Natural History Books

Book SynopsisThe latest heart-warming book in the Guinea Pig Classics series. ‘‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse’ But sit down by the fire with some chocolates to hand, And you’ll be welcomed into a magical land. There is snow and some moonlight; St Nick in his sleigh; There are reindeer and elves, and guinea pigs! Hooray! This classic Christmas poem, now told by guinea pigs, Will surely delight all with their costumes and wigs. For nothing’s more charming than a pig in a hat, Especially a Christmas one, that’s just a fact.Trade ReviewThese guinea pigs really know how to act * The Times *We defy you not to be won over by it * Saga *Really fun * Daily Mail *If they could get War and Peace down to this length, it would be a service to mankind * Salman Rushdie *

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Book SynopsisSlow down, relax, and express your creativity with another fun coloring book for grown-ups in the Color Me Coloring Books series.Relax in the hidden world under the sea. This adorable collection features stunning marine scenes that you can escape into. These detailed illustrations allow you to practice mindfulness and will keep you busy for hours. Take advantage of the meditative benefits of coloring with schools of fish, bright octopi, starfish, sea horses, sharks, dolphins, whales, jellyfish, and more.Color Me Under the Sea includes: 50 coloring pages designed to help you unwind Designs suitable for all skill levels, with a range of selections for beginners and experienced artists One-sided pages so your art doesn’t bleed through to the other side Anxiety-reducing benefits to lift your mood and help you practice mindfulness Whether you need a calming atmosphere, want to unwind at the end of the day, are trying a new hobby, or just love coloring, there is something here for everyone. Forget your worries as you explore these creative scenes. You can use colored pencils, markers, gel pens, watercolors, crayons, or whatever tool you want to fill in these designs. Let your imagination run wild with Color Me Under the Sea.

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the The Great Outdoors Awards – Outdoor Book of the Year 2020 Shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature 2020 There are strange relics hidden across Scotland’s landscape: forgotten places that are touchstones to incredible stories and past lives which still resonate today. Yet why are so many of these ‘wild histories’ unnoticed and overlooked? And what can they tell us about our own modern identity? From the high mountain passes of an ancient droving route to a desolate moorland graveyard, from uninhabited post-industrial islands and Clearance villages to caves explored by early climbers and the mysterious strongholds of Christian missionaries, Patrick Baker makes a series of journeys on foot and by paddle. Along the way, he encounters Neolithic settlements, bizarre World War Two structures, evidence of illicit whisky production, sacred wells and Viking burial grounds. Combining a rich fusion of travelogue and historical narrative, he threads themes of geology, natural and social history, literature, and industry from the places he visits, discovering connections between people and place more powerful than can be imagined.Trade Review'An evocative tome detailing his adventures in tracking down some of Scotland's most remote monuments to history ... the lost relics and secret places of Scotland's wild, wild past' * Sunday Post *'Grippingly told…each of his journeys fills with atmosphere and emotion' * BBC Countryfile Magazine *'Good nature writers can create such strong images that we almost feel that we are standing on the same windswept moors, gazing out over the same landscapes. Patrick Baker is such a writer, and this book is perfect for armchair travel' * Sorted *'A lyrical exploration of Scotland's regions of "rumour and folklore," of hidden places and often-forgotten tales, that makes a compelling argument for a greater examination of "wild histories" beyond the most well-trodden narratives of adventure' * Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Writing, Shortlisted 2020 *'The Unremembered Places breaks [the] mould. It describes Patrick Baker’s refreshingly quirky explorations on foot or kayak, often with his children, of remote and obscure locations' * Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal *'The Unremembered Places is packed with stories and reflections that dovetail into explanations of our relations with the land… For those with any inclination to adventure, natural beauty, or forgotten histories this will be a treasured read' * Geographical Magazine *'Wandering and kayaking through some of the UK’s wildest places, Baker reveals an area tantalisingly layered through with history and mystery in this fascinating exploration of the area. Along the way as he navigates Scotland’s peaks, creeks and cracks, he charts the labyrinth of ancient and modern history as well as the connections between the two, enriching any visit to the area' * Wanderlust Magazine *'Patrick Baker explores far-flung ruins and relics – from a cemetery for dam-builders to the remains of illicit stills – that serve as archives for Scotland's "wild histories". It's a haunting little book' * Telegraph - One of the Telegraph’s ‘best travel books to take you far away’, today *'The stories are well told, entertaining and informative, and the author's adventures, which don't always go smoothly, bring reality to the situations in which the historical events took place ... For anyone interested in the Scottish outdoors and the history of its wild places this is a great read. I thoroughly recommend it' -- Chris Townsend * Outdoors *'We are taken on a series of journeys, into areas of Scotland's history and geography of which most readers are likely to be ignorant. So the nine chapters of the book, each dealing with a different place, discovery and journey are educational and enlightening. They are also enjoyable. ... in short, anyone reading this engaging book will learn much and have pleasure in doing so' -- Allan Massie * Scotsman *'The stories in this compact book are the stuff of campfire nights... a book of great interest and insight. The effort of reaching these outposts is impressive in itself, but when he arrives at his destination, Baker brings a sensitivity to history, landscape, and the lingering spirit of those who once lived there that raises The Unremembered Places far above reportage. It is a reclaiming of remoteness, and a reminder that, no matter how far off the map, for those who lived here these locations were the centre of the world' -- Rosemary Goring * Herald *'Baker’s prose is so vivid that you see, hear, smell and feel his journeys with him. When writers often fall back on damaging divisions between ‘nature’ and ‘culture’, this book is a crucial reminder that there’s no contradiction in the term ‘wild histories’' -- David Gange'Baker draws on boyhood fascinations to unravel the draw that many adventurers feel for the Scottish Highlands. On this journey, Baker treads the same path as the shadowy figures of Scottish history: merchants, journeymen, vagrants who each made their way through an unforgiving countryside. For Baker, the landscape is a passageway through time, connecting modern backpackers with the forgotten folk of history' -- Jacob Dykes * Geographical magazine, Best Books of 2020 Nature, History of Place *'One of the few places that storytelling still exists is round a bothy fire. There's a very real sense that Patrick Baker's writing is bringing people back into connection with the landscape' -- John Burns'Baker is an excellent guide to the places he explores, curious, honest, informative, and charming in equal measure (the chickens of Inchkeith will not easily be forgotten) ... It's an excellent book whose relevance goes far beyond the Scottish landscape it explores, and which I strongly recommend' * Desperatereader.blogspot.com *'Baker brings to life Scotland's unnoticed and overlooked wild histories' * Waterstones Recommends *

