Natural History Books

Book SynopsisThis book features stunning imagery captured by the Hubble Space Telescope and explains how Hubble has advanced our understanding of the universe and our creation.Trade Review“Along with his clear description of the Hubble Space Telescope’s setbacks and successes, Jim Bell has compiled an exquisite collection of stunning photographs of the universe. Have many long looks— your tax dollars at work— an astronomer’s catalog of the cosmos.” —Bill Nye, CEO, The Planetary Society“Along with his clear description of the Hubble Space Telescope’s setbacks and successes, Jim Bell has compiled an exquisite collection of stunning photographs of the universe. Have many long looks— your tax dollars at work— an astronomer’s catalog of the cosmos.” —Bill Nye, CEO, The Planetary Society "You can’t flip through this stunning collection of Hubble images without pausing often to shake your head in awe. The accompanying text that Contributing Editor Jim Bell wrote is equally enriching. Altogether, this coffee-table book is a riveting celebration of the venerable space telescope’s 30th anniversary." —Sky & Telescope

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Book SynopsisSeeds are tiny parcels of life, poised to give rise to anything from ephemeral herbs to giant trees that can live for thousands of years. A close look at these tiny miracles of nature through a scanning electron microscope opens up a view into a fascinating and breathtakingly beautiful microcosm few people, even scientists, have ever seen before. The range of sizes, shapes, and patterns plants have evolved over 360 million years to perfect their one and only chance in life to travel is beyond our wildest imagination.In this astonishing book, artist Rob Kesseler and botanist Wolfgang Stuppy, previously of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, present a unique and highly unusual natural history of seeds. The story of how seeds evolved to ensure the survival of their species and how they adapted to their natural environments including the animals they share them with is stunningly illustrated, combining close-up photography with digitally enhanced scanning electron micrographs.This

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Book SynopsisThere has never been a better time to plant trees. As well as playing a vital role in the health of the natural world and of us humans, these essential life-giving plants also deliver a vast array of hidden benefits such as cooling shade, rainfall interception and carbon capture – but only if we plant the right tree in the right place. International tree expert Henrik Sjöman along with garden designer and passionate advocate for the environment Arit Anderson have created this visionary resource suitable for the world's temperate regions. It opens with a clear explanation of ecosystem services and how trees deliver them. Some trees excel at particular roles such as providing food for pollinators at times when it is scarce or filtering air pollution. Others have adapted in ways that allow them to cope with extreme conditions such as drought, low-nutrient soil and high winds. At the heart of the book is a unique A-Z Tree Directory representing more than 550 trees chosen for their ecosystem benefits, resilience and a host of other criteria that will ensure their continuing contribution to our future gardens and landscapes. A further quick-reference Tree Selection Table provides key attributes for each species at a glance. This important new tree selection guide marks a step change in approach that will lead to more trees reaching their full potential and a richer environment for future generations.

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Book SynopsisYOUR SIMPLE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO RAISING AND TRAINING A HAPPY PUPPY OR DOG!My name's Steve Mann and I've been a professional dog trainer and behaviourist for over 30 years. As founder of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, I've helped transform the lives of over 100,000 dogs and their families - and now I want to help you, too!Whether you're living with a brand-new puppy, an adult dog or rescue dog, my methods will give you everything you need to know. Using simple, proven, science-based and ethical techniques, I'll show you how to have the best relationship with your pup, as well as teaching you how to get: super-fast recalls, great loose lead walking, perfect manners and much, MUCH more... I promise, it really is easy peasy and every tip, trick and lesson will bring you and your puppy closer together. I'll see you on the other side, Enjoy! Steve MannTrade Review'Steve is brilliant ... my puppy-training prophet and spiritual guide. His approach makes perfect sense.' * Adrian Chiles, The Guardian *So easy to follow and it really works! * Lorraine Kelly *Dog Training Genius! * Emilia Clarke *Owning a dog is not easy, but training doesn't have to be hard. Steve offers lots of useful solutions that keeps training fun. * Dogs Today *Steve's training methods focus on positive reinforcement... it includes lots of information to help you understand training from the puppy's perspective. * Dogs Monthly *

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Book SynopsisThis text is intended to provide the reader with the essentials of dog anatomy. It places emphasis on those points of anatomy that can be seen or felt from the surface through the skin, and should be of use to breeders, exhibitors, judges and students of veterinary anatomy.

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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 SynopsisStan Coren’s groundbreaking The Intelligence of Dogs meets Bernd Heinrich’s classic Mind of the Raven in this astonishing, beautifully illustrated look at the uncanny intelligence and emotions of crows.Playful, social, and passionate, crows have brains that are huge for their body size, which allows them to think, plan, and reconsider their actions. They also exhibit an avian kind of eloquence, mate for life, and associate with relatives and neighbors for years. And to people who care for them and feed them, they often give oddly touching gifts in return. The ongoing connection between humans and crows—a cultural coevolution—has shaped both species for millions of years. Scientist John Marzluff teams up with artist-naturalist Tony Angell to tell amazing stories of these brilliant birds. With Marzluff’s extraordinary original research on the intelligence and startling abilities of corvids—crows, ravens, and jaysTrade Review“Researchers writing about comparative human and nonhuman cognition always make brief, obligatory reference to the underlying neurological and hormonal systems, but Marzluff and Angell actually provide us with the details. In lucid, logical, and articulate prose, they carefully explain all the interrelated mechanisms involved in the fascinating behavior patterns of their corvid subjects and how these mechanisms relate to those of humans. Their book is indeed a gift, not only to those of us eager to learn about corvid behavior but also but also to those who wish to understand the bases for these actions.” -- Irene M. Pepperberg, author of Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process“John Marzluff and Tony Angell's amazing, true stories of crows who rage, grieve, give gifts, work together, and even design and use tools would be enough to make this book a great read. But these maverick scientists go a step further, and actually show how these birds' big brains, though different from our own, achieve many of the same feats. Gifts of the Crow is a gift to all of us who have argued for years that humans don't possess the only minds in the universe. This is one of the most exciting books I've read in a long time.” -- Sy Montgomery, author of Birdology"In this important work, you’ll find stunning examples of crow emotionality and intelligence -- a triumphant vindication for those who have known all along that animals are capable of much more than they’re generally given credit for. . Crows dream as part of their learning process, for instance, and profile other individuals’ behavior and act accordingly. In many ways, their intelligence is equal to that of the great apes. Fascinating." -- Stacey O'Brien, author of Wesley the Owl"Full of clear and detailed accounts of research...remarkable." -- NYTimes"Angell’s illustrations of birds are exquisitely detailed... the book will instill in many readers a sense of wonder and curiosity at what these birds can do. An insightful look at some of our surprisingly capable feathered friends." -- Kirkus"Amazing" -- Seattle Times“Delightful… a series of intriguing stories and stunning illustrations that together reveal the sophisticated cognitive abilities of crows and their relation­ship with humans." -- Nature"With its abundance of funny, awe-inspiring, and poignant stories, Gifts of the Crow portrays creatures who are nothing short of amazing. A testament to years of painstaking research and careful observation, this fully illustrated, riveting work is a thrilling look at one of nature's most wondrous creatures." -- Guardian.co.uk"A great read, this book is a tribute to the little-known and underappreciated minds of the birds of the amazing corvid family. Serious and at times hilarious, it pulled me in with its telling anecdotes and scientific context. Most importantly, it acknowledges and explores the many complex similarities between crows' mental traits and our own." -- Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven“Gifts of the Crow is a compelling book. Filled with wonderful stories of regular people’s interactions with ravens, crows, and jays, it also cites engrossing scientific studies, reports on the field work of biologists, and offers detailed explanations of how the brain of a corvid actually works. I was fascinated.” -- Suzie Gilbert, author of Flyaway: How A Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings“A remarkable look at just how smart the common crow and raven are… Highly recommended.” -- Library Journal"Throughout much of human history crows have been our constant companions. In their exciting new book, Marzluff and Angell, show us how crows brains work, while providing the evidence that these cerebral birds have a lot more in common with us than we ever imagined. And Angell's illustrations alone make the book worth the price." -- Paul R. Ehrlich, co-author of The Birder's Handbook

