Natural History Books

Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Almost everything we know about the Universe has come from studying the messages carried by light from outer space. Until only a handful of decades ago, this meant observing optical photons in the narrow visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, recent technological developments have now enabled us to extend this range and explore the Universe at radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. The observations reveal a plethora of exotic phenomena such as young galaxies at the edge of the visible Universe, quasars, pulsars, colliding galaxies, and exploding stars, often at great distances. We have discovered that the Universe is expanding and that the expansion itself is accelerating. Closer to our home planet, we track killer asteroids and comets. Working closely together, observational astronomy and astrophysics have shown us how stars produce their energy, where the chemical elements come Table of ContentsList of illustrations Preface 1: The observable Universe 2: The life and death of stars 3: Big telescopes 4: The radio Universe 5: Observations from space 6: The transient Universe 7: Multi-messenger astronomy 8: A bigger picture Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of the hidden history of camping in American life that connects a familiar recreational pastime to camps for functional needs and political purposes.Camping appears to be a simple proposition, a time-honored way of getting away from it all. Pack up the car and hit the road in search of a shady spot in the great outdoors. For a modest fee, reserve the basic infrastructure--a picnic table, a parking spot, and a place to build a fire. Pitch the tent and unroll the sleeping bags. Sit under the stars with friends or family and roast some marshmallows. This book reveals that, for all its appeal, the simplicity of camping is deceptive, its history and meanings far from obvious.Why do some Americans find pleasure in sleeping outside, particularly when so many others, past and present, have had to do so for reasons other than recreation? Never only a vacation choice, camping has been something people do out of dire necessity and as a tactic of political protest. Yet the dominant interpretation of camping as a modern recreational ideal has obscured the connections to these other roles. A closer look at the history of camping since the Civil War reveals a deeper significance of this American tradition and its links to core beliefs about nature and national belonging. Camping Grounds rediscovers unexpected and interwoven histories of sleeping outside. It uses extensive research to trace surprising links between veterans, tramps, John Muir, African American freedpeople, Indian communities, and early leisure campers in the nineteenth century; tin-can tourists, federal campground designers, Depression-era transients, family campers, backpacking enthusiasts, and political activists in the twentieth century; and the crisis of the unsheltered and the tent-based Occupy Movement in the twenty-first. These entwined stories show how Americans camp to claim a place in the American republic and why the outdoors is critical to how we relate to nature, the nation, and each other.Trade ReviewYoung deserves praise for creating fertile ground for historians of the environment, race, class, and gender to further complicate the narrative of camping in North America, as well as demonstrating how others can critically engage with conceptions of government responsibility and public nature. * Jessica M. DeWitt, Western History Quarterly *A rich and compelling book that follows two intersecting paths through the history of camping. The most obvious path is that of recreational camping....The second path is the history of protest camping, from Civil War veterans to Occupy protesters.... While Camping Grounds centers on the practices of camping, as recreation and protest, it situates this analysis in the broader overarching concept of 'public nature.'...[Its] concern, one with implications for the future, is that other forms of camping-such as a mode of protest or as a matter of necessity-are delegitimized, as a market-based recreational ethos crowds out the potential for camping to yield broader public goods....This concept of public nature will serve historians well as they wrestle with how we use, govern, and consume nature to reflect, shore up, and challenge hierarchies of power in the United States. * James Morton Turner, Journal of American History *Recreational camping and political camping, two voluntary but contrasting activities, and functional camping, an involuntary activity, are the three forms of American camping explored in this excellent, well-researched book. Most camping scholarship...concentrates on the first of the three forms while neglecting the other two. Young's...demonstration of the interrelatedness of and shaping interactions between the three forms makes it exceptionally revealing and valuable....Young convincingly demonstrates that camping today is complicated, contains multiple meanings, and can be both a highly popular form of leisure and the justification for an arrest by law enforcement. In addition to being a revealing analysis, Camping Grounds is an engaging narrative....I strongly recommend Camping Grounds to readers who wish to better understand how America came to include an everyday activity that is both praised and condemned, often by the same people. * Terence Young, H-Environment *This is a magnificent study of camping in the US, from the mid-19th century to 2019. Camping has had significantly different meanings at different times in US history, and Young explores three different eras. Early camping was primarily a way of sheltering while traveling, or while in a state of military transition, with emphasis on organizing people....Camping as a choice and pastime emerged later and played a role in changing views of class and race in the US....In the late 19th century, camping became an alternative to resort vacations, taking on social and economic implications. The camping equipment industry and planned campgrounds emerged. The popularity of camping in the second half of the 20th century created environmental and institutional problems, resulting in a wilderness ethic and economic opportunities....Relevant to social and environmental studies and law....Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals.A varied and comprehensive overview of modern camping with ample detail and sociological perspective on the origins of camping and its roles in war, protest, consumerism, and class discrimination. * Zebulin Evelhoch, Library Journal *Young, an environmental historian, traces "camping" back to the Civil War and explores its implications for social justice and political discourse—beyond its more obvious role as a mere diversional outdoor activity. * Lela Nargi, The Sierra Club *In Camping Grounds, Phoebe Young presents the surprisingly political history of sleeping outside, in which veterans, vagrants, migrants, recreationists, protestors, bureaucrats, officials, police, and others have fought over the meaning of public nature, with profound implications for American life and the American social compact. Artfully written, creatively researched, a tour de force that will change the way you see your country. * Louis S. Warren, University of California, Davis *In this brilliant new book, Phoebe Young asks a seemingly simple question: 'What does it mean to camp and why does it matter?' The answer is strikingly complex and in its pursuit Camping Grounds offers a radically inclusive vision of America's public nature and environmental culture. * Char Miller, author of Not So Golden State: Sustainability vs. the California Dream *Phoebe Young strips the innocence from sleeping under the stars, revealing this quintessential American pastime as a precarious practice — one long bedeviled by class tensions, legal wrangling over the definition of camping, and ever-shifting claims on public nature. * Elizabeth Royte, author of Garbage Land: On the Secret Trail of Trash *My recommendation?: gather 'round the campfire with a s'more, and read this smart, engaging book. Young exposes the 'simple life' of camping as a complex set of negotiations historically about your environments, your government, your fellow citizens...and yourself. * Jenny Price, Stop Saving the Planet!: An Environmentalist Manifesto *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Public Nature Part One: 1850s-1880s Ch. 1. Saving the Union Ch. 2. Seeing the Country Part Two: 1890s-1940s Ch. 3. Tramp Style Ch. 4. Campers' Republic Part Three: 1950s-2010s Ch. 5. The Back to Nature Crowd ch. 6. Tents and Public Statements Epilogue: "We MUST Camp" Notes Index