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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 SynopsisWinner of the Prix Renaudot 2019 A New York Times Best Book of 2021 ‘Extraordinarily beautiful… a long last loving glance at the planet.’ Carl Safina, author of Becoming Wild The Art of Patience sees the renowned French adventurer and writer set off for the high plateaux of remotest Tibet in search of the elusive snow leopard. There, in the company of leading wildlife photographer Vincent Munier and two companions, at 5,000 metres and in temperatures of -25ºC, the team set up their hides on exposed mountainsides, and occasionally in the luxury of an icy cave, to await a visitation from the almost mythical beast. This tightly focused and tautly written narrative is simultaneously a dazzling account of an exacting journey, an apprenticeship in the art of patience, an acceptance of the ruthlessness of the natural world and, finally, a plea for ecological sanity. A small masterpiece, it is one of those books that demands to be read again and again.Trade Review‘In The Art of Patience: Seeking the Snow Leopard in Tibet, the French writer Sylvain Tesson chronicles his rapturous journey through Tibet’s Chantang plateau with the wildlife photographer Vincent Munier. Tesson’s words, in a ravishing translation by Frank Wynne, paint pictures as vivid as any photograph.’ -- Liesl Schillinger, New York Times, 'Best Books of 2021', Travel‘Tesson is a transcendent travel writer… [The Art of Patience] inspires action, thought, silence – and perhaps also prayer.’ -- BBC Countryfile Magazine, Best Books of 2021‘A wonderful evocation of waiting and watching for nature.’ -- Tim Birkhead, author of Bird Sense‘Beautifully written, beautifully translated, intensely moving and totally absorbing.’ -- Stanley Johnson, author of Where the Wild Things Were‘The Art of Patience is extraordinarily beautiful, a narrative of prose that flows with poetry, a long last loving glance at the planet, a visit to the vital bedside of a living world determined to stay alive.’ -- Carl Safina, author of Becoming Wild: How Animals Learn to be Animals‘I found it hard to resist… there is so much more to this elegantly written book than the story of a search. It is also a philosophical consideration of the benefits of silence, waiting and personal reflection; an ode to the psychological effect of natural beauty; and a poetic eulogy to the planet.’ -- Big Issue‘[One of] the best books of the year.’ * Financial Times on Consolations of the Forest *‘I thought I’d rip through this book. But it’s not something you want to read fast. Tesson, who I came to like more and more, is trying to rearrange his relationship with time. Being alone, miles from anywhere, encourages him to sit still and watch things.’ * Spectator on Consolations of the Forest *‘He comes across as the brainiest, daftest, sternest, funniest, most companionable hermit you'll ever meet.’ * Guardian on Consolations of the Forest *

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Book SynopsisPair up the cats with their humans in this hilarious card game. 50 cards depict fun photographs of cats and owners, and humorous texts are included in the booklet to provide clues about 25 people and their furry best friends. Play as a memory game with the cards face down for added entertainment. Collect the most pairs to win! This is the perfect gift for cat lovers, and fans of Do You Look Like Your Dog.

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Book SynopsisEverything you wanted to know about the countryside, but were too afraid to ask 'A joyful companion with surprises and delights on every page' Tristan Gooley, author of The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs'Highly readable and scrupulously balanced'John Wright, author of The Forager's Calendar'Lovely, luminous'Bella Bathurst, author of Field WorkNeed advice on how to raise a chicken or pluck a pheasant? Wondering how to train your dog, catch a mole or sneak through a field of cows? Perhaps you're after the secret to the fattest pumpkin, the wormiest compost, the classiest snowdrop?Or are you simply in love with our captivating landscapes, keen to unlock the history and culture of our woods and fields, our footpaths and boundaries, our meadows and moors?In this delightful and eye-opening book, Meg Clothier and her father, Jonny, combine decades of practical know-how with a passion for literature and lore - braced up by a keen understanding of the conundrums of the contemporary c