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Book SynopsisThe best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals and an indispensable tool for naturalists traveling to Africa! The Second Edition has been fully revised and includes a new preface. The Safari Companion enables readers to recognize and interpret visible behavioral activities, such as courtship rituals, territorial marking, aggression, and care of young. Each account of over 80 species includes a behavioral table in which the unique actions of the hoofed mammals, carnivores, and primates are described for easy reference. Other features include: Expert Illustrations Useful maps showing major national boundaries, vegetation zones, and game parks An extensive glossary Tips on wildlife photography A list of organizations working to protect African wildlife "The best behavioral field guide ever."—Sy Montgomery, author of Tamed and Untamed "The book is more than a field guide; it is a valuable tool for conservation."—Kathryn S. Fuller, President, World Wildlife Fund (U.S.A.)Trade ReviewLibrary Journal- Anyone who goes on safari will want to make room in his or her suitcase for this treasure. Estes, who is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute as a research associate, spent over eight years doing fieldwork in Africa and over 17 years leading safaris. His admirable qualifications as an expert on the social ecology of African mammals are reflected in the text, which describes approximately 86 species of African mammals. Introductory chapters give practical advice on how to observe animals, including tips on using binoculars and photographic equipment. Other chapters are arranged by standard taxonomic classification. Estes first covers the characteristics of families and subfamilies and then goes into even more detail on the individual species, charting behaviors one can expect to see and the usual context or meaning. Icons illustrating the behaviors effectively take the reader to a description of the behavior being observed. Appended to the text are a brief suggested reading list, addresses of major wildlife organizations, a glossary of terms, and a thorough index. The only "fault" with this exceptionally well-written and researched book is its size. With a 6 9 trim and some 470 pages of text, this is a fairly large, hefty volume to pack on safari--but it is worth the extra effort, as nothing compares with it. Essential for any traveler to Africa, any student of animals or behavior, any zoo visitor, and any size public library.Table of Contents1. Social and Mating Systems 2. Observing African Mammals 3. Understanding Animal Behavior Part I: Antelopes and Other Ruminants 4. Introducing Antelopes and Other African Ruminants 5. Duikers 6. Dwarf Antelopes 7. Gazelle Tribe 8. Reedbuck/Kob Tribe 9. Vaal or Gray Rhebok, Pelea capreolus 10. Horse Antelopes 11. Hartebeest Tribe 12. Impala, Aepyceros melampus 13. Bushbuck Tribe 14. African or Cape Buffalo, Syncerus caffer 15. Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis Part II: Other Hoofed Mammals 16. Swine 17. Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius 18. Rhinoceroses 19. Zebras and Asses 20. Hyraxes or Dassies 21. Elephant, Loxodonta africana[superscript en] Part III: Carnivores. 22. Introducing Carnivores

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from Dinosaur Art, this new volume showcases 10 amazing artists whose work represents the cutting edge of paleoart. Many are rising stars in the field; others have embraced digital technology and continue to assert long-standing reputations as leaders in the discipline. This volume also includes state-of-the-art modellers, allowing the reader to explore restoring prehistoric animals in three as well as two dimensions. All accompanied by insights into the cutting of paleontological researcher and the very latest discoveries, with commentaries by respected scientists at the top of their fields.Trade Review"Writer/editor (and very talented artist himself) Steve White has done it again with another beautiful, large format, coffee table book packed with some of the best prehistoric animal art of our time....The book is accompanied by insights into paleontological research and the very latest discoveries, with commentaries by respected scientists at the top of their fields. A must for your library." -- Prehistoric Times