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Book SynopsisDistant relatives of modern lobsters, horseshoe crabs, and spiders, trilobites swam the planet's prehistoric seas for 300 million years, from the Lower Cambrian to the end of the Permian eras - and they did so very capably. This is a revealing guide to these surreal arthropods of ancient Earth.Trade Review"Now at last we have a book that reveals in exquisite detail and admirable depth the nature of the most fascinating of ancient life: the trilobites.... This extraordinary group of primitive arthropods deserves wider appreciation, and I can think of no better way to find out more about them than to purchase a copy of this book, open it up, and just drink in page after page of pure trilobites." (Natural History)"

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Book SynopsisThere is much to love between this book's covers. . . . There are many eureka moments in Life Sculptedand some truly beautiful ones.Eugenia Bone, Wall Street Journal Meet the menagerie of lifeforms that dig, crunch, bore, and otherwise reshape our planet. Did you know elephants dig ballroom-sized caves alongside volcanoes? Or that parrotfish chew coral reefs and poop sandy beaches? Or that our planet once hosted a five-ton dinosaur-crunching alligator cousin? In fact, almost since its fascinating start, life was boring. Billions of years ago bacteria, algae, and fungi began breaking down rocks in oceans, a role they still perform today. About a half-billion years ago, animal ancestors began drilling, scraping, gnawing, or breaking rocky seascapes. In turn, their descendants crunched through the materials of life itselfshells, wood, and bones. Today, such bioeroders continue to shape our planetfrom the bacteria that devour our teeth to the mighty moon snail, always hunting for food, as evidenced by tiny snail-made boreholes in clams and other moon snails. There is no better guide to these lifeforms than Anthony J. Martin, a popular science author, paleontologist, and co-discoverer of the first known burrowing dinosaur. Following the crumbs of lichens, sponges, worms, clams, snails, octopi, barnacles, sea urchins, termites, beetles, fishes, dinosaurs, crocodilians, birds, elephants, and (of course) humans, Life Sculpted reveals how bioerosion expanded with the tree of life, becoming an essential part of how ecosystems function while reshaping the face of our planet. With vast knowledge and no small amount of whimsy, Martin uses paleontology, biology, and geology to reveal the awesome power of life's chewing force. He provokes us to think deeply about the past and present of bioerosion, while also considering how knowledge of this history might aid us in mitigating and adapting to climate change in the future. Yes, Martin concedes, sometimes life can be hardbut life also makes everything less hard every day.Trade Review"It is often said that life changes the environment. But after reading Martin’s Life Sculpted, it seems more accurate to say that living changes the environment. It was true of the dinosaur era, and it remains true today. . . . For readers who are fascinated by living fossils such as bryozoans and horseshoe crabs, there is much to love between this book’s covers. . . . There are many eureka moments in Life Sculpted—and some truly beautiful ones. . . . The key takeaway of Life Sculpted, and ichnology more generally, is that geology is indistinguishable from biology. A prevailing theme in popular culture these days is that all life is connected. But what Martin implies is that it is not only biotic organisms that are interdependent, but the geological and chemical systems of the planet, too. And while the gap between the biotic and abiotic worlds may seem huge, it’s the science that’s complicated. So, while Life Sculpted is not everybody’s idea of beach reading, think of it this way: It’s the beach." -- Eugenia Bone * Wall Street Journal *"A sampling of chapter headings in Life Sculpted: 'A Boring History of Life,' 'More Bones to Pick' and—most memorably—'Your Beach is Made of Parrotfish Poop.' Ever the tuned-in observer, Martin once noticed a sound while snorkeling, 'a crunching and popping reminiscent of sugary breakfast cereals meeting milk.' Fish, he discovered, were chowing down on the reef and then ejecting sand. Some sedimentary cycles later, we get a postcard-worthy playground. And don’t get him started on starfish: 'If you ever find a wayward sea star or other echinoderm near a beach, whatever you do, do not put it in freshwater, as this will surely kill it,' he writes. 'The same principle applies to keeping it on a shelf at home, or wearing one as a sheriff badge, which will quickly become a stinking badge, which you do not need.' You groan, but will you forget that image?" -- Candice Dyer * Atlanta Journal-Constitution *"A bewildering array of lifeforms break, scrape, and mold our planet to their own ends, from elephants digging caves by volcanoes to bacteria breaking down rocks in the oceans. Bioerosion is a distinct area of science, covering paleontology, biology, and geology. It's also testament to how life adapts to change, something relevant in the current Anthropocene era." * Bookseller *"Much of Martin's discussion involves ichnology, the study of trace fossils, such as tracks, burrows, bite marks, holes. He describes how snails drill into their prey, pine beetles munch trees, otters use rocks as tools to bust clam shells, and stingrays emit high pressure jets of water to expose quarry hiding in sediment. Martin’s writing is witty, rich in facts (the teeth of beavers are enhanced with iron), and spiced with eclectic references, such as the films Jurassic Park, Alien, and Jaws, authors ranging from Aeschylus to H.P. Lovecraft, and TV shows House Hunters and Breaking Bad. Mingling geology, biology, and paleontology, Martin has fashioned a unique and engaging portrait of the earth's many movers and shakers." * Booklist *“With an equal dose of wit and scholarship, Martin turns what is literally a boring topic—how animals and other species drill and chew through rock, bone, and wood—into an epic tale of evolution. Fun and readable, yet academically rigorous, Martin is one of the finest popularizers of paleontology today, and one of my favorite science writers.” -- Steve Brusatte, professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, New York Times–bestselling author of "The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs"“A truly original cracker of a book. Martin is one of the world’s top experts in trace fossils, and his life-long experience in doing primary research in this field shows clearly. The scientific information is first-class and highly informative. But his prose is also beautiful and refreshingly expressive. Martin has a real mastery of words that is rare. Enthralling.” -- John A. Long, author of "The Dawn of the Deed"“Anthony J. Martin is the Mary Roach of paleontology.” -- Mary Roach, @mary_roachTable of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: A Boring History of Life Chapter 2: Small but Diminishing Chapter 3: Rock, Thy Name Is Mud Chapter 4: Your Beach Is Made of Parrotfish Poop Chapter 5: Jewelry-Amenable Holes of Death Chapter 6: Super Colossal Shell-Crushing Fury! Chapter 7: Woodworking at Home Chapter 8: Driftwood and Woodgrounds Chapter 9: Bone Eaters of the Deep Chapter 10: More Bones to Pick Chapter 11: The Biggest and Most Boring of Animals Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWith stunning photographs from the ice edge, a firsthand account of a researcher's time in Antarctica and of the perilous journeys of the world's largest penguin species: the iconic emperor. Nearly all emperor penguin colonies are extremely remote; of the sixty-six known, fewer than thirty have been visited by humans, and even fewer have been the