Public Saltwater Aquariums 307 Part 6: The Appendixes 311 Appendix A: Additional Resources Every Saltwater Aquarist Needs 313 Appendix B: Glossary 317 Index 323

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Book SynopsisRSPB Spotlight: Hedgehogs is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct and detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.Much loved - but about to be lost? The Hedgehog regularly tops polls of the UK's favourite animal, yet numbers in our countryside have halved this century. Generations of children have been captivated by Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, though our complex and contradictory relationship with the Hedgehog is also characterised by persecution and death. This unmistakable, spiny mammal is a gardener's best friend', but one that we rarely see alive and in our midst.In Spotlight: Hedgehogs, James Lowen reveals what a Hedgehog is and how it lives, unveiling the secrets of its lifestyle, such as foraging and hibernating, rolling into a ball and building a nest. He also investigates the relationship between Hedgehogs and people from film and fun to conservation and crisps and offers practical aTrade ReviewProfusely illustrated, and written in an informal, engaging style ... it manages to tell you just about everything you could possibly want to know about hedgehogs, including in many cases how surprisingly little we know -- Ken Thompson * British Ecological Society's 'The Niche' magazine *Table of ContentsMeet the Hedgehogs Bodywork Breeding and Growth Home, Habits and Food (Anti)social Life Threats and Conservation Hedgehogs and People Hedgehogs in Culture How to See Hedgehogs Glossary Acknowledgements Further Reading Resources Image Credits Index

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Book SynopsisMost bird books are designed to help you identify the birds that you''ve seen. This book is different.It is a species-by-species guide that shows you how to find and watch more than 250 species of birds that can be seen in Britain. Some are common; others are rare migrants or scarce breeding birds, but this book will tell you the best places to see and watch all of them.Sections include:- How to find including the best time of day, how to search the habitat and behavioural signs - Watching tips including ways to get close to the bird without disturbing it and how to attract it to your garden. - Super sites includes a short list of some of the best places to see the species.Readers will be able to see their most coveted species but also enjoy rewarding watching experiences that will enhance their understanding of the species, of bird behaviour and of key fieldcraft techniques.Trade ReviewNot only will casual birdwatchers find this book an excellent addition to their library many new birders will too. * Fatbirder *If you're new to birding or have a wishlist of species you've always wanted to see - then RSPB British Birdfinder is right up your street. * BBC Wildlife *A great idea for beginners. * Scottish Birds *With its eye-catching cover and attractive use of colour throughout, including some fine photographs, this is a brilliant guide to finding about 300 species of birds in the British Isles. * IBIS - The International Journal of Avian Science *Table of ContentsIntroduction Finding and watching Common, scarce and rare How to use this book The Birdwatcher's Code Species Accounts Watching Winter Waterfowl The Breeding Season Seawatching Watching Birds of Prey Found a Rare Bird? Seabird Colonies Woodland Birdwatching Autumn Passerine Migration Garden Birds Exploring the Country Glossary Acknowledgements Recommended reading

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Book SynopsisUsually observed as a flash of blue and orange from a riverbank, most people are aware of Kingfishers, but few of us are familiar with the intricacies of their day-to-day lives.With their long, dagger-like bills, bright blue plumage and characteristic fast, low flight over water, Common Kingfishers are instantly recognisable. The 90 or so species that belong to this colourful family have a cosmopolitan distribution and, in Spotlight Kingfishers, David Chandler celebrates their remarkable existence, studying their unique adaptations and their courtship, breeding and feeding habits. He also investigates historical threats to Kingfishers, considers their future, and offers practical advice on how to find and see these glorious birds.Table of Contents1. Meet the Kingfisher 2. The Kingfisher family 3. Home and away: habitat and movements 4. Catching fish... and more 5. Finding and keeping a territory 6. A mate and a tunnel 7. From egg to adult 8. Life and death on the riverbank 9. Past imperfect: future tense? 10. How to see a Kingfisher Glossary Resources Image credits Index

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