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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 Synopsis"Nourishment will change the way you eat and the way you think."—Mark Schatzker, author of The Dorito Effect "[Provenza is] a wise observer of the land and the animals [and] becomes transformed to learn the meaning of life."—Temple Grandin Reflections on feeding body and spirit in a world of change Animal scientists have long considered domestic livestock to be too dumb to know how to eat right, but the lifetime research of animal behaviorist Fred Provenza and his colleagues has debunked this myth. Their work shows that when given a choice of natural foods, livestock have an astoundingly refined palate, nibbling through the day on as many as fifty kinds of grasses, forbs, and shrubs to meet their nutritional needs with remarkable precision. In Nourishment Provenza presents his thesis of the wisdom body, a wisdom that links flavor-feedback relationships at a cellular level with biochemically rich foods to meet the body’s nutritional and medicinal needs. Provenza explores the fascinating complexity of these relationships as he raises and answers thought-provoking questions about what we can learn from animals about nutritional wisdom. What kinds of memories form the basis for how herbivores, and humans, recognize foods? Can a body develop nutritional and medicinal memories in utero and early in life? Do humans still possess the wisdom to select nourishing diets or has that ability been hijacked by nutritional “authorities”? Is taking supplements and enriching and fortifying foods helping us, or is it hurting us? On a broader scale Provenza explores the relationships among facets of complex, poorly understood, ever-changing ecological, social, and economic systems in light of an unpredictable future. To what degree do we lose contact with life-sustaining energies when the foods we eat come from anywhere but where we live? To what degree do we lose the mythological relationship that links us physically and spiritually with Mother Earth who nurtures our lives? Provenza’s paradigm-changing exploration of these questions has implications that could vastly improve our health through a simple change in the way we view our relationships with the plants and animals we eat. "Nourishment is a conversation between science, culture, and a greater spiritual or cosmological umbrella."—Montana Public RadioTrade Review“Through Fred Provenza’s eyes, a simple meal becomes a wondrous journey into the world, into our bodies, and into our deepest selves. Nourishment will change the way you eat and the way you think.”—Mark Schatzker, author of Steak and The Dorito Effect “In Nourishment a wise observer of the land and the animals becomes transformed to learn the meaning of life. Fred Provenza’s reflections on his long, fruitful career in behavior-based management of landscapes include his joy in observing the natural world around him.”—Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation“An absolutely fascinating topic, engagingly written. Fred Provenza will wholly up-end everything you think you know about what you are supposed to eat and why. Nourishment should be the first book read by every student of nutrition.”—Nicolette Hahn Niman, author of Defending Beef“Once again, Fred Provenza shows he is one of the freshest and most insightful thinkers about the role of herbivores (and omnivorous humans!) in our food and land management systems. His clear evolutionary thinking is matched by his keen powers of observation of ecological interactions. This book is a landmark contribution.”—Gary Paul Nabhan, author of Mesquite and Food from the Radical Center“Fred Provenza’s Nourishment is a synergy of the essence of his lifetime of research coupled with commonsense nutritional advice to aid both animals and humans. All readers will benefit from the knowledge revealed in this book. I have long thought Dr. Provenza’s work should comprise a required course in veterinary and medical schools, and Nourishment confirms that opinion.”—Richard J. Holliday, DVM, holistic veterinarian; coauthor of A Holistic Vet’s Prescription for a Healthy Herd“In Nourishment Fred Provenza offers a rich explanation of how animals follow instinctual wisdom of nutritional biochemistry when nested in their proper ecological niche. Drawing from episodes of his years of research and the cycles of life, Dr. Provenza illuminates the fascinating mechanisms by which animals’ innate knowledge of healthy eating is passed on to their offspring and how we humans can learn from the simplicity of animals in our midst. This engaging book provides proof that animals are not mindless eaters—nor should humans be.”—Hubert Karreman, VMD, author of Treating Dairy Cows Naturally“Fred Provenza is a hero of mine. For more than thirty years, he has been a leader in applying scientific knowledge to social good. His deep understanding of how animals behave on the land—why they eat what they eat, how they stay healthy, and how they teach their young—has helped generations of ranchers, farmers, wildlife managers, and university students understand and strengthen their relationships with animals in sustainable ways. We are animals, too, and in this magnificent book, the culmination of a lifetime of learning, Fred weaves together philosophy, nutritional science, memoir, and his humble appreciation for the natural world into an inspiring meditation on our moment on Earth.”—Courtney White, author of Grass, Soil, Hope and Two Percent Solutions for the Planet“In this path-finding and paradigm-breaking book, Provenza combines a lifetime’s worth of scientific work with deep empathic insight to further extend his unique contribution to healing our ailing landscapes, our animals, and the human condition. Across five continents Provenza has led livestock managers to upend traditional beliefs about animals in grazing-browsing systems. Now, in exciting and original fashion, he extends his ideas concerning we humans—animals, after all, who also coevolved in diverse, once nutrient-filled landscapes. In an era when the false pathway of economic rationalism, aligned to industrial agriculture and its food systems, is poisoning the planet and ourselves, Provenza provides a vitally new holistic perspective of our species: a perspective that provides exciting solutions to our Anthropocene and human dilemmas.”—Charles Massy, author of Call of the Reed Warbler“Part mirror and part compass springing from a bedrock of science, Nourishment takes us on an extraordinary journey through bodies of wisdom. This book sets a new bar for how to think about the intersection of food, nature, and ourselves.”—Anne Biklé, coauthor of The Hidden Half of Nature“Fred Provenza has spent his career redefining the ways we understand livestock intelligence when it comes to diet. In this compelling and engaging book, he shares many of those lessons and synthesizes a wide breadth of research and knowledge to challenge some fundamental assumptions about diet, whether it be for livestock or humans. Provenza connects the dots like few have before, offering a new way to see the world and bringing new meaning to ‘you are what you eat.’”—Steve Gabriel, author of Silvopasture and coauthor of Farming the Woods“Fred Provenza has a brilliant, inquisitive, and open-minded spirit, the kind that should live within all of us. Nourishment is the result of a lifetime of observation, experimentation, and incredible insight by a master scientist. This is a book you will read, reread, dog-ear pages in, and tell your friends about. You will be blown away, as I have been. Outstanding!”—Bob Budd, executive director, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust“Throughout his illustrious research career, Fred Provenza has taught us how animals—many of which we choose to eat—learn what they themselves should consume to maintain optimal health. He has now taken these lessons and applied them to the human situation in insightful and clever ways, concluding that we ignore our body’s wisdom to our nutritional detriment. But he goes further, tying his metaphysical ideas about the lives of plants, the nature of food, and the consciousness of cells to his fascinating life adventure. This book is sure to engage, educate, and provoke the reader.”—Gary K. Beauchamp, director and president emeritus, Monell Chemical Senses Center“I could describe this book as simply an enlightening treatise on the philosophy of life, but that fails to do it justice. Fred Provenza uses his life’s experiences as student, rancher, fisherman, researcher, teacher, hiker, cancer patient, and retiree to illustrate vividly the fundamental principles of nutrition not only of animals (including humans) but also of plants and soil. In Nourishment Provenza also offers a rich exposition of his outstanding all-embracing views of life. To read this book is to challenge many of one’s assumptions and prejudices.”—J. Michael Forbes, professor emeritus, University of Leeds; author of Voluntary Food Intake and Diet Selection of Farm Animals“Fred Provenza spent his distinguished academic career becoming a leading authority on the food habits of rangeland animals. In this thought-provoking book, he uses his deep understanding of his four-legged study subjects to cast light on our own nutritional condition in a world where we have become increasingly remote—philosophically and physically—from our food supply.”—Stephen J. Simpson, PhD, academic director, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney“Fred Provenza tells the story of the science behind how animals wisely choose to feed themselves from the variety of plants in the natural world. He integrates that story with the way we humans make food choices in childhood, why we like some foods but not others, and our propensity for addiction. Moreover he shows how animal behaviors shape the natural world and how a healthy ecosystem provides nourishment for our bodies, spirits, and intellects. Nourishment provides the keys for relinking our appetites with our health and happiness.”—William Foley, emeritus professor of nutrition and ecology, Australian National University“Fred Provenza serves up a feast for the mind, heart, and soul. Philosophical, spiritual, and rigorously scientific, Nourishment takes readers on this humble deep thinker’s life journey of discovery, sharing his insights about the nutritional and medicinal wisdom of animals, while clarifying some of our own misconceptions. Like a master mandala artist, Provenza provides perfect balance, drawing together multiple disciplines and belief systems to synthesize a paradigm shift based on wisdom that exists within each of us for eating well and staying healthy. Provenza calls on us to be responsible consumers and more compassionate visitors on this planet.”—Michael A. Huffman, professor, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERWINNER OF THE 2017 PEN ACKERLEY PRIZEWINNER OF THE 2016 WAINWRIGHT PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE 2017 ONDAATJE PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE 2016 WELLCOME PRIZEAt the age of thirty, Amy Liptrot finds herself washed up back home on Orkney. Standing unstable on the island, she tries to come to terms with the addiction that has swallowed the last decade of her life. As she spends her mornings swimming in the bracingly cold sea, her days tracking Orkney's wildlife, and her nights searching the sky for the Merry Dancers, Amy discovers how the wild can restore life and renew hope.Trade ReviewA lyrical, brave memoir. It's Liptrot's aptitude for marrying her inner-space with wild outer-spaces that makes her such a compelling writer . . . I enjoyed this book enormously -- WILL SELF * * Guardian * *The sheer sensuality of Liptrot's prose and her steely resolve immediately put her right up there with the best of the best. Liptrot is an Orcadian warrior with the breeze in her blood and poetry in her fingers, and The Outrun may even be a future classic. Wherever she journeys next, you will want to go with her * * New Statesman * *An exhilarating memoir . . . Anyone who has ever been unhappy or unwise will find much that resonates in this powerful, beautiful writing -- CATHY RENTZENBRINK * * Stylist * *An uncompromising account of addiction and recovery played out against the blasted fields of Orkney. Liptrot's writing is strong and sure. The Outrun is a bright addition to the exploding genre of writing about place and our place in the natural world * * Observer * *Remarkable . . . a meditative interior journey which Liptrot elevates to an art * * Spectator * *An unflinching examination of trauma, addiction and the restorative power of the natural world . . . It is a wild, wind-lashed book, and you come away from reading with the taste of salt spray on your lips -- Evie Wyld * * New York Times * *Brilliant . . . one of the most scabrously honest, sassy and moving books about addiction and recovery that I have read * * Scotsman * *An astonishingly beautiful book. Amy makes most nature writing seem flat and pedestrian. Her account of her addiction and recovery is electric, sexy, immediate and raw, leaving the reader reeling in her wake . . . This is a luminous, life-affirming book, and I have no doubt that I'll be pressing it into people's hands for years to come -- OLIVIA LAINGThere is a great deal of frank, flinch-making writing in this book, but it is always balanced by a sublimity and graciousness that is rare. This is a bold-hearted and brave-minded book. It is both terribly sad and awfully affecting. I look forward to its presence on some prize lists * * Scotland on Sunday * *Clean, clear and impressive . . . a sensuous book, full of summer nights and winter water. Liptrot swims, walks, lives alone on uninhabited islands and observes. And from that comes a portrait of the natural world she is absorbed into * * Herald * *

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Book SynopsisThe essential mammal guide to take on safari, covering every African land mammal.Originally published in 2004, the Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals quickly became the field guide of choice to take on African safaris. Its compact format makes it ideal for use in the field, while its coverage is the most comprehensive currently possible in this format.Adapted from the Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals, the greatly condensed text focuses on essential information such as identification and distribution, while the author''s superb illustrations have been rearranged into an easy-to-use plate format and placed opposite the text. Complex and more obscure groups like the bats and certain rodent families are summarised by genera. Over 500 maps plot the distribution of all larger species, and for smaller mammals the maps show distribution by genus.This is a completely revised second edition of this popular guide. The information and taxonomy have been updated to fTrade ReviewExcellent, comprehensive field guide so you can tell your puku from your lechwe. * BBC Wildlife *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction How to Use this Guide The African Environment Evolution in Africa Mammals Afrotheria Primates Rodents Hares, Rock-Hares and Rabbits Hedgehogs Shrews Bats Carnivores Pangolins Odd-toed Ungulates Even-toed Ungulates Further Reading Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisFor over 50 years Heavy Weather Sailing has been regarded as the ultimate international authority on surviving storms at sea aboard sailing and motor vessels.In this book, former Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club Martin Thomas brings together a wealth of expert advice from many of the great sailors of the present, including fresh accounts of yachts overtaken by extreme weather, from Ewan Southby-Tailyour, Alex Whitworth and Dag Pike to Larry and Lin Pardey, Matt Sheahan and Andrew Claughton.The expert advice section has been updated in line with current thinking, with major new additions tackling preventing or coping with lightning strikes, navigating in heavy weather with both paper and electronic charts, the choice and use of tenders in severe weather, and special problems faced by the new generation of foiled cruising boats. For the first time the book also covers the unique challenges presented by weather in high latitudes, with more yachts crossing the Drake PassaTrade ReviewIf you buy no other book for your voyage, buy this one. * Pete Goss *This book is an institution. * Practical Boat Owner *The ultimate survival handbook. * Yachting World *A book written by experts. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves irresistibly drawn towards the sea. It should be on every offshore yacht sailor's list of must-read books. -- Paul Boissier, RNLI Chief Executive * Lifeboat *The latest edition of [the] classic ... skulfully edited by Martin Thomas and Peter Bruce, who have brought their own wealth of experience. An instructive read. -- Paul Heiney * Sailing Today *Essential reading for every sailor. * Yachting Monthly *The bible on surviving storms at sea. This has always been an invaluable book for offshore sailors. Highly recommended. * Sailing Today *First-hand tales of extreme weather and storm conditions with expert reflection and advice…essential reading for every sailor. * Yachting Monthly *Everyone who goes on the sea should read it. * The Marine Quarterly *

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Book SynopsisA charming collection of cats photographed in a range of quirky and atmospheric shops across China.Trade Review'Capturing the playful charms of these shop-bound kitties, the book is a charming and warm tribute to retail life in China' - Creative Review'A charming and warm tribute to retail life in China' - Creative Review'A unique glimpse into Asian culture ... charming' - Creative Boom

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Book Synopsis"Stunning images in fine art photobook capture the 'strength and dignity' of America's cowboys and their breathtaking Wild West home." – Daily Mail “Titled American Cowboys, the book captures the pioneering spirit of modern cowboys and cowgirls, turning the camera on high-stakes rodeos, hard-working ranchers and horseback rides across stunning desert landscapes.” – Daily Mail The ranching communities in the heartland of the great American West may be a long way from New York City, but renowned photographer Anouk Masson Krantz has been drawn back time and time again to explore this largely unfamiliar and overlooked part of the world. In West: The American Cowboy, Anouk revisits this enduring iconic symbol of America's pioneering spirit. Set out in a stunning large-format book, the pages within inspire with a fresh and contemporary perspective of the American West. Along with the cowboy's ranching traditions comes a life built around the core values and faith that are central to their integrity. Long admired for their strength, relentless work ethic, and humble values, the forgotten American cowboy is alive and well, and has never stood in such stark contrast to the rapidly changing nation that surrounds them. Earning wide acclaim for her incredible fine art work exhibited in galleries and published in the bestselling Wild Horses of Cumberland Island (2017), also by IMAGES, West: The American Cowboy is another artful, intimate study of the American character and their sense of place, and is a unique collection of works brought together by this award-winning photographer and storyteller. Also available by Anouk Krantz: Wild Horses of Cumberland Island ISBN 9781864708851Trade Review'A unique collection from an award-winning photographer and storyteller, the book is an artful, intimate study of American character and sense of place.'-- The Independent'In this oversize ode to the American West, French photographer Anouk Masson Krantz captures the expansiveness of the frontier as well as the rodeo cowboys, ranchers, country-music singers, and cattle that call it home — all in expressive black-and-white.' -- New York Magazine.’The iconic symbol of America’s pioneering spirit captured in a series of lavish fine art pictures: Jaw-dropping images of the Wild West’s cowboys and epic landscapes.’ -- Sarah Holt, Daily Mail"Her quest was not to glorify well-known ranches or big-name cowboys but to show the hard work of the West and the people who do it… whose experiences and encounters are chronicled in this handsome volume of 137 striking black-and-white images" -- Cowboys and Indians: The Premier Magazine of the West"‘West: The American Cowboy' explores, in black and white, the enduring iconic symbol of our country’s pioneering spirit. She also focused her lens on the wide-open spaces in a largely overlooked part of the world." -- Alice Garbarini Hurley, Aspire Design and HomeInterview with photographer and author Anouk Masson Krantz; article and podcast - The Candid Frame podcastTop 10 Best West Reviews In 2023: West reaches number 2 - Facts Chronicle

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Book SynopsisLet Lonely Planet take you further than ever before with the world's first and only travel guide to the Universe. Developed with the latest data from NASA, we take you from our home on Earth and out into the far reaches of the solar system, then into our neighbouring stars and planetary systems, and finally into the rest of our galaxy and the Universe. This fascinating journey will help you explore space as you would the world with a Lonely Planet guide. Unique to these pages are wonderful comparisons of Earth with the other worlds of our solar system and even those exoplanets orbiting other stars. You'll discover as much as we know about our celestial neighbourhood, and our place in it. In addition to planets and moons, get to know our Sun, explore the asteroid belt and the Kuiper Belt, and learn what lays beyond, in interstellar space. Outside our solar system, travel to some of the notable neighbouring stars, stellar systems and exoplanets we've discovered. You'll understand how we search for planets where life might exist and the stars they orbit. Finally, discover the edge of the observable Universe. Get to know the structure of the Milky Way as well as an orientation to neighbouring galaxies like the Andromeda Galaxy which is visible from Earth. Then explore other galactic formations and learn about galactic clusters and superclusters. By the end of the book, you'll have a sense for the structure of the entire Universe as well as some of the big questions we still have as we ponder our place in it. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.

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Book SynopsisThe photographer and filmmaker Bruce Weber is associated with a wide array of imagery: humanist portraits of artists, actors, and athletes; fashion spreads charged with emotion, irreverence, and nostalgia; lyrical tributes to eroticism and an arcadian vision of the American landscape. All these things—and golden retrievers, too. Since the very beginning, Weber has been accompanied on his travels by a pack of these benevolent canines, who have populated his photographs for fashion campaigns, prominent magazines, and the pages of his personal scrapbooks in equal measure. The Golden Retriever Photographic Society is Weber’s first career-spanning collection of these photographs, one he describes as his most personal. In the introduction to the monograph, Weber remarks, “People sometimes say to me, ‘In my next life, I want to come back as one of your dogs.’” Paging through this volume, we understand the sentiment. For five decades, these golden retrievers have been foils for Weber’s imagination, storybook characters in the expansive life he has created with wife, Nan Bush. This book celebrates the human-animal bond, illuminating how connection to one’s pets can fuel creativity, provide companionship, and foster an abundance of joy.Trade Review“Leafing through this book, it’s clear why canines are considered man’s best friend. From puppies in top hats to a dog perched on an elephant, these photos capture the exuberance of Golden Retrievers.” * The Daily Mail *“[A] loving and personal tome.” * robbreport.com *“Working on this book has been a very moving experience, looking back over 50-some years of photographing dogs and thinking about what that’s meant to my life.” * Bruce Weber *

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Book SynopsisChickens are many things: sources of meat and eggs, lovable pets, amusing images on merchandise, and a source of comfort at the end of a hard day. Whether we're considering joining the growing flock of backyard chicken-keepers or simply cheered by leafing through images of gorgeous poultry, our love for chickens is strong.The trend for backyard chickens has surged during the pandemic. Amazon searches for chick supplies are up 758%, with local hatcheries recording a 500% demand increase, as people look to reduce environmental impact, improve food traceability, connect with nature, or simply to relish the pure joy of chicken company.The Collins Backyard Chicken-keeper's Bible is the fourth title in this stunning and engaging series, and the perfect smallholder companion to The Beekeeper's Bible. It is packed with everything you need to fully embrace your new chicken-keeping lifestyle. A sumptuous aesthetic is paired with practical tips on identifying backyard breeds and supporting good cTrade ReviewOn Collins Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible:‘An exquisitely illustrated book that everyone should be twitching to get their hands on … The information is accessible to beginners and novices, offering insightful tips for even experienced birdwatchers. With this book, educating oneself further about birds needn’t be a flight of fancy’ The Field

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Book Synopsis#1 — The Best Country and Rural Living Books*#1 — 15 Best Homesteading Books for Beginners**For more than 50 years, this homesteading classic is the essential book of basic skills and country wisdom for living off the grid, being prepared, and doing it yourself. Keep your family healthy, safe, and independent--no matter what's going on in the world. From homesteaders to urban farmers, and everyone in between, there is a desire for a simpler way of life: a healthier and self-sufficient natural lifestyle that allows you to survive and thrive—even in uncertain times. Carla Emery's classic book is the original manual of basic country skills and wisdom for living off the land.Learn how to live independently in this comprehensive 1000-page Encyclopedia of Country Living, including how to:* Can, dry, and preserve food * Plan your garden with a beginner's guide to gardening* Grow your own food* Make 20-minute cheese* Make your own natural skincare products* Bake bread * Cook on a wood stove * Learn beekeeping * Raise chickens, goats, and pigs * Create natural skincare products * Make organic bug spray * Treat your family with homemade natural remedies * Make fruit leather* Forage for wild food* Spin wool into yarn* Mill your own flour * Tap a maple tree And more! The Encyclopedia of Country Living has been guiding readers for more than 50 years, teaching you all the skills necessary for living independently off the land. Whether you live in the city, the country, or anywhere in between, this is the essential guide to living well and living simply.* Bookscrolling** OutdoorHappensTrade Review#1 The Best Country and Rural Living Books list: "This comprehensive resource is the most authoritative guide available to a sustainable lifestyle and living off of the land."—Bookscrolling.com#1 15 Best Homesteading Books for Beginners in 2021: "This book is one of our favorites…many aspects of basic farm life fill the (tremendously) detailed 928 pages. You’ll find gardening tips, how to prepare food, and how to buy land. …If you want to know more about keeping bees, raising rabbits, and taking care of cows, then this is the book to get!—Outdoor Happens“For the suburbanite with just enough space for a little garden to the die-hard homesteaders and everyone in between, The Encyclopedia of Country Living makes for both fascinating reading and a truly essential reference source. You won’t find a more complete source of step-by-step information about growing, processing, cooking and preserving every kind of food—from the garden, the orchard, the field or the barnyard!”Rodale Book Club"If you're dreaming about moving "back to the land" someday, or if you're already there and want to live more self-sufficiently, you'll want a copy of ... The Encyclopedia of Country Living."Organic Gardening“This book is a monument to the coevolution of a person and an idea. . . this book should be shelved in your collection between the Foxfire books and Alicia Bay Lau­rel’s Living on Earth.”Whole Earth catalog"Packed with old wisdom as well as up-to-date websites and mail-order sources to make country living easier."Country Almanac“As one aston­ished browser acclaimed, ‘Is there anything this book doesn’t tell you how to do?’”Library Journal"If you’re thinking about ditching the city and reconnecting with a simpler, more direct way of life . . . The Encyclopedia covers a wealth of information to keep you on target."Lehman's Country Living"If I could only have one comprehensive how-to book on self-reliant living, this would be it."Backwoods Home Magazine"The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery is one of my favorite finds. It is a guide to all things country..."The Jefferson County Post"While it is impossible for one book to have everything you need, 'The Encyclopedia of Country Living' does an exceptional job of giving you the most bang for your buck when it comes to needing a single resource where you are likely to find the answer to your country living questions."Outdoor Self Reliance "Practical advice, invaluable information, and collected wis­dom for folks and farmers in the country, city, and anywhere in between."Territorial Seed catalog

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Book SynopsisA stunning new edition of the best-selling photographic guide to the moths of the British Isles--now covering all species on the British list.British Moths is the most comprehensive collection of photographs of British moths ever published. It covers both macro and micro species, and the images are all of living insects, taken in natural conditions. Concise text descriptions cover wingspan, status and distribution, flight period, habitat and larval foodplants, while thumbnail maps provide a quick overview of geographical distributions.This third edition has been significantly expanded so that it includes all species on the British list, approximately 2,500 in total, representing a magnificent achievement by the author, Chris Manley. It also includes updates to the text, improvements to the photographic selection, and extra identification hints. For the leaf-mining micros, photographs are included to demonstrate the all-important feeding signs that can oTable of ContentsIllustrated Index to Moth Families Preface to the Third Edition Acknowledgements Introduction How to See Moths Photography and Recording Anatomy Life Cycle of a Typical Moth Species Descriptions Appendix: Adventives Bibliography and Further Reading English Index Scientific Index

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Book SynopsisIn The Flower Hunter, Lucy Hunter takes us on an inspirational journey through a year in her garden and artist’s studio set among the mountains of North Wales. Lucy's evocative, gently humorous words accompany her glorious photographs and exquisite floral arrangements, as she encourages the reader to marvel at the intricate cycles of the natural world, develop their own innate creativity and to look for beauty in the everyday. Her garden provides the raw materials for Lucy's floral artistry – breathtaking naturalistic arrangements with the painterly beauty and flourish of a Dutch still life. Simple projects accompany Lucy’s text, from drying garden flowers for an autumnal wreath to making your own journals and natural dyes to assembling lavish arrangements that showcase the voluptuous beauty of garden roses. Lucy believes that we all have a creative voice buried deep within. The Flower Hunter will encourage you to find your own creativity and help it to blossom.Trade ReviewSeasonality and self-knowledge are at the heart of this beautiful, inspirational and refreshingly fun book by the floral polymath Lucy Hunter - Gardens Illustrated Overflowing with gorgeous photography, wonderful step-by-step tutorials, and beautiful essays - Floret Is a sumptuously illustrated step-by-step guide to creating dreamily beautiful, seasonal floral arrangements from the garden - The Irish Times This gorgeous book showcases the talents of floral artist Lucy Hunter’s stunning naturalistic arrangements...The book is equally appealing as a coffee table addition or as inspiration for growing your own cutting garden of your favorite flowers - Veranda.com Glorious floral arrangements, many of which look like still-life paintings - Cottages & Bungalows Lucy creates masterpieces... luscious – Slow Flowers Journal

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Book SynopsisThis pocket-sized photographic guide to the birds of East Africa features 296 birds likely to be spotted in the region. Colourful photographs illustrate diagnostic features and plumage differences between male and female or breeding and non-breeding birds. Comparative photographs help differentiate between confusing species. Important distinguishing characteristics are highlighted in the text. Distribution maps and Swahili common names for all species are included. Introduction features a labelled bird diagram, habitat map, glossary and useful advice to birdwatchers. An invaluable guide for visitors to national parks and the many areas in East Africa that are rich in birdlife.

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Book Synopsis* Spacecraft missions to nearby planets* The Library of ancient Alexandria* The human brain* Egyptian hieroglyphics* The origin of life* The death of the sun* The evolution of galaxies* The origins of matter, suns and worldsThe story of fifteen billion years of cosmic evolution transforming matter and life into consciousness, of how science and civilisation grew up together, and of the forces and individuals who helped shape modern science. A story told with Carl Sagan''s remarkable ability to make scientific ideas both comprehensible and exciting.Trade ReviewThis book made me fall in love with physics, which - as I always hated science at school - is no mean feat. It looks at everything from ancient Egypt to the possibility of alien life. Pop science at its best -- Matt Haig** 'Enticing, imaginative, readable, iridescent * The New York TIMES *

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Book SynopsisJust like humans, each type of animal has its own soul purpose on Earth. Birds, fish, insects and reptiles are on their own spiritual journey. Some animals incarnate in service to humanity, while others serve the planet or are here to grow spiritually through life on Earth. The souls of animals, like the souls of humans, come from different stars or planets, even from different universes. In this book, which features unprecedented teachings on the animal realm, Diana Cooper shares fascinating channelled information about the soul missions and service work of many of the creatures of the world. We discover the various planets or stars from which they originate and what they come to Earth to learn or teach. As well as comprehensive material about the creatures with whom we share the planet and the particular angels they work with, this incredible book contains visualizations to connect with them and prayers to help them all. The Archangel Guide to the Animal World will expand your consciousness and help you see the animal world through enlightened eyes.