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Bestseller 'Within two pages, nature writing feels different and fresh and new ... This book demands we find the eyes to see and the heart to love such things once more. It is a very fine book indeed, truly full of wonder' - James Rebanks, author of Pastoral Song 'Unusual and captivating ... a thing of wonder, the book that most took me by surprise this year' - Jini Reddy, author of Wanderland Aimee Nezhukumatathil has had many homes, but wherever she was - however awkward the fit or forbidding the landscape - she found guidance and perspective in nature. The axolotl smiles, even in the face of unkindness; the touch-me-not plant shakes off unwanted advances; the narwhal survives its hostile environment. Even in the strange and the unlovely, Nezhukumatathil finds beauty and kinship. Warm, lyrical and gorgeously illustrated by Fumi Mini Nakamura, this book ranges through joy and pain, encountering love, motherhood and heritage, racism and the destruction humans can wreak. In all those things, it shows that if you listen carefully, if you open your eyes wide, the world is full of wonders.Trade ReviewWithin two pages, nature writing feels different and fresh and new. Nezhukumatathil has written a timely story about love, identity and belonging ... We are losing the language and the ability to see and understand the wondrous things around us. And our lives are impoverished by this process ... This book demands we find the eyes to see and the heart to love such things once more. It is a very fine book indeed, truly full of wonder. -- James Rebanks * New York Times Book Review *An unusual and captivating memoir ... Nezhukumatathil exudes a rare zest for life, and her inherent love for the natural world shines through. World of Wonders is a thing of wonder, the book that most took me by surprise this year -- Jini Reddy, Wainwright Prize-shortlisted author of WanderlandA restless search for identity and belonging finds a warm welcome in nature's details. Nezhukumatathil's writing is like coming home. -- Gillian Burke, biologist and presenter of BBC2's Springwatch and WinterwatchAimee Nezhukumatathil's World of Wonders is the first book to make me feel like a firefly as much as it reminds me I'm still a black boy playing in Central Mississippi woods. The book walks. It sprints. It leaps. Most importantly, the book lingers in a world where power, people, and the literal outside wrestle painfully, beautifully. This book is a world of wonders. This book is about to shake the Earth. -- Kiese LaymonAimee Nezhukumatathil gives us the world in technicolour. Astonishing nature burgeons all around her as she shows what it means to find wonder in a wilfully dull world -- Katherine MaySometimes we need teachers who remind us how to be flabbergasted and gobsmacked and flummoxed and enswooned by the wonders of this earth. How to be in stupefied and devotional love to the wonders of this earth. How to be in love with this, our beloved earth. Aimee Nezhukumatathil's World of Wonders is as good and generous a teacher as one could ever ask for. This book enraptures with its own astonishments and reveries while showing us how to be enraptured, how to revere. Which, again, is showing us how to be in love. I can think of nothing more important. Or wonderful. -- Ross Gay, author of The Book of DelightsFrom its gorgeous illustrations to its unusual combination of lyrical nature writing and memoir, World of Wonders is hands-down one of the most beautiful books of the year. -- NPR "Best Books of 2020"In thirty bewitching essays, Nezhukumatathil spotlights natural astonishments raining from monsoon season in India to clusters of fireflies in western New York, each one a microcosm of joy and amazement. With her ecstatic prose and her rapturous powers of insight, Nezhukumatathil proves herself a worthy spiritual successor to the likes of Mary Oliver and Annie Dillard, setting the bar high for a new generation of nature writers. * Esquire *Should the wonderful David Attenborough ever retire, my hope is someone at BBC has read the work of Aimee Nezhukumatathil ... What a lovely book this is, gentle in its pacing, well-illustrated by Fumi Nakamura, and quietly subversive in the way she channels its gusts of joy. * Literary Hub *Nezhukumatathil's investigations, enhanced by Nakamura's vividly rendered full-color illustrations, range across the world, from a rapturous rendering of monsoon season in her father's native India to her formative years in Iowa, Kansas, and Arizona, where she learned from the native flora and fauna that it was common to be different ... The writing dazzles with the marvel of being fully alive. -- Starred Review * Kirkus Reviews *An unusual and beguiling blend of cultural memoir and Nature writing ... [Nezhukumatathil's] irrepressible spirit and zest for life shine throughout * Resurgence & Ecologist Magazine *These are the praise songs of a poet working brilliantly in prose. Each essay compresses a great deal of art and truth into a small space, whether about fireflies or flamingos, monkeys or monsoons, childhood or motherhood, or the trials and triumphs of living with brown skin in a dominant white world. You will not find a more elegant, exuberant braiding of natural and personal history. -- Scott Russell Sanders, author of The Way of ImaginationThe nature writing we have been exposed to has been overwhelmingly male and white, which is just one reason that Aimee Nezhukumatathil's latest essay collection, World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments is a breath of fresh air ... What makes her work shine is its joyful embrace of difference, revealing that true beauty resides only in diversity. * San Francisco Chronicle *World of Wonders is a stunning union of biography, poetry, philosophy, and science; it is imbued with a love for her readers and for the natural world, and with a hope that people of color will feel more seen in nature writing . . . With a sense of amazement for the creatures around us, Aimee makes an ardent and artistic case for a compassionate ethics grounded in a deeper understanding?and love?of nature. * The Rumpus *Reading World of Wonders, it's clear that Nezhukumatathil is a poet. These essays sing with joy and longing?each focusing on a different natural wonder, all connected by the thread of Nezhukumatathil's curiosity and her identification with the world's beautiful oddities ... It's a heartwarming, poignant, and often funny collection, enlivened by Fumi Nakamura's dreamy illustrations. * BuzzFeed *Aimee Nezhukumatathil's World of Wonders is a gorgeous collection of essays that ruminate on flora, fauna, and what they can teach us about life itself. Moving between vignettes from Nezhukumatathil's life and her ponderings on nature, World of Wonders is a one-of-a-kind book you won't want to miss this year. * Bustle *Nezhukumatathil applies her skill as a poet to a scintillating series of short essays on nature. She takes up topics that fascinate her - the bizarre-looking potoo birds of Central and South America; corpse flowers, with their rich colors and acrid odor - and connects them to her own experience of the world ... Throughout, she vividly describes sounds, smells, and color - the myriad hues of a 'sea of saris' from India - and folds in touches of poetry. Fumi Nakamura's lush illustrations add to the book's appeal. Readers of Terry Tempest Williams and Annie Dillard will appreciate Nezhukumatathil's lyrical look at nature. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisOne of our most eloquent nature writers offers a passionate and informative celebration of birds and their ability to help us understand the world we live in. As well as exploring how birds achieve the miracle of flight; why birds sing; what they tell us about the seasons of the year and what their presence tells us about the places they inhabit, The Meaning of Birds muses on the uses of feathers, the drama of raptors, the slaughter of pheasants, the infidelities of geese, and the strangeness of feeling sentimental about blue tits while enjoying a chicken sandwich. From the mocking-birds of the Galapagos who guided Charles Darwin toward his evolutionary theory, to the changing patterns of migration that alert us to the reality of contemporary climate change, Simon Barnes explores both the intrinsic wonder of what it is to be a bird – and the myriad ways in which birds can help us understand the meaning of life.Trade ReviewFinely illustrated and wonderfully tactile * NFU Countryside *A well written, heartfelt book about the wonders of birds * Nudge Book *He is a fine professional writer who enjoys his craft * Bird Watch *Barnes infuses this playful, conversational exploration of the relationship of birds to humanity with a sense of well-informed wonder... This is a generous volume in which Barnes unabashedly shares his affinity for "anyone with birding in the blood"' * Publishers Weekly *Barnes' fascination with the avian world is at the heart of this book, a passion shared through engaging, often lively and always conversational text * BBC Wildlife *Eclectic and often witty volume that aims to show how birds live their lives and in doing so, how they've touched on ours * BBC Countryfile (Great gifts for book lovers this Christmas) *A celebration of birds and how they help us understand the world we live in' * Nature's Home *A wise and witty celebration of birds * The Countryman *He has an eye for the telling detail... a very attractive range of reference... More seriously, he has particularly important points to make about the way birds define places and are in turn defined by them, about the deep human responses to birdsong and the avian capacity for flight, and about our special fascination with raptors' * TLS. *A heartfelt celebration of birds - and of their ability to draw us into the world beyond humanity' * Reader's Digest. *A thought-provoking account of why birds are as essential to our pleasure as they are necessary for our survival... Highly readable... I really enjoyed Simon Barnes' writing style' * Cage & Aviary Birds *

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Book Synopsis'Retire? You can't retire!', Sir David Attenborough told John Bartram, when the man who has been gamekeeper and senior wildlife officer for Richmond Park for the past thirty years announced his intention to step away from the role, bidding farewell to the iconic park which has been his home, the backdrop for a career many would give anything for, and a way of life for so long.During a career spanning four decades John has been the behind-the-scenes mastermind ensuring the welfare and maintenance of Richmond Park's world-famous herd of deer - widely thought of as the finest herd in captivity. Working with these fabled creatures has demanded balancing their needs with the very real, and often fatal, dangers the park's visitors pose to his herd, and John pulls no punches when it comes to his opinion on the deer's place in the scheme of things, the human 'invaders' and the collision of their two worlds.A remarkable diary chronicling the final year of John's charmed life as the guardian of Richmond Park, this memoir tells of the unique demands of each new season, and of the enormous wrench he will feel upon no longer waking up in the midst of so much unchanged and wild beauty.Park Life is a treasure trove of stories and memories, some poignant and moving, others offbeat and hilarious: from the quirk of fate and farcical interview that led to him getting the job, to living in close-quarters with the deer, the tragedy of putting down fatally wounded animals, and the annual ritual of the rut - as dependable as the rising and setting of the sun.

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Book SynopsisIn veterinary practice, the interface between veterinarians, veterinary nurses or technicians, and paraprofessional team members is crucial. It influences patient care, incidence of medical errors, client satisfaction, success of the veterinary practice and revenue generation. Ensuring a coherent approach to the maintenance of animal health and wellbeing is of paramount importance, yet challenges such as interprofessional prejudice, misunderstanding of motivations, and a lack of recognition, respect, empowerment or trust, can prevent best practice.Nutrition is one of the most important considerations in the maintenance of health, and plays a critical role in disease management, patient recovery and hospital outcome; a reflection of its recognition as the fifth vital assessment. Owners are increasingly aware of the role of nutrition in optimising pet health, yet considerable misinformation can make this one of the most difficult aspects of pet ownership. Playing a central role as a source of expert information, veterinary healthcare teams must rise to the challenge of optimising pet nutrition.Effective interprofessional communication and collaboration is considered a key factor in the successful implementation of nutritional assessment, and a positive team environment founded on respect, trust and mutual support helps overcome challenges and provide the best outcome for both pets and their owners. This book provides evidence-based theory in an accessible and practical way to help veterinary healthcare teams implement interprofessional approaches to nutritional care and support.

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Book Synopsis'Quite the best dog story ever written' Guardian 'One of my favourite books of all time' Jilly Cooper 1.25pm. Upstairs into dining-room. Family not finished lunch yet. Young Mr Brown throws a bread pellet at me, hitting me on the nozzle. An insult. I swallow the insult. A Dog Day is narrated by a lovable scamp of a terrier as he goes about his day rolling in mud, eating what he shouldn't, and generally wreaking havoc - all while keeping the Brown household wrapped around his paw. Featuring Cecil Aldin's delightful original illustrations, A Dog Day is filled with warmth, humour and more than a little bit of mischief. First published in 1902, it's a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers of all ages.Trade ReviewQuite the best dog story ever written * Guardian *One of my favourite books of all time -- Jilly CooperA day in the life of a disgracefully naughty puppy ... The drawings by Cecil Aldin are absolute heaven. * Mail on Sunday *Cecil Aldin's most enduring creation ... Perfect for anyone who loves dogs. * Horse & Hound *One you'll want to keep forever * Your Dog *

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Book SynopsisThe Return of the Grey Partridge tells the extraordinary story of how wildlife is restored to the Arundel Estate in West Sussex. Prompted by the collapse in numbers of one species, the grey partridge of the title, the managers of the estate woke up to the devastating effect modern farming methods were having on wildlife.Following the estate through the seasons of one year, the book shows how the farm of Peppering is gradually renatured: fields are divided up with hedgerows and trees, beetle banks are built across fields, the land is manured rather than fed with artificial fertilisers, and much of it is returned to pasture. Detailed descriptions of nature give a sense of this large estate coming back to life - still very much farmland, but with a rapid increase in wildlife and biodiversity. And the partridges return.Written in collaboration with the Duke of Norfolk, owner of the Arundel Estate, this moving and hopeful account shows how modern farming can work in partnership with nature

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Book SynopsisIdeal for young readers each weather type in this exciting series is made easy to understand with a combination of accessible repetitive text and striking illustrations. Full of fun things to discover about wind rain snow and sunshine the series will encourage reading development and confidence.

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Book SynopsisEmbark on an adventure to see the stars with this inspiring guide that spotlights the world's best places to explore the night sky. Discover 100 spectacular sites including dark sky parks, observatories and wild mountains and experience the meditative wonder of stargazing - with essential travel tips so you can have the ultimate starry-eyed trip.See shooting stars soar through the cosmos from the Brecon Beacons in Wales; or visit the Grand Canyon National Park for its mesmerising views of the glittering night sky. Featuring an introduction to stargazing, in-depth profiles of dark sky sites, calendars of meteor showers and eclipses, and a further collection of must-visit locations to watch space phenomena, this fascinating book is perfect for those interested in astronomy, astrology, and the amazing world around us.Inside Stargazing Around the World: A Tour of the Night Sky:- A comprehensive collection of the best stargazing sites around the world offering unforgettable views and scenery- Practical information and essential travel tips on how and when to visit for the greatest night sky tours- Stunning astrophotography within the internal pages of the book- Written by Valerie Stimac, an expert author on astrotourism- Contents include an introduction to stargazing; dark sky sites around the world; observatories open to the public; where and when to see meteor showers, auroras and eclipses; and more- Key destinations featured include Mont-Mégantic (Canada); Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (Chile); McDonald Observatory (USA); NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (USA); Grand Canyon (USA); Uluru (Australia); Warrumbungle National Park (Australia); Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky National Park (New Zealand), Aotea (Great Barrier Island); Yeonyang (South Korea); Iromote-Ishigaki (Japan); Eifel National Park (Germany); Teide Observatory (Spain); Royal Observatory (UK); Northumberland International Dark Sky Park (UK); Lauwersmeer National Park (The Netherlands) and many more!Bursting with unique travel inspiration, readers will find profound and mindful stargazing expeditions within this epic guide. Whether you wish to view our galaxy's constellations from the summit of a mountain or the comfort of a cosy armchair, this beautiful book will take you there.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).

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Book SynopsisA MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2023 FOR FINANCIAL TIMES, TIME, VULTURE, LIT HUB, GOODREADS, RUMPUS, BUSTLE, READER'S DIGEST and moreBoth vilified and venerated, wolves abound through cultural folklore and literature. In this hauntingly lyrical and unflinching inquiry, Erica Berry untangles these depictions - alongside her own research of the wolf and experience as a woman - to try to understand how we navigate terror, vulnerability and violence in our fragile, often dangerous world.Luminously wise and unusually brave, Wolfish will stay with you long into the night.Trade ReviewBerry draws on a huge, rich depository of lupine literature. Wolfish is more than just an interesting exercise in cultural anthropology, though. The book's most obvious ancestor is Helen Macdonald's megahit of 2014, H Is for Hawk; it has that same intellectual range and a prose style that pushes [. . .] towards the poetic * * Sunday Times * *A singular book. Reading this will invite you to examine your own walk through the world - hungry, afraid, brave -- KATHERINE MAYStartling in its scope, covering everything from fairy tales to domestic violence. This book should be required reading * * LA Times * *Ranging far and wide culturally in the company of wolves . . . Berry segues effortlessly from the reintroduction of wolves at Yellowstone national park to Pliny the Elder's belief that wolves held pharmacological benefits for women's bodies * * Guardian * *Singular . . . a book entirely its own * * TIME * *Explores the contours of human relationships - and what it means to be a woman - through this most familiar yet mysterious of creatures * * Financial Times * *Terror propels Erica Berry's exhilarating book . . . No matter where Berry weaves, she sniffs out fascinating insights. And she writes about it in clear, beautiful language * * Washington Post * *I devoured every startling, lyrical, haunting, yet all-too-familiar page of Wolfish. Such a stunning achievement, it left me feeling like one of the pack -- ELIZABETH RUSH, author of RISING, a finalist for the Pulitzer PrizeAn exhilarating book - intricate, thoughtful, and thick with connections -- MEGHA MAJUMDAR, New York Times bestselling author of A BURNINGBerry's braided approach renders Wolfish both a vulnerable self-investigation and a wide-ranging exploration of fear - and, ultimately, an antidote to it. She makes a stirring case for walking alongside the symbolic wolf * * Atlantic * *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING 'I loved this book' Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path'Utterly absorbing' Lucy Jones, author of Losing EdenWishing to leave behind the quiet isolation of her Orkney island life, Amy Liptrot books a one-way flight to Berlin. Searching for new experiences, inspiration and love, she rents a loftbed in a shared flat and looks for work. She explores the streets, nightclubs and parks and seeks out the city's wildlife - goshawks, raccoons and hooded crows. She looks for love through the screen of her laptop.Over the course of a year Amy makes space hoping for the unexpected. And it comes with an erotic jolt, in the form of a love affair that obsesses her.The Instant is an unapologetic look at the addictive power of love and lust. It is also an exploration of the cycles of the moon, the flight paths of migratory birds, the mesmerising power of Neolithic stonework and the trails followed by a generation who exist online.Trade ReviewA slim, luminous account of living and loving in Berlin, picking up where The Outrun left off * * Sunday Times * *I loved this book, such an intimate portrayal of emotional landscapes and the pull of the moon - it's one I'll return to often -- RAYNOR WINNBrilliant on the addictive bliss of romance . . . [The Instant is] a parable about the quicksands of internet dating, and a survivors' handbook 'for the heartsick' * * Telegraph * *Intoxicating, generous and refreshingly original. The way Liptrot weaves her inner life with the natural world and the digital world is utterly absorbing. This book is so alive and so wild -- LUCY JONESBeautiful . . . brilliant . . . The truest thing I've read in a long time. It feels revelatory to read serious, thoughtful writing on the sorts of experiences that so rarely receive it. . . The Instant is the most elegant examination of the internet's distance pain I have ever read -- EVIE WYLD * * New York Times * *Elegant, melancholic and deeply yearning, The Instant captures something vital about our age: its strange dislocations and connections. I drank it in -- KATHERINE MAYEnthralling and instinct-sharpening * * New Statesman * *A book of rare power. Part heartbreaking love story, part pin-sharp exploration of relationships in the digital age, The Instant is an intense and intensely beautiful book about connection, longing and the gravitational power of nature, and human nature, on the heart -- ROB COWENWildness lurks in the edges of this book - nature in its more feral state, and unashamed eroticism. I gulped this slim, powerful, ravishing little book down in one -- CAL FLYNThe Instant is magical, it is sexy, it is redolent of the natural world and it is all the things that makes Liptrot one of the most unique voices writing today . . . We simply cannot get enough Liptrot in our lifetimes. I want her to write a book every year * * Caught by the River * *

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Book SynopsisWhy do cats purr? How much can you learn about a cat’s mood from the direction it flicks its tail? How do cats show trust with their eyes? Why do cats rub against their owners’ legs? Arranged in chapters covering physical characteristics, senses, lifecycle and behaviour, Cats features a huge range of breeds from all around the world. From Siamese to Russian Blue, Manx to American Bobtail, Burmese to Bombay, the book expertly explores and celebrates this most beloved pet. With fascinating captions on every page, even cat lovers will learn something new. Cats is a brilliant examination in 150 outstanding colour photographs.Table of ContentsContents to include Introduction PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Size, skeleton, skull, ambulation, claws SENSES Vision, hearing, smell, taste, whiskers, balance LIFECYCLE Reproduction, kittens, litters, maturity BEHA VIOUR Sociability, grooming, feeding, hunting fighting, playing, communication BREEDS FEATURED INCLUDE: Abyssinian American Bobtail American Curl Balinese Bengal Birman Exotic Shorthair Cat Manx American Shorthair American Curl Chartreux Bengal Cat Japanese Bobtail Russian Blue Cat Korat Burmese Bombay Singapura Ocicat California spangled cat Snowshoe cat Cornish Rex Cat Devon Rex Sphinx Cat Selkirk Rex Siamese Cat Tonkinese Oriental Shorthair Cat Havana Brown Cat Egyptian Mau Cat Persian Birman Turkish Angora Cat Turkish Van Cat Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Ragdoll Siberian

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Book SynopsisMost of the world’s exquisite and rare bird species are found in tropical rainforests – the Amazon, Sumatra, Borneo, Daintree Rainforest in Australia, and the Congo basin in Africa. These lush, wet biospheres are home to some of the most colourful creatures on our planet. Did you know that parrots can live for 80 years or more? Or that most tropical birds are omnivores and will eat seeds, nuts, fruit and insects, while a few will eat small lizards or animals? The world’s longest parrot is the stunningly bright hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), checking in at more than a metre from tip to tail. From the screeching red-and-green macaw to the majestic great hornbill, from the rainbow lorikeet of northern Queensland to the endangered Spix’s macaw of the Amazonian rainforest, Tropical Birds explores the fascinating lifecycles, diets and, where applicable, migratory patterns, of hundreds of species from every part of the tropical belt. With full captions explaining the origins, habitat and behaviour of these exotic creatures, Tropical Birds is a concise exploration in 180 brilliant photographs.Table of ContentsContents include: Introduction 1: PARROTS AND CUCKOOS Parrots Lorikeets / Lories Parakeets / Lovebirds Macaws Cockactoos Turacos Hoatzin Cuckoos — tropical species 2: TOUCANS AND WOODPECKERS Toucans Honeyguides Barbets Woodpeckers 3: HORNBILLS AND RELATIVES Hornbills Kingfisher / Kookaburra Motmots Todies Bee-eaters Hoopoes Roller 4: HUMMINGBIRDS AND SWIFTS Hummingbirds Swifts Trogons / Quetzals 5: GROUND BIRDS Ratites: Ostrich /Emu / Rhea / Cassowaries Game birds: Pheasant / Guinea fowl / Megapodes Herons Stork Spoonbill Flamingo 6: SONGBIRDS Broadbills Lyrebird Ovenbird (with nest) Flycatchers (this name covers many groups) Pitta Cock of the rock Sunbirds Swallow Shrikes Warblers Flycatchers Tits White-eyes Honeyeaters Buntings Tanagers Finches Weavers (with nests) Orioles (with nests vis. golden oriole) Hooded pitohui (an oriole not New Guinea that is the only venomous bird.) Drongos Bowerbirds (with bower) Birds of paradise Magpies

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Book SynopsisOver the course of a year, Miriam Darlington travelled around Britain in search of wild otters; from her home in Devon to the wilds of Scotland; to Cumbria, Wales, Northumberland, Cornwall, Somerset and the River Lea; to her childhood home near the Ouse, the source of her watery obsession. Otter Country follows Darlington's search through different landscapes, seasons, weather and light, as she tracks one of Britain's most elusive animals. During her journey, she meets otter experts, representatives of the Environment Agency, conservationists, ecologists, walkers, Henry Williamson's family, Gavin Maxwell's heir; zoo keepers, fishermen, scientists, hunters and poets. Above all she learns how to track and be around otters, and that the stillness required to actually see this shy animal can bring many unasked-for wonders. Written in mesmerising prose, Otter Country establishes Darlington as a prominent voice in the new generation of British nature writers.

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book describes innovative ways of training sheepdogs and addresses a number of subjects that have not been adequately covered in previous publications; such as working with sensitive dogs and dogs lacking in confidence, the 'square movement', and the 'concept of opposites'. Written by an acknowledged expert, Sheep Dog Training and Trials discusses in a variety of settings new concepts such as the author's theory of 'passive resistance' and the 'pressure on-off technique'. In addition, the author considers ways of optimizing a dog's health, energy, fitness and peak performance.Trade Review'Nij has produced this fine book, which combines personal experiences with skilful guidelines for anyone wishing to be trained on how to train sheepdogs... it is one of the most entertaining and revealing books about a rural skill that I have ever read.' -- John Craven OBE, presenter of BBC Countryfile'Nij has commendably, over a relatively short time, represented his country by achieving qualification for the English Team, going on to the International... something many people only dream of doing... To achieve this Nij's insight into the elements of the partnership between man and dog has enabled him to understand the particular characteristics of dogs, their problems and requirements and to foster, nurture and develop their individual potential.' -- Gwyn Jones, Three times International Supreme Champion

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Book Synopsis A fascinating journey into the secret life of insects, with QR codes linked to videos that bring every creature to life. Just as birds have yearly rhythms, so do bees, beetles, butterflies and other insects. Wildlife experts Dominic Couzens and Gail Ashton discover 52 minibeasts from around the world. They tell the story of what is happening week-by-week in the insect world, in our own backyards, window boxes and in hidden corners of our homes. From the daily grind of the house spider building a new web each morning, to the vast appetites of ladybirds, which can devour hundreds of aphids a day, and the glory of the Stag beetle''s maiden flight. We delve into the world of the lethal Sydney funnelweb spider in Australian gardens, the migratory mission of the Monarch butterfly in America and the life of the backdoor scorpions in South Africa. In among the seasonal behaviour, the authors have woven history and folklore. These brilliant stories are complemen

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Book SynopsisThis wonderful book describes the fascinating lives of the two most ubiquitous shorebirds in the world. Between them the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) make use of a large part of the world's terrestrial habitat and they exhibit many of the exciting features of shorebirds. As the birds arrive on the breeding ground, their displays are spectacular and their sounds are an exciting announcement of springtime. Unusually, the Spotted Sandpiper appears to be the only bird where the female is the territory holder, laying successive clutches of eggs for different males to care for, while the male of the Common Sandpiper holds the territory, has one mate, and shares most duties. They stay on the breeding grounds only as long as is essential to reproduce before making a migration southwards to a broad range of non-breeding homes in Central and South America, Africa, India, and eastwards to Australia with vagrants reaching as far as Tristan da Cunha and New Zealand. The Common Sandpiper has also been recorded breeding in East Africa and wintering in Scotland so their flexibility is amazing. The author has spent over 40 years studying the lives of these fantastic birds and provides a wealth of information including their breeding behaviour, migrations, distribution, food sources, habitats and their history from the present back to 36 million years ago. This beautiful book will hopefully stimulate others to watch these worldwide birds more appreciatively and add to our knowledge.Trade Review`…a fascinating insight into the lives of the two Actitis species. It’s almost as if the reader is allowed to sit on a bank with the author and share intimate moments with these birds. Wader Tale Blog -------------------- `Much of this fascinating information will be new to general UK birders. Throughout, there are clear and concise tables, maps, and many well-chosen images on both species... The author's style here is relaxed and reveals a true affection for his study species and their habitats - he has produced a great addition to all birdwatchers' libraries, amateur and professionals alike'. Scottish Birds -------------------- `...this book will be appreciated by many wader and riverine enthusiasts. I am glad we have it'. Birdwatch -------------------- `...this would be perfect for anyone wanting to know these birds better...' The Birders Library -------------------- `...the book is a real compendium of information on the two species and will be a very useful addition to any shorebirder's library'. British Birds -------------------- `This delightful book brings all aspects of their behavior and ecology to life... ...this is an excellent book that makes the most of the long-term studies on Common Sandpipers undertaken in the UK by the author... ...is highly internationally relevant... I would heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out more about these two fascinating species'. BTO - British Trust for Ornithology -------------------- `...I was very pleasantly surprised to receive an attractive softback book... The graphics are refreshingly original, adding greatly to the personal feel of the book...just the right amount of information, presented in an interesting and engaging way'. Sussex Ornithological Society Newsletter -------------------- `For those with a serious interest in either of these species'. The Birdbooker Report -------------------- `...is brim-full of photographs, sketches and graphs illustrating the points being made by the author, which make it a more informative read. The author ha crammed 40 years' experience of studying the live of these birds into a book which will undoubtedly give pleasure and knowledge to most birders'. Wildlife Detective, The blog of Alan Stewart -------------------- `This beautiful book describe the fascinating life of the two most popular species of wading birds in the world'. Alauda

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Book SynopsisDavid Howe tells the story of the Lake District, England's most dramatic landscape. Home to vistas of stunning beauty and a rich heritage, it is an area of England that fascinates, inspires - and has bewitched David for a lifetime. With passion and an endless curiosity, he reveals how half a billion years of shifting ice, violent volcanoes and (of course) falling rain have shaped the lakes and fells that have fired the imaginations of the great sons and daughters of the area, the poets and the scientists. He shows that Lakeland is a seamless web where lives and landscape weave together, where the ancient countryside has created a unique local history: of farming and mining, of tightknit communities, of a resilient and proud people. The Lake District is a place of rocks and rain, reason and romance, wonder and curiosity. And this book celebrates it all: the very character of Cumbria.Trade Review"Written in a tremendously readable narrative style (think `Mountains of the Mind' by Robert Macfarlane) ... skilful ... compelling." The Great Outdoors; "Chapters on mountains, ice and lakes, on farming and national parks and Wainwright ... set against Cumbria's wider cultural importance ... very accessible ... [yet] holds a considerable weight of authority." Country Life; "Interesting ... links the landscape with the scientists, the Romantic poets and other notable residents [of the Lake District] ... forensic details of the geology and geomorphology of the Lakes ... detailed biographies on the lives and loves of the Romantic poets." BBC Countryfile Magazine; "An ambitious and enjoyable biography of a landscape." Cumbria Life, Book of the Month; "Affectionately written ... a ramble through the Lake District ... elegiac ... a reflection on the transience of life and beauty." Workington Times and Star; Praise for Wandering in Norfolk: East Anglian Book Awards 2017, SHORTLISTED; "A real treat, and a perfect read for that comfortable armchair in front of the woodburner on a cold winter's day." Eastern Daily Press; "The pot pourri style is very effective ... thoughtful views on a variety of subjects and some beautifully written science lessons ... an excellent and well written book." Amazon reviewer; "Beautifully written, a joy to read." Amazon reviewerTable of ContentsUps and Downs; Atoms; Rain; Nature and the Romantics; Three Persons and One Soul; Love and More Romance; Friends, Family and Fame; Lakes; An Ocean, Ancient and Deep; Volcanoes; Mountain Building; Ice; Stone Age to Iron Age; Roman Roads to Victorian Railways; Where to Go and What to See; Love Letters to the Lake District; A Force of Nature; Back to Nature; Hedgehogs and Herdwicks; A National Property; Tales and Sails; Intimations of Mortality

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Book SynopsisA Photographic Guide to the Wildlife of Sri Lanka is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to the rich diversity of Sri Lanka's wildlife. If you wanted to find one field guide covering most Sri Lankan wildlife, this is that book.

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Book SynopsisNational Geographic Traveler guidebooks contain must-know travel information, inspiring photography, insider tips, and expert advice you won't find on the internet for bucket-list destinations around the world.

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Book SynopsisVolume Two of Gerald Durrell's beloved account of his childhood in Corfu, now in Penguin Modern Classics for the first time''A lot of frolic, fun and charming ribaldry, as well as the warm feeling of having been transported to a lovely spot where worry is unknown and anything is believable'' - The New York TimesAnother tiger-golden day lay ahead of us. It was as though England had never really existed'The Durrell clan's escapades on their Greek island home resume with the second volume of the Corfu Trilogy. Budding zoologist Gerald continues to explore the natural wonders around him, enjoying a night fishing trip, receiving a donkey as a birthday present and accidentally bringing a bear home for tea. Here too are more stories of the eccentric creatures he calls his family, including Margo's ill-advised foray into spiritualism and what becomes known as Mother's Great Romance'. Ending as the Second World War is declared, Birds, Beasts and Relatives is an enchanting return to a magical place.

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Book Synopsis40 full colour beautiful botanical paintingsWritten by renowned experts Artists' commentary throughoutThe paintings demonstrate the art of painting trees, from representing the whole tree, to painting details, often at different stages through the year

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Book SynopsisProfessional botanist Peter Stroh decides to explore within his local parish boundaries for wildlife and flora over a year, but instead of grumbling at what is missing he determines to look at what he actually finds. His writing about his weekly meanders is highly engaging and the results he finds on his doorstep are a surprising delight.

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Book SynopsisCamille Juzeau is an author and documentary director for radio and podcast. With a background in history and philosophy of science, most of her work sensitively explores the relationship between humans and nature. The Shelf Company is a graphic design studio working in the fields of arts and sciences. The educational dimension of their work illustrates their passion for the representation of data and systems, and more broadly the transmission of knowledge.

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Book SynopsisA light-hearted look at the author's favourite wildlife moments at home and abroad, including some of the unexpected encounters he has had along the way.

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