subject of successful research programs. One of the largest known emperor penguin colonies is found on a narrow band of sea ice attached to the Antarctic continent. In Journeys with Emperors, Gerald L. Kooyman and Jim Mastro take us to this far-flung colony in the Ross Sea, showing us how scientists gained access to it, and what they learned while living among the penguins as they raised their chicks. The primary mission was to record the birds' activities at sea, and the data revealed important aspects of emperor penguin behavior and physiology: for instance, that in the course of hunting for food, some of the penguins dive to depths ofTrade Review"Informative sidebars, graphs, and charts explain technical terms in clear language. An annotated bibliography and gorgeous photos round out this treat of a book, which describes what it was like to live among emperor penguins and the challenges and rewards of research in the Antarctic. This book will have armchair travelers, penguin lovers, Antarctic enthusiasts, and science readers rejoicing." * Booklist *"The 2005 Luc Jacquet documentary March of the Penguins won an Oscar for its depiction of emperor penguins' fifty-kilometer trek over sea ice to their breeding grounds. While such a trek may be common for emperors breeding in colonies around the Antarctic perimeter, it is not the case for the largest colonies in the Ross Sea. To understand emperor penguins here, we must follow them on four critical journeys, each with its own challenges and hazards. In this compelling and accessible book, comparative biologist Kooyman and writer and fellow Antarctic explorer Mastro offer a detailed explanation of all four journeys. A book that will take you [into] the field with scientists to discover those charismatic and fascinating birds." * PolarJournal (Switzerland), "Our polar book ideas for Christmas" *“[Kooyman] recounts his tale of one of the most iconic examples of charismatic megafauna in a way that captures both the magnitude of his science and the elegant descriptions and personal anecdotes that transport the reader to the ice (all through the lens of a changing climate). His acts of veritable heroism—raging-river crossings, risky glacial traverses, frequent excursions on figurative and literal thin ice—were simply routine components of his daily scientific procedures.” -- Jessica Ulrika Meir, PhD, comparative physiologist and NASA astronaut, from the foreword“Journeys with Emperors follows a decades-long quest to study the largest, deepest diving, most colorful, and most isolated of the penguins. Readers are literally a part of the research expedition. It is the trials and tribulations, successes and failures of Kooyman and his research team that are at the core of this book. An iconic Antarctic bird makes it all the more engaging, and you walk away with an appreciation of how unique these birds are, as are the people who study them. Everyone will be the better for having read this book, and perhaps, emperor penguins will benefit from such an informed population; I can think of no higher praise.” -- Terrie M. Williams, author of "The Odyssey of KP2: An Orphan Seal and a Marine Biologist’s Fight to Save a Species"“This remarkable book is the most authoritative and readable account of the biology of emperor penguins ever written. Of equal significance is that through example, Kooyman provides insight into the importance of patiently observing and documenting aspects of the natural history of this extraordinary bird, over a period of decades. Collectively, those observations facilitated a stream of original ideas, and the technology needed to test them. As such, Journeys with Emperors models how to successfully conduct long-term research on a wild species in a truly challenging environment.” -- Ian Stirling, FRSC, research scientist emeritus, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and adjunct professor, University of Alberta, CanadaTable of ContentsForeword Preface Chapter 1 A Meeting with Emperor Penguins Chapter 2 The Kings of Saint Andrews Bay Chapter 3 The Seven Colonies of the Ross Sea Chapter 4 The Emperors of Cape Washington Chapter 5 Kings and Emperors in One Year Chapter 6 The Commuter Journey Chapter 7 The Fledging Journey Chapter 8 The Pre-molt Journey Chapter 9 The Post-molt Journey Chapter 10 How Do They Do It? Chapter 11 Predator as Prey Chapter 12 Climate, Conservation, and Consumption Acknowledgments Annotated Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisOne tree, in one garden. Can it really make a difference?In RHS The Tree in My Garden, award-winning wildlife author Kate Bradbury reveals the amazing effect planting a single tree in your garden can have - and dares to imagine what would happen if every gardener up and down the country did the same. Combining practical gardening advice, eye-opening scientific research, reflections on the cultural importance of different species, and evocative accounts of how vital trees are for countless different forms of wildlife, this book will leave you in no doubt that every garden needs a tree!This terrific tree book features a directory of 50 key species, each one beautifully illustrated by Lucille Clerc and packed with information about each tree''s appearance, care needs, and the wildlife it supports - to help you choose the best tree for your own garden, or learn more about the trees you may already have. Dive into the pages of this tree identification book to discover: - 50 illustrated profiles of a wide range of trees suitable for different gardens and preferences- Eye-opening accounts of the importance of trees for our planet, our wildlife, and ourselves- Essential practical information to help readers choose, plant, prune, and care for their tree- Ideas for making your own leaf mould and ways to get involved in community planting projects- Stunning illustrations by Lucille Clerc that convey the beauty and the mystery of treesThis book is perfect for anyone wanting to attract more wildlife to their garden! So whether you''re an environmentalist intent on reducing your carbon footprint, a budding gardener looking to choose the best tree for your outdoor space or you''re simply seeking a guide about the natural history of the trees in your garden, RHS The Tree In My Garden is something the whole family can explore, discover and love. No garden should be without a tree. Plant one, watch it grow - and become part of something bigger!Trade ReviewWith the exception of the smallest plots, I'm in complete agreement with the author that no garden is complete without at least one tree. This book harnesses Bradbury's expertise and eloquent style, and encourages us to choose a tree with wildlife in mind, from a useful selection of garden-worthy suggestions. A message that's further enhanced by Lucille Clerc's enchanting illustrations. -- Rachel de Thame * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisLearn how to observe and navigate the night sky with this guide to stargazing for beginners!The dazzling reference book shines bright with crystal-clear charts of the planets, stars, and constellations in both the northern and southern hemispheres for each month of the year! It''s perfect for anyone interested in stargazing and astronomy.This unique astronomy book explains and demystifies the changing night sky. It includes:- Illustrated overviews that introduce each month with a guide to the main attractions, such as bright stars, prominent constellations, and meteor showers- An introduction explains what the universe is, our place within it, how it appears to us in the night sky, and how our view of it changes with time and place- Each illustrated overview features a planet locator, showing the position of the planets during the month introduced- Charts that show the positions of all stars visible to the naked eye in even the darke