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Book SynopsisThis large-format poster book lets you decorate your walls with images from Katie Scott's Botanicum. Featuring plantlife of all kinds, from right around the world, it's a stunning celebration of all things botanical.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a fully revised and updated second edition of the only comprehensive guide to the mammals of South-east Asia, one of the world''s richest regions in terms of mammal diversity, where species new to science are still being described regularly, though there is increasing pressure on all of its wild mammal populations.From large mammals such as the elephant, big cats, dolphins and whales through bears, monkeys and badgers to bats, civets, rats and shrews, more than 550 species are described in detail, including key identification characteristics, habitat, behavior, distribution and status, accompanied by line drawings of footprints and details of anatomy, or other aspects of identification. Beautiful color plates depict nearly all species and their variations, while accompanying range maps provide up-to-date information on distribution. This field guide is essential for any naturalist or traveler visiting this special corner of Asia.Table of ContentsPreface to second edition Acknowledgements Introduction What is a mammal? Classification and naming How to identify mammals Colour plates Species accounts Finding and studying mammals Where to find mammals Conservation of mammals in South-east Asia Species Accounts Pholidota - Pangolins Insectivora - Gymnures, Moles, Shrews Scandentia - Treeshrews Dermoptera - Colugos Chiroptera - Bats Primates - Lorises, Monkeys, Gibbons Carnivora - Dogs, Bears, Red Pandas, Martens, Weasels, Badgers, Otters, Civets, Mongooses, Lisangs, Cats, Fur seals, Sealions, Seals Cetacea - Oceanic dolphins, Porpoises, Whales Sirenia - Dugong Proboscidea - Elephants Perissodactyla - Tapirs, Rhinoceroses Artidodactyla - Pigs, Mousedeer, Musk-deer, Deer, Cattle, Buffalo, Antelopes, Goats, Sheep Rodentia - Squirrels, Rats, Mice, Pygmy-dormice, Voles, Bamboo rats, Kha-nyou, Porcupines Lagomorpha - Pikes, Hares, Rabbits Glossary Selected bibliography Figure credits Index

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Book SynopsisThis region embraces an impressive range of habitats from the Pyrenees to the sun-drenched Catalan coast. As a consequence the area is rich in birdlife and full of potential for visiting birders. Almost 200 sites are described in terms of habitat, access and the species to be seen. Where to Watch Birds in Northern and Eastern Spain includes comprehensive coverage of all thirteen autonomous regions, a descriptive list of all the resident, visiting and rare birds to be found, as well as advice on watching seabirds from key sites like Estaca de Bares.Table of ContentsForeword Introduction to the third edition How to use this book Visiting northern and eastern Spain Geography, habitats and birds Watching seabirds in northern and eastern Spain Aragón Asturias Cantabria Castilla-La Mancha Castilla y León Cataluña Galicia Madrid Murcia Navarra País Vasco (Euskadi) La Rioja Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana) Status list of the birds of Northern and Eastern Spain Appendix 1. Scientific Names of Plant Species Mentioned Appendix 2. Glossary of Local Geographical Terms Further Reading Site Index Species Index

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Book SynopsisThis new field guide is a complete and convenient reference to every species of cetacean, pinniped and sirenian in the world, along with the Marine and Sea Otters and the Polar Bear.Every species is illustrated with magnificent colour paintings and a stunning collection of photographs, chosen to illustrate the key field marks which can be used to separate each species in the field.The author''s unique depth of experience and knowledge, coupled with the artist''s unrivalled skill, have come together to produce a neat, practical field guide that will enable any observer to quickly identify any mammals they may encounter at sea.Trade ReviewOne of the most attractive, well-produced and comprehensive guides ever published... Whales, Dolphins and Seals is a tour de force for author Hadoram Shirihai and artist Brett Jarrett. The lavishly illustrated paperback is a delight, with Jarrett's exquisitely crafted paintings, copious colour photographs and a text that is well laid out and highly informative. It really is a delightful book. * Sunday Express *This is an excellent buy and a must for cetacean lovers. * Birdwatch *It is likely to become the definitive guide to these fascinating creatures. * Saturday Guardian *An excellent book. The layout for the species pages is eye-catching but easy to read. There is a pleasing mix of photographs and and high quality artwork for each species together with texts that cover descriptions, behaviour, distribution and similar species. An invaluable field guide. * BTO News *This beautifully illustrated and informative text has fast become the definitive guide to the marine mammals of the world. * WDCS *Excellent field guide. * Wanderlust *Keep handy in the cockpit on your next adventure. * Ontario Sailor *

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Book SynopsisThe pandemic saw a huge increase in dog purchase and adoption, and this book will help new owners find solutions to canine behavioural issues. Featuring step-by-step instructions and illustrations for a wide range of training methods and exercises, this book will help eliminate aggression, barking, timidity, fear, and reactivity. Includes real-life case studies and interviews with top dog trainers, vets, and behaviourists.

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Book SynopsisA portable, photo-packed guide for all visitors to the country.New Zealand''s dramatic scenery is home to some equally dramatic wildlife, featuring a host of endemics found nowhere else in the world. From giant wetas and the ancient Tuatara to a suite of beautiful birds, including flightless wonders such as the Kiwi and Kakapo, these animals help make New Zealand one of the world''s greatest wildlife-tourism destinations. Although there have been severe losses due to introduced predators, the country has a fiercely determined conservation sector, and the future looks bright.This fully revised and updated second edition of Julian Fitter''s classic photographic field guide illustrates most of the vertebrate species to be found on the islands, there, as well as a large number of typical invertebrates and flora, with the photography accompanied by concise species texts. Reader-friendly and portable yet covering everything the visitor is likely to see, this book Trade ReviewFor the inquisitive visitor, this photographic field guide is the perfect companion - small and compact. * Birding World *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Author's Introduction Map of New Zealand Map of New Zealand and its Offshore Islands Introduction Geology and Geography Habitats Birds Mammals Amphibians and Reptiles Invertebrates Freshwater and Estuarine Fish The Seashore Native Trees and Shrubs Native Vines, Epiphytes and Parasites Native Herbs Native Grasses, Sedges and Rushes Ferns and their Allies Fungi Bryophytes - Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts Lichens Places to Visit Glossary Index Photo Credits

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Book Synopsis'No other person who has flown in space has captured the experience so vividly' - New York Times Book Review In July 1969, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins piloted the Apollo 11 spacecraft to the moon. Fifty years later, it is still one of the greatest achievements in human history.In this remarkable memoir, Michael Collins conveys, in a very personal way, the drama, beauty, and humour of that adventure. He also traces his development from his first flight experiences in the air force, through his days as a test pilot, to his involvement in Project Gemini and his first spaceflight on Gemini 10. He presents an evocative picture of the famous Apollo 11 spacewalk, detailing the joys of flight and a new perspective on time, light, and movement from someone who has seen the fragile Earth from the other side of the moon.Updated with a new preface to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon-landing, Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins is the utterly absorbing and truly compelling classic account of what it was like to be a member of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon.Trade ReviewCollins tells what his space journeys meant to him as a human being [and] discusses the role of man amid the multitudinous mechanical marvels . . . Profoundly affecting * The New Yorker *Michael Collins can write . . . No other person who has flown in space has captured the experience so vividly * The New York Times Book Review *A splendid and affirmative book . . . A magnificent piece of exposition alive with humour, candid in its anxiety, very sensitive in its appreciation of the men involved. -- Edward Weeks * The Atlantic Monthly *

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Book SynopsisFrom the crops that have fed billions of people over the centuries to the plants highly regarded for their medicinal qualities, this fascinating offering from garden expert Bill Laws unearths the stories behind some of the world's best-known plants.Table of ContentsIncluding 1 Potato 2 Rice 3 Wheat 4 Banana 5 Cacao... 46 Sunflower 47 Palm (Oil) 48 Kola nut 49 Kastor 50 Henna

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Book SynopsisFeaturing an array of fascinating illustrations from the British Library's rich medieval collection, Cats in Medieval Manuscripts includes anecdotes about cats - both real and imaginary - to provide a fascinating picture of the life of the cat and its relationship with humans in the medieval world.

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Book SynopsisUnearth a prehistoric world with this fascinating first guide to fossils, ideal for helping young children (and parents) to identify some of the most common types found across the United Kingdom. Enjoy learning about nine ancient minibeasts that you can find for yourself: from tentacled ammonites and belemnites, to curiously shaped sea urchins and surprising shell fish! Featuring a foreword by Dr David Waterhouse, an expert palaeontologist (well known for his TV and Radio appearances) and Curator at the University of Cambridge, this pocket-sized beginner''s guide is the must have companion for your next adventure. "Fossil hunting is a fun, exciting and free hobby. It helps us to learn about the history of life on Earth and is a great way to begin to study the natural world. It also keeps us fit and healthy by being outdoors. There's nothing better than finding something that no one has ever seen before. Imagine being the first ever person to hold a fossil shell or sea-sponge that's hundreds of millions of years old now that's really impressive!" - Dr David Waterhouse

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Book SynopsisA new, practical guide to training your Border Collie, by esteemed trainer and author, Barbara Sykes. Drawing upon her popular 'Thinking Like Canines' (TLC) training method and other established approaches, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies is an essential resource for understanding and training this versatile and loyal breed. With step-by-step photography and training case studies throughout, the book covers: breed variants and temperaments; diet, puppy training and bringing new dogs home; simple commands, boundaries and socialization; the 'Chill Mat' - a safe territory to keep your collie calm; lead and recall training; rescue and problem dogs and, finally, common myths, facts and tips about the breed.Trade ReviewDear Barbara I very recently took on my fourth Border Collie. She is from a sheep farm; four years old and wouldn't herd, hence the sale. Meg has not known domesticity and so absolutely everything is new to her. I need help to help Meg. I found your book 'Training Border Collies' and write to say how lovely it is. It's as if you're in the garden with us, quietly telling us how it's done! Thank you so so much for the format- so many super pics and the love that lies behind your kind words. When I reached page 52 I decided to go back, read again and absorb all I read and will refer to this nook for many months to come. Thank you for your wonderful insight which will help me help Meg to take on life off the farm. Wendy Bush (74) " -- Wendy Bush * Customer Review *

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Book SynopsisThe Times Science Book of the Year.A Sunday Times Bestseller.66 million years ago the dinosaurs were wiped from the face of the earth. Today, Dr. Steve Brusatte, one of the leading scientists of a new generation of dinosaur hunters, armed with cutting edge technology, is piecing together the complete story of how the dinosaurs ruled the earth for 150 million years.The world of the dinosaurs has fascinated on book and screen for decades – from early science fiction classics like The Lost World, to Godzilla terrorizing the streets of Tokyo, and the monsters of Jurassic Park. But what if we got it wrong? In The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, top dinosaur expert Brusatte, tells the real story of how dinosaurs rose to dominate the planet. Using the fossil clues that have been gathered using state of the art technology, Brusatte follows these magnificent creatures from their beginnings in the Early Triassic period, through the Jurassic period to their final days in the Cretaceous and the legacy that they left behind.Along the way, Brusatte introduces us to modern day dinosaur hunters and gives an insight into what it’s like to be a paleontologist. The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is full of thrilling accounts of some of his personal discoveries, including primitive human-sized tyrannosaurs, monstrous carnivores even larger than T. rex, and feathered raptor dinosaurs preserved in lava from China.At a time when Homo sapiens has existed for less than 200,000 years and we are already talking about planetary extinction, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is a timely reminder of what humans can learn from the magnificent creatures who ruled the earth before us.'Thrilling . . . the best book on the subject written for the general reader since the 1980s.' - The Sunday TimesTrade ReviewThrilling . . . the best book on the subject written for the general reader since the 1980s. -- Tom Holland * The Sunday Times *A gripping read in the best traditions of popular science -- Andrew Anthony * The Observer *The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is a lovely book. Brusatte has a wonderful knack for conjuring vivid worlds out of a few shards of petrified bone. He is excellent company as a narrator, steering a course between pedantry and patronising oversimplification with flair, and unafraid to guide the reader through some fairly complicated patches of science when he feels it is worth it. -- Oliver Moody * The Times *A vibrant view of how dinosaurs originated and what happened to our Mesozoic favourites. Brusatte is as adept a scientific storyteller as any reader could ask for. * The Spectator *A masterpiece of science writing * The Washington Post *An up-to-the-minute account of the long history and remarkable biology of the extraordinary animals that capture the imagination of every child. The dinosaurs are much more varied than the popular picture of lumbering giants and matching meat eaters. Steve Brusatte expertly leads the reader through the latest discoveries to unravel their great range of lifestyles in a vanished world. He explores the research that led to the realisation that dinosaurs Iive on - as birds. The book is an appropriate antidote to the hubris that puts our human species at the centre of the living world. -- Professor Richard ForteySteve Brusatte is doing some of the most exciting research on dinosaurs today, and he brings that excitement to The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs. Whether he’s recounting remarkable fossil discoveries or explaining millions of years of evolutionary change, Brusatte shows just how much our understanding of dinosaurs has changed in just the past decade. -- Carl Zimmer, author of Evolution: Making Sense of LifeThe Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is a work of solid modern science, updating the fallacies and fancies of antiquated paleontology, revealing the quantum leaps in understanding of this modern science. But it is more than that. It is a personal quest full of enthusiasm and joy, getting beneath the dust to reveal the scales and the feathers of dinosaurs. -- Steve Backshall, Naturalist and BBC TV PresenterSteve Brusatte's The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is a triumph. Written by one of our young leaders of the field, he brings new discoveries, a taste for a good yarn, and his infectious enthusiasm to some of the epic tales of paleontology. It is hard to read Brusatte and not love lost worlds. -- Neil Shubin, author of Your Inner FishAs a scientist on the front lines of discovery, Brusatte delivers a cutting-edge account of Earth's most awe-inspiring age, and does so with great skill, humor and wonder. In his thrilling account of the revolutions and innovations that brought dinosaurs to rule the world for a near eternity, Brusatte captures both the majesty of the creatures he studies, as well as the breathtaking evolutionary ride that transformed these once scrawny also-rans into the myth-making tyrants of legend. It's the most epic chapter of earth history, and here it's told vividly by one of the world's top paleontologists. -- Peter Brannen, author of The Ends of the WorldWith his new book The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs esteemed palaeontologist and author Steve Brusatte shows that the fun, fascinating and fact-filled story of the dinosaurs is still very much alive after 66 million years. Simply, a must read. -- Ben Garrod, BBC TV presenterFantastic . . . Superbly illustrated with photos and art, this is popular-science writing at its best. -- Nancy BentThis is scientific storytelling at its most visceral, striding with the beasts through their Triassic dawn, Jurassic dominance, and abrupt demise in the Cretaceous. * Nature *The ultimate dinosaur biography * Scientific American *[Brusatte's] captivating text explores the excitement associated with searching for and discovering new dinosaur species, provides clues to many long-standing questions associated with dinosaurs. . . a mix of memoir, chronicling Brusatte’s personal odyssey from a child smitten by dinosaurs to a member of a vibrant scholarly community, and first-rate science writing for the general public. * Publishers Weekly *A must-have for fans of ancient reptiles and their lost world. * Kirkus Reviews *He is a working scientist in the early stages of his career, so his tales have a freshness and an engaging immediacy that you don’t get from the pens of scientists long past their productive years and with the leisure to write. Like Alexander Hamilton, he really does write as though he’s running out of time, so one can excuse him if his style bubbles over into breathlessness. And best of all, he gives an extensive bibliography of semi-popular and scholarly sources, many of them so new that the ink is hardly dry. This is science at first hand, meant for grown-ups. -- Henry Geee * The Literary Review *Kind in tone and generous in description...[this] memoirlike writing is silly and lovable, making for one big adventure. * The Paris Review *Full of adventures and humour. Abundant photographs and illustrations bring these stories to life * Science *Excellent...a superb combination of good argument and good writing. -- Matt RidleyBrusatte skillfully brings dead dino bones to life as he shares - no, gushes about - his personal journey as a young fossil hunter andthe people he’s met along the way… The beauty of this book lies in the details, too, and in the stories of the scientists who dig them up. * New York Times Book Review *Brusatte is one of the stars of modern paleontology...he has discovered 10 new dinosaur species. He has also led groundbreaking scientific studies that have rewritten the history of these magnificent creatures which, thanks to Hollywood and countless children stories, haunt our imaginations today like never before…Brusatte tells the epic tale of the dinosaurs’ rise to dominance and extinction, taking us on a thrilling journey back in time. * National Geographic *Rawwrghhh! Millions of years ago dino roars echoed across the earth. This vivid book takes us back. Meet the argentinosaurus, the largest land animal to have lived, and the allosaurus, a nasty predator with horns over its eyes. Steve Brusatte brings dinosaurs alive for a new generation. * The Times, Saturday Review, The best nonfiction to read on holiday this summer *Brusatte’s up-to-date survey of the current state of palaeontological knowledge is the best book on dinosaurs written for the general reader since the 1980s. * The Times, The 100 best books to read this summer *Table of ContentsSection - i: Prologue: The Golden Age of Discovery Chapter - 1: The Dawn of the Dinosaurs Chapter - 2: Dinosaurs Rise Up Chapter - 3: Dinosaurs Become Dominant Chapter - 4: Dinosaurs and Drifting Continents Chapter - 5: The Tyrant Dinosaurs Chapter - 6: The King of the Dinosaurs Chapter - 7: Dinosaurs at the Top of Their Game Chapter - 8: Dinosaurs Take Flight Chapter - 9: Dinosaurs Die Out Section - ii: Epilogue: After the Dinosaurs Acknowledgements - iii: Acknowledgements Section - iv: Notes on Sources Index - v: Index

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Book SynopsisPresents the 41 breeds of sheep you are most likely to encounter on farms, each with a full-page photo and a description of their appearance, history and uses. Only the size of a postcard, the book fits perfectly into a rucksack or pocket so is ideal for the interested rambler who is keen to discover more about the flock fleeing from him at the time. Clear color photographs taken of sheep 'straight from the field' illustrate the immense diversity within this species. This is the bestselling title from the `Know Your' series.

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Book SynopsisThe perfect hilarious and heartwarming gift for the festive season!When the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards announced a contest for the funniest animal photo, they received entries from all over the world. Now authors and the original Award founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam showcase the best of the best - as well as some never before seen - to present the most joyful photographs of wildlife ever printed. A pelican losing its lunch; a three-headed giraffe; a meerkat having a rough day... this is the must-have book that is perfect for animal lovers of all stripes!

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Book SynopsisIn this pathbreaking guide, two of the world's most popular and trusted pet-care advocates reveal new science to teach us how to delay ageing and provide a long, happy, healthy life for our canine companions.The #1 New York Times Bestseller and Sunday Times BestsellerEveryone who lives with dogs needs to read this book' ALEXANDRA HOROWITZ, author of Inside of a Dog and Our Dogs, OurselvesOver the past few decades, many dogs have been getting sicker and dying prematurely. Why? Rodney Habib and Dr Karen Shaw Becker have galvanized the best wisdom from top geneticists, microbiologists and longevity researchers across the globe to answer this question. Now, they will provide the practical, proven tools to protect our loyal four-legged friends, interviewing people whose dogs have lived into their twenties and even their thirties along the way.The Forever Dog plan focuses on the latest scientific research surrounding food and nutrition, movement, environmental exposure and stress reductionTrade Review‘If you optimize your own diet and exercise for wellness and longevity, shouldn’t you provide your dog with the same thoughtful care? The Forever Dog has solid scientific guidance from trusted experts to help your dog live a long and healthy life, disease free.’ — DR MARK HYMAN, multiple number one New York Times bestselling author and Pritzker Foundation chair in Functional Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine ‘Everyone who lives with dogs needs to read this book. We all want our dogs to live longer lives, but the ingredients to healthy longevity aren’t in a pet food bag: The Forever Dog aims to make the tools just as accessible as reaching for that bag. This book is a thoughtful, deeply researched tribute to the authors’ love for not just their dogs but all dogs.’ — ALEXANDRA HOROWITZ, author of Inside of a Dog and Our Dogs, Ourselves ‘The Forever Dog is the ultimate guide to becoming your dog’s best health advocate. Its practical tips will help your dog live longer, healthier, and happier.’ — SERGEY YOUNG, longevity investor and author of The Science and Technology of Growing Young, founder of the Longevity Vision Fund, and development sponsor for the Age Reversal XPRIZE ‘The Forever Dog applies the latest science and principles about health and longevity to help your dog live longer and healthier.’ — DR. JASON FUNG, physician and New York Times bestselling author of The Obesity Code ‘Dogs are dying prematurely of more chronic disease than ever before, warn animal health activist Habib and veterinarian Becker in this must-read guide for canine owners. Habib and Becker go deep and share plenty of scientific data (on dogs’ microbiomes, aging, and epigenomes) along the way. For readers looking to keep tails wagging for as long as possible, this is a no-brainer.’ — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

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Book Synopsis...Moon pays tribute to these endangered succulents, with dozens of breathtaking duotone portraits of some of the oldest baobab trees in Madagascar, Botswana, South Africa, and Senegal. Architectural DigestBaobabis photographer Beth Moon's tribute to the magnificent, threatened trees upon which cultures and ecosystems depend. . .In the face of such monumental losses, the photographs inBaobabamount to an ''act of defiance.'' Foreword Reviews, starred reviewA spectacular oversize photo book celebrating Africa's most majestic trees?which are now facing an unprecedented ecological threatBaobabs are one of Africa's natural wonders: they can live more than 2,000 years, and their massive, water-storing trunks can grow to more than one hundred feet in circumference. They serve as a renewable source of food, fiber, and fuel, as well as a focus of spiritual life. But now, suddenly, the largest baobabs are dying off , literally collapsing under their own weight. Scientists believe these ancient giants are being dehydrated by drought and higher temperatures, likely the result of climate change.Photographer Beth Moon, already responsible for some of the most indelible images of Africa's oldest and largest baobabs, has undertaken a new photographic pilgrimage to bear witness to this environmental catastrophe and document the baobabs that still survive. In this oversize volume, Moon presents breathtaking new duotone tree portraits of the baobabs of Madagascar, Botswana, South Africa, and Senegal. She recounts her eventful journey to visit these monumental trees in a moving diaristic text studded with color travel photos.This book also includes an essay by Adrian Patrut, leader of a research team that has studied Africa''s largest baobabs and alerted the world to the threat these majestic trees are facing.Baobab is not only a compelling photo book and travel narrative, but also a timely ecological warning.Trade Review"Panoramic in proportions yet intimate in detail. . . [These] textured portraits glow with an inner luster, and Moon’s accompanying journals express a sense of wonder mixed with melancholy; these giants. . . may not survive another thousand years." - Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History"Baobab is photographer Beth Moon’s tribute to the magnificent, threatened trees upon which cultures and ecosystems depend… In the face of such monumental losses, the photographs in Baobab amount to an 'act of defiance.'" - Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews"In 2018, Bay Area photographer Beth Moon learned that Tsitakakoike, an enormous sacred baobab tree, had split and toppled in a forest in Madagascar. In short order, Ms. Moon flew to the African island nation and arranged to photograph some of its oldest baobabs, which are under siege from drought and climate change. The results can be seen in her new book “Baobab” (Abbeville Press)." - Peter Saenger, Wall Street Journal"In her oversize black-and-white photo book, Baobab (Abbeville Press, November 2021), Moon pays tribute to these endangered succulents, with dozens of breathtaking duotone portraits of some of the oldest baobab trees in Madagascar, Botswana, South Africa, and Senegal." - Architectural DigestBeth Moon will be in the upcoming HBO documentary "Trees & Other Entanglements" which premieres on 12/12/23 in the USA. - HBO on YouTube trailer

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