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Book SynopsisDive into the depths and discover the mysteries of the world of water in this beautiful book for young readers.From myths and legends, folklore and fables, to amazing discoveries, and undiscovered depths - children will love exploring the amazing world of water in this beautifully illustrated book for young readers.Dive between the pages of Underwater World into the ocean depths to discover sunken lands, and sail in and out of legends laden with weird and wonderful monsters. This educational book for 7-9 year olds will teach curious children all about the ocean, magical creatures and mythology, mysteries and the unexplained.Dive straight in with this educational book to discover: - A variety of exciting topics surrounding water, including sunken cities, ghost ships, Ocean gods and goddesses, and mythical creatures such as the kraken, merpeople, selkies, and sirens.- Most of the world''s cultures that share mythology around

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Book SynopsisThe clearest and sharpest definition guide to over 500 species of trees from around the world. DK Handbook: Trees explains what a tree is, how trees are classified, and how to keep a record of the trees you have seen. Packed with over 1,000 full-colour photographs of more than 500 trees this book cuts through the complicated identification process to enable you to recognize a species instantly. To help in the initial stages of identification, the book provides a visual key that shows the differences between conifers, broadleaves, and palms, identifies each genus by leaf type, and guides you to the correct species entry. Every entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the tree''s chief characteristics and distinguishing features, and a full-colour illustration showing the spread, height, and leaf persistence of the species. A concise glossary defines technical and scientific terms. Compact enough to take out into the fi

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Book Synopsis''For many years I had wanted to start a zoo . . . any reasonable person smitten with an ambition of this sort would have secured the zoo first and obtained the animals afterwards. but throughout my life I have rarely if ever achieved what I wanted by tackling it in a logical fashion.''A Zoo in My Luggage is Gerald Durrell''s account of his attempt to set up his own zoo, after years spent gathering animals for other zoos. Journeying to Cameroon, he and his wife collected numerous mammals, birds and reptiles, including Cholmondely the chimpanzee and Bug-eye the bush-baby.But their problems really began when they attempted to return with their exotic menagerie. Not only had they to get them safely home to Britain but they also had to find somewhere able and - most of all - willing to house them.Told with wit and a zest for all things furry and feathered, Gerald Durrell''s A Zoo in My Luggage is a brilliant account of how a pioneer of wildlife preservation came to found a new type of zoo.Trade ReviewA renegade who was right . . . He was truly a man before his time -- Sir David AttenboroughDurrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of the anthropogenic landscapes of Lucca, Italy, and how its people understand social and environmental change through cultivationTrade Review“Andrew Mathews tells an important story, tracing the trajectory of a human-managed landscape across recent centuries into our Anthropocene era of climate change. But he also shows us the role of story-telling and of other ways of learning, knowing, and communicating, offering new directions for action at this time of pressing challenges.”—Ben Orlove, author of Lines in the Water: Nature and Culture at Lake Titicaca“Trees Are Shape Shifters is original and rich, a fertile blending of local, place-based research with considerations of the global issue of climate change: the planet through the Tuscan landscape.”—Marco Armiero, president, European Society for Environmental History“A beautiful story of how peasants’ care and practices held Italian hillsides together, how abandonment makes them literally fall apart, and how history can be traced through a tree stump.”—Marianne Elisabeth Lien, Department of Social Anthropology, University of Oslo

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Book SynopsisOur feline companions are much-loved but often mysterious. In The Inner Life of Cats, Thomas McNamee blends scientific reportage with engaging, illustrative anecdotes about his own beloved cat, Augusta, to explore and illuminate the secrets and enigmas of her kind. As it begins, The Inner Life of Cats follows the development of the young Augusta while simultaneously explaining the basics of a kitten''s physiological and psychological development. As the narrative progresses, McNamee also charts cats'' evolution, explores a feral cat colony in Rome, tells the story of Augusta''s life and adventures, and consults with behavioral experts, animal activists, and researchers, who will help readers more fully understand cats. McNamee shows that with deeper knowledge of cats'' developmental phases and individual idiosyncrasies, we can do a better job of guiding cats'' maturation and improving the quality of their lives. Readers'' relationships with their f

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Book SynopsisA landmark book that charts humanity''s changing relationship with birds - from the ancient Egyptians to the twenty-first century ''A marvellously original slice of social history'' Daily Mail''The facts and folklore of birdlife are dissected in admirable detail in this handsome book'' Sunday Times''Roy and Lesley Adkins are masters of their craft'' BBC Countryfile MagazineNo other group of animals has had such a complex and lengthy relationship with humankind as birds. They have been kept in cages as pets, taught to speak and displayed as trophies. More practically, they have been used to tell the time, predict the weather, foretell marriages, provide unlikely cures for ailments, convey messages and warn of poisonous gases. When There Were Birds is a social history of Britain that charts the complex connections between people and birds, set against a background of changes in the landscapTrade ReviewWhen There Were Birds is a marvellously original slice of social history, a portrait of our ever-conflicted relationship with the natural world which we so abuse and which we cannot live without; a book beautifully balanced between wonder and warning -- Christopher Hart * Daily Mail (Book of the Week) *A wonderful book. . . the perfect gift for Christmas this year for a bird lover. . . In fact, no, bird lovers are fine, buy it for someone that hates birds and see if you can turn them round -- Giles Coren * Times Radio *This book is. . . not only a fascinating browse of all sorts of stories about the past, but it's a real revelation actually. . . it's really going to encourage you to think about birds and the part they played historically and culturally -- Guy de la BédoyèreAn appealing social history of Britain that charts the relationship between people and birds [with] a lot of quirky information -- Martin Chilton * The Independent *The book is absolutely packed with wonderful stories. You've really researched it to pieces. . . I hope that this book inspires and galvanises those that want to protect birds -- Steve Yabsley * BBC Radio Bristol *The facts and folklore of birdlife, and man's equivocal relationship with birds, are dissected in admirable detail in this handsome new book ... [with] striking revelations -- Roland White * Sunday Times *This is a substantial social history of our interactions with the bird life of these isles. . . With its wide-ranging, informative text, extensive notes, and commendably comprehensive index, When There Were Birds makes its own vital contribution to our perception of our relationship with creation, providing further stimulus for us to achieve an environmental renaissance -- Richard Greatrex * Church Times *When There Were Birds by historians Roy and Lesley Adkins charts humanity's changing relationship with birds, from the ancient Egyptians to the 21st century * Choice Magazine, Great New Year Reads *The sheer breadth of information reflects every part of life on earth. And that's what makes it such a worthwhile read -- Annette Shaw * Devon Life *Unusually for a book about nature, the species in question, in this lucid story of the relationship between birds and humans, is ours . . . An evocative chapter, 'Abundance', assembles descriptions of a British landscape so vivid you feel you almost remember it . . . There are no dodos in this book -- Horatio Clare * The Spectator *The book is a beautiful, yet original portrait of the integral role played by birds throughout history. . . The social history of ornithology is injected with passion by Roy and Lesley Adkins, who are masters of their craft, welcoming readers to unexpected topics. . . Readers, flock to this tome. -- Emma J Wells * BBC Countryfile Magazine *Every chapter is replete with anecdotes which, for me at least, made the book a page-turner . . . The authors used their research skills and experience to put a different type of book together, and I am grateful to them because it is a very good read . . . and I recommend it -- Mark Avery

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Book SynopsisAs seen on PBS's American Spring Live, one of America's great nature-writers explores the magic and science of feathers Feathers are an evolutionary marvel: aerodynamic, insulating, beguiling. They date back more than 100 million years. Yet their story has never been fully told. In Feathers, biologist Thor Hanson details a sweeping natural history, as feathers have been used to fly, protect, attract, and adorn through time and place. Applying the research of paleontologists, ornithologists, biologists, engineers, and even art historians, Hanson asks: What are feathers? How did they evolve? What do they mean to us? Engineers call feathers the most efficient insulating material ever discovered, and they are at the root of biology's most enduring debate. They silence the flight of owls and keep penguins dry below the ice. They have decorated queens, jesters, and priests. And they have inked documents from the Constitution to the novels of Jane Austen.Feathers is a captivating and beautiful exploration of this most enchanting object.Trade ReviewFrank B. Gill, author of Ornithology "Thor Hanson has captured the wonders of feathers in gripping prose that will likely change forever how you look at birds and their colorful adornments. This is rich and engaging ornithology at its best." Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain "If you feel a sudden need to read about dinosaurs, flyfishing, muttonbirds, and showgirls, this is your book! Absolutely fascinating history, and a terrific read, Feathers is another Thor Hanson classic!" Peter Matthiessen, National Book Award winning author of The Snow Leopard and Shadow Country "A fascinating book about the most remarkable--and beautiful--of all avian evolutionary adaptations, with wonderful accounts of ornithological investigations and the solving of biological quandaries and questions, all of it unusually well-written. Highly recommended." Robert Michael Pyle, author of Wintergreen and Mariposa Road "Feathers is simply a splendid book! Even for one biased toward butterfly scales, their closest competitors in the animal raiment line, feathers in all their glory can only be seen as astonishing. With elegance and wit, Thor Hanson captures not only their awesome esthetics, but also the astonishing evolution, historical and cultural impact, and sheer wonder of avian plumage. Rendered in exquisite detail with delicate touch, like a feather-painting of old, this is the best kind of natural history--quilled by a real field biologist who is also a fine writer." Bernd Heinrich, Emeritus Professor of Biology, University of Vermont; author of Winter World and Mind of the Raven "Feathers are truly remarkable. In this book Hanson shows how they are the key to many of the most fascinating and diverse aspects of bird biology, how they have affected our understanding of evolution, and how they have and are enriching our everyday lives. This is science written in clear and entertaining prose; a great read." BioScience "From basic research about bird biology and the evolutionary origins of feather to falconry, couture, and bioinspiration in industrial design, the book treats us to a series of engaging essays about feathers, both on and off the bird... Hanson weaves his prior encounters with birds and his experiences as a scientist into the text, offering lively anecdotes about his student days and subsequent life as a professional grant-seeking field biologist. He is particularly adept at portraying how science really works... Hanson's prose is polished, lively, and evocative. The outcome is a book that is easy and entertaining to read, yet one that is able to satisfy our intellectual curiosity... In Feathers, Hanson is remarkably successful at offering something for everyone. Readers from young adults to professional ornithologists and from those interested in nature to those more interested in human culture will enjoy this book... Ultimately, Feathers is a book to read for pleasure, but along the way, we gain knowledge and insight into nature and our relationship with it." Bird Watcher's Digest "To read Feathers is to meet up with an enthusiastic old friend who simply cannot wait to tell you about something he just discovered. Deceptively conversational and fast moving, disguising the true depth of information it conveys with buoyant, good-humored prose, Feathers is a book not only intellectually accessible to anyone with an interest in the subject but also one that should be considered a must-read by bird watchers and naturalists of all levels of interest or experience." Audubon "[C]aptivating... Beginning with the evolution of birds, Hanson, a biologist, explains competing theories with ease, and unfolds the human fascination with feathers in terms of science, commerce, tools, folklore, art, and aerodynamics with panache. Anecdotes infuse the fascinating survey." Montana Outdoors "[A] delight. As the name makes clear, it's all about feathers--their evolution, use by birds, and extremely high value to humans, from quill pens and trout flies to women's hats and Aztec emperor headdresses." Seattle Times "[D]elightful... [A] fascinating inquiry into one of those common things that are easy to overlook until someone shows what a miracle it is... Birds, the only animals with feathers today, wear these magic coats of stunning variety whose forms so perfectly fit their functions. Hanson's book reveals much about that marvelous magic." Library Journal (starred review) "[E]njoyable, wide-ranging, and well-researched... Highly recommended for birders and science buffs." Maclean's "[E]ngaging... For all the intriguing science, what really livens up Hanson's passionate discussion of his 'natural miracle' are the stories he tells." Nature "Thor Hanson's storytelling is enhanced by his infectious excitement... Hanson's tale is comprehensive, accurate, timely and engaging... Feathers is a compelling introduction to one of nature's wonders." Science "Hanson writes in a colorful, conversational, and non-technical manner that conveys his enthusiasm for the subject... The book offers a readable introduction to feathers and what they mean for birds and mankind." Wall Street Journal "[Hanson] has produced a winning book about the extraordinary place of feathers in animal and human history... like all true birdwatchers, Mr. Hanson knows it isn't just the bird at the far end of the binoculars but the human being at the near end that matters, and he is writing as much about the human urge to understand, appreciate and appropriate the wild world as he is writing about feathers, which he calls, in his subtitle, a 'natural miracle.'... Feathers is an earthbound book, but this does not keep the author--or the reader--from looking up in wonder." New York Times "[A] fine book... Mr. Hanson's pleasure in feathers is infectious... [Feathers] is gracious, funny, persuasive and wide ranging. Feathers, Mr. Hanson reminds us, teach a remarkable amount about evolution, insulation, engineering, archaeology and fashion. Better still, as this book shows, they allow not only birds but the human imagination to take flight." New Scientist "[A] sparkling history... Well-written science adds gravity to the more featherweight content of witty anecdotes -- from interviews with feather-clad Las Vegas showgirls to plucking roadkill in the name of biology. The skilful way Hanson combines the two makes this book popular natural history at its best."

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Book SynopsisUnlike other barnyard animals, which pull plows, give eggs or milk, or grow wool, a pig produces only one thing: meat. Incredibly efficient at converting almost any organic matter into nourishing, delectable protein, swine are nothing short of a gastronomic godsend,yet their flesh is banned in many cultures, and the animals themselves are maligned as filthy, lazy brutes.As historian Mark Essig reveals in Lesser Beasts , swine have such a bad reputation for precisely the same reasons they are so valuable as a source of food: they are intelligent, self-sufficient, and omnivorous. What''s more, he argues, we ignore our historic partnership with these astonishing animals at our peril. Tracing the interplay of pig biology and human culture from Neolithic villages 10,000 years ago to modern industrial farms, Essig blends culinary and natural history to demonstrate the vast importance of the pig and the tragedy of its modern treatment at the hands of humans. Pork, Essig explains, has long beTrade ReviewPraise for Lesser Beasts: "Broad, well-researched... [An] entertaining study." --Economist "Although history sprawls across countless topics, Essig zeroes in on a long-neglected niche -- the pig. In sprightly prose, he tells why the intelligent animal has filled so many plates for so long in so many parts of the world; like good bacon, his book sizzles." --St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Best Books of 2015 "A witty history of civilization told through our four-legged pork producer." --The Guardian (UK) "Essig's account is fascinating, full of erudition and nuance. He traces societal changes from the pharaohs to Walmart, using the pig. Equally, he uses history to enlarge our understanding of the domestic pig." --New Scientist (UK) "Essig presents the pig in a rich cultural context, weaving natural and social history into an engaging narrative about the lowly beast that has loomed ever so large in our collective experience." --Asheville Citizen-Times "Lesser Beasts offers readers entertainment as well as information ... [some] pages sizzle like bacon, and it's tough to set aside a book about an animal that's so close to people, in locale and in physiology." --St. Louis Post-Dispatch Garden and Gun "Mark Essig's savory history will provide you with hundreds of facts and anecdotes about the remarkable pig, so you'll impress your friends and relatives around the fire pit. Essig--who lives in Asheville--loves his pigs; he just loves them a little bit more with a nice vinegar." PopMatters "Essig offers a compelling look at one of history's most divisive animals... informative, suprising." "[A] solid introduction to swine culture... Highly recommended. All readers." --CHOICE "Essig examines the longstanding yet often overlooked connections between man and swine... You'll finish this read with a new appreciation for the phrase 'bringing home the bacon.'" --The Local Palate Portland Book Review "[Essig's] writing skill is excellent... a good read." "An enlightening culinary history... A lively, informative farm-to-table feast." --Kirkus Reviews "What Mark Kurlansky did for Cod, Essig might just do for swine." --Shelf Awareness "Essig presents an entertaining perspective on pigs, especially as they relate to humans. After you read this book, pigs will never seem quite the same." --Library Journal "A thoughtful book about the fascinating relationship between pigs and people, from Leviticus to Charlotte's Web. I learned something new on every page: Essig has a knack for delivering reams of information with lightness and wit, even as he makes an eloquent plea for a reformed pork industry, one where the bacon we eat comes from 'a pig that lived like a pig.' Whether you eat pork or not, Lesser Beasts is a gripping meditation on the plight of pigs." --Bee Wilson, author of Consider the Fork "Forget the egg. It's the pig that's incredible and edible. And Mark Essig tells the remarkable animal's checkered history with a style and verve that's as irresistible as bacon itself." --John Donohue, editor of Man with a Pan: Culinary Adventures of Fathers who Cook for their Families "Mark Essig tells a fine tale of the unsung exploits of the lowly pig, from the age of the pyramids and the wars of the conquistadors to the awful abattoirs and trendy restaurants of today. With clear prose and careful research, he redeems an animal that has played a seminal role in human history while enduring near universal disdain. This fascinating book provides a marvelous antidote to our unexamined views on the pig." --Andrew Lawler, author of Why Did the Chicken Cross the World? The Epic Saga of the Bird that Powers Civilization "Lesser Beasts is a delightful romp through porcine history from the Neolithic era to the present. Mark Essig offers surprising answers to the question of why humans have had such a love-hate affair with the humble pig, and unveils many other unexpected insights. Well written and well researched, Lesser Beasts is a must for historians, pork lovers, and anyone who just loves a good read." --Andrew F. Smith, editor-in-chief, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America "Pigs are omnivorous. And so is Mark Essig. From a Roman recipe for salt curing and cold smoking hams that Cato favored, to the ignoble efforts of American industrial farmers who have shown neither their pigs nor their customers respect, he has sifted the archival record to write a smart and thoroughly engaging social history of the curious entwinings of pig and man." --John T. Edge, series editor, Southern Foodways Alliance Studies in Culture, People, and PlaceTable of ContentsPrologue. The Magical Animal One. Keep it Simple Two. Out of the Wild Three. "The Pig is Impure" Four. "Of Their Flesh Shall Ye Not Eat" Five. "Monstrosities of Luxury" Six. The Forest Pig Seven. "Swine Eat Things Clean and Unclean" Eight. "The Husbandman's Best Scavenger" Nine. "All the Mountains Swarmed with Them" Ten. "A Great Unkindness for our Swine" Eleven. "The Benevolent Tyranny of the Pig" Twelve. "Twenty Bushels of Corn on Four Legs" Thirteen. "The Republic of Porkdom" Fourteen. "A Swinish Multitude" Fifteen. "A Growing Prejudice Against Pork" Sixteen. "The Other White Meat" Seventeen. Vices Eighteen. "Back to the Start" Epilogue. Virtuous Carnivores

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Book SynopsisA quarter of U.S. households own a dog, but many of these pooches have problems, ranging from obsessive barking to aggression. This easy-to-understand guide helps owners understand what makes Fido tick--and how to fix problem behaviors using practical, positive methods.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part I: The Fascinating World of Dogs 7 Chapter 1: A Dog for Life: Dog Psychology 101 9 Chapter 2: Understanding Your Dog 15 Chapter 3: Communicating with Your Dog 29 Chapter 4: Seeing Life from Your Dog’s Perspective 47 Part II: Embracing Your Dog’s Identity 61 Chapter 5: Identifying Your Dog’s Individuality 63 Chapter 6: Interpreting Your Dog’s Breed-Specific Traits 83 Chapter 7: Sensory Perceptions 95 Chapter 8: Meeting the Needs of Your Growing Puppy 107 Chapter 9: Reading and Communicating as Your Dog Ages 123 Part III: Doggie Delinquency 137 Chapter 10: Inspiring Behavior with Motivational Techniques 139 Chapter 11: Helping Your Dog Learn from Everyday Living 159 Chapter 12: Happy Training, Happy Tails 171 Part IV: Dogs Don’t Misbehave: Misperceptions and Solutions 185 Chapter 13: Addressing and Solving Problem Behavior 187 Chapter 14: Countering Anxiety-Based Behavior 205 Chapter 15: Understanding and Resolving Aggressive Behavior 221 Part V: The Part of Tens 241 Chapter 16: Ten Forms of Silent Communication 243 Chapter 17: Ten Common Misunderstandings 249 Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Become Your Dog’s Leader 255 Index 261

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Book SynopsisThe great advocate for wilderness preservation wrote many letters extolling the wonders of Yosemite. His lyric, vividly written accounts describe sheep-herding, guiding visitors, and studying the region's diverse splendors.

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Book SynopsisExplores the lifestyles of families and individuals around the world who have escaped the daily grind to create a new life in harmony with nature. The impact of climate change and the pressures of city life â not to mention the life-changing events of the last few years â have left many of us dreaming of a simpler existence that benefits the environment and resets the mind. The lifting of restrictions, including travel, has meant that more of us than ever are re-evaluating how and where we live, eschewing disposable culture in favour of a more meaningful and sustainable way of life. From a family who relocated to the remote Australian bush to a young couple who live and work on a narrowboat on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal in the UK, Living Wild tells the stories of people around the world who have made the leap into the unknown, exploring what inspired them and how the move has impacted upon their families and livelihoods. From tackling the daily challenges of living off-grTable of ContentsIntroduction: Following a Wilder Path An Olive Farm in Provence, France A Mountaintop Cabin, Switzerland A Regenerative Farm in Mecklenburg, Germany A Wooded Retreat, Norway An Old Railway Carriage, Australia In Harmony with the Seasons, France Creativity & Craft Autumnal Gardens in Bulgaria At Home in the Australian Bush A Ranch on the Great Plains, USA The Olive Trees and the Moon, Portugal Farm to Table Little Floating Home, UK A Cabin Van in the Cairngorms, UK An Artist’s Shack, Australia Into the Wilderness, Finland Wanderlust & Technology Communal Living in Normandy, France A Florist’s Haven, UK A Yurt at the Foot of the Tetons, USA Tiny House in a Forest, UK Directory Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisA fun, well-structured collection of facts and trivia about the climate.Trade Review'A really impressive book that concisely presents the issues at hand in a clear and robust way, giving the reader the tools to help debunk myths' - @mssburnsTable of Contents1. Everything is connected • 2. The climate is always changing… and so is the Earth • 3. The Earth is getting warmer • 4. The Earth is becoming more polluted • 5. The Impact of a warmer and more polluted planet • 6. What should we do?

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Nala''s World and Arthur, this is an uplifting and unforgettable true story about how the love of a good dog can save your life.Rob Kugler adopted his chocolate Lab Bella as a puppy - a bundle of fun and love to keep his girlfriend company as he headed off to war. But when Rob''s brother died and his relationship fell apart, it was Bella who was there to help heal the wounds, and make Rob''s life worth living again. So when Rob was told Bella had cancer - first in her leg, which had to be amputated, and then in her lungs - he was devastated.With only months of Bella''s life left, he knew just what he had to do for his furry best friend. Determined to show her the same unconditional love she had always shown him, Rob decided to give Bella the farewell adventure of her doggy dreams. Criss-crossing the USA from coast to coast, making many new friends along the way, Bella taught Rob never to give up and to live each day as thoTrade ReviewFor fans of Marley and Me. * Best *Engaging and sometimes heart-rending ... a certain tear-jerker for dog lovers. Love, devotion and slobbery kisses abound in this heartwarming story of a man and his treasured chocolate Lab. * Kirkus *Give me a good pet story and I'm hooked... [This] is about the encounters man and dog had with strangers who became friends along the way - teaching the reader a wealth about the value of making human connections. * Forbes *A beautiful memoir. * Psychologies *A beautiful, beautiful book. * Jenna Bush Hager *

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Book SynopsisCreative activities and ideas to explore the outdoors. This is a fun and educational outdoor activity book, ideal for green-fingered and nature-friendly families

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Book SynopsisA wonderful meditation on the English landscape in wet weather by the acclaimed novelist and nature writer, Melissa Harrison.Whenever rain falls, our countryside changes. Fields, farms, hills and hedgerows appear altered, the wildlife behaves differently, and over time the terrain itself is transformed.In Rain, Melissa Harrison explores our relationship with the weather as she follows the course of four rain showers, in four seasons, across Wicken Fen, Shropshire, the Darent Valley and Dartmoor. Blending these expeditions with reading, research, memory and imagination, she reveals how rain is not just an essential element of the world around us, but a key part of our own identity too.

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Book Synopsis* An exploration of one of the thorniest, and most important, questions of contemporary social and political thought* Written in lively and accessbile style, this will appeal to a wide scholarly and educated audience. .Trade Review"This is an excellent book. It addresses what, in both conceptual and political terms, is arguably the most important source of tension and confusion in current arguments about the environment, namely the concept of nature; and it does so in a way that is both sensitive to, and critical of, the two antithetical ways of understanding this that dominate existing discussions." Russell Keat, University of Edinburgh "Pondering the related issues of environmental crisis and sustainability, readers will benefit greatly from close study of Kate Soper's extended essay on the discourse of nature and 'nature'." W. Lukin, University of LondonTable of ContentsAcknowledgements viii Introduction 1 1 The Discourses of Nature 15 2 Nature, Human, and Inhuman 37 3 Nature, Friend and Foe 71 4 Nature and Sexual Politics 119 5 Nature and ‘Nature’ 149 6 The Space and Time of Nature 180 7 Loving Nature 213 8 Ecology, Nature and Responsibility 249 Index 283

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Book SynopsisPrevious edition by Bruce M. Beehler, Thane K. Pratt, and Dale A. Zimmerman.Trade ReviewOne of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2016 One of the Birdbooker Report's Best Bird Books of 2014 "A must have for birders with an interest in the region!"--Ian Paulsen, Birdbooker Report "This is an excellent book and will serve travelling birders very well indeed and I am sure will be just as welcomes by local wildlife lovers in New Guinea... This is also a thing of beauty in itself and a pleasure to drool over."--Bo Beolens, Fatbirder "Amazing! Please buy it, whether or not you're planning a trip to West Papua or PNG. It's a must-have book... [A] high quality field guide, with maps on the same page as the plates, excellent, informative text, good artwork--and everything one hopes for in a field guide."--Birding Ecotours "Birds of New Guinea will be the major reference to birds of the island for many years to come and the authors are to be congratulated on a scholarly yet accessible book."--Phil Gregory, Australian Bird Life "I can not recommend this guide highly enough whether you are planning a trip to New Guinea or you are just an armchair birder widening your horizons about the world's birds. An excellent present for yourself or the birder in your family."--Gloster Birder "Pratt and Beehler here cover all 780 bird species in this region, drawing in even more biological data--including some on behavior, diet, and nesting--than typically found in field guides. Detailed species accounts are now separate from the 111 color illustrations--most new and twice as many as the first edition--with additional abridged species accounts and habitat maps facing these plates. A long-awaited, greatly expanded update to an authoritative regional reference."--Judy Quinn, Library Journal "A wonderful updated and expanded second edition to the original Birds of New Guinea published 28 years ago... In Birds of New Guinea: Second Edition, the authors have greatly expanded the description of each species beyond the typical birding guide... An absolute must-have for both birders and individuals who work in the public or private sector focused on conservation of New Guinea's ecosystems."--Gabriel Thoumi, Mongabay.com "A must-have for everyone from ecotourists to field researchers, Birds of New Guinea remains an indispensable guide to the diverse birds of this remarkable region."--Ornithological Newsletter "If you're lucky enough to go birding in New Guinea, you'll want this field guide."--Grant McCreary, Birder's Library "There is no doubt that this book will be a very popular addition to many birders libraries over the next few months and those visiting PNG next year will armed with a great deal more knowledge than before--the real test of a new book comes in the field and I like many more am looking forward to giving it that test."--Ashley Banwell, Rare Bird Alert "From cassowaries to parrots and birds-of-paradise to fairy-wrens, with sicklebills, mannikins and fantails in between, birders visiting New Guinea need to be prepared for a deluge of delightful birds, and Birds of New Guinea: Second Edition is the book to help them do it. From an extensive orientation to beautifully illustrated plates and expanded species accounts, this guide is the go-to resource all things birding in New Guinea."--Melissa Mayntz, About.com Birding "An incredibly good field guide."--Grant McCreary, Birder's Library "Birding in New Guinea for the first time would make the most experienced birder feel like a beginner searching through the vast number of endemics. This is the guide to take along on such an adventure."--REH, Wildlife Activist "It's hard to find fault in this excellent publication, so I won't. I would however, encourage all birders to purchase it and start saving for the ultimate birding trip--believe me, watching your first displaying bird-of-paradise will certainly bring this field guide alive!"--Tim Appleton, Birdwatch "If there ever was a time to visit New Guinea it is now. Pratt and Beehler's impressive book will surely help you to make the most of your visit."--Vincent Nijman, IBIS "This field guide is a must for anyone contemplating serious birding or research on birds in New Guinea. It is as aesthetically pleasing as it is informative and authoritative."--H. Carl Gerhardt, Wilson Journal of Ornithology Praise for the first edition:"This book is not only indispensable to any bird-watcher visiting New Guinea and the adjacent islands, but, owing to the wealth of its information, it will be of great interest to anyone who is seriously interested in birds."--American ScientistTable of ContentsPreface 9 Acknowledgments 11 Abbreviations 13 1. Introduction 14 2. How to Use This Book 17 3. New Guinea Natural History 20 4. In the Field in Search of Birds 33 Selected References 36 Web Sources 39 Plates 40 Species Accounts 262 Index 517

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Book Synopsis"This book was conceived, designed and produced by Ivy Press"--Title page verso.Trade Review"One of Forbes.com’s 12 Best Books About Birds and Birding in 2016""Complex ideas are made intelligible with the aid of sharp, and often stunning, design--gorgeous close-up photographs and smart infographics. The lovely depictions of the experiments supporting the science are particularly noteworthy." * Library Journal *"Our understanding of bird brains and behaviour has been revolutionised by recent studies of avian cognition, intelligence, brain anatomy, migration and tool use, and Nathan Emery, primatologist-turned-ornithologist, has been at the forefront of this revolution. He is well placed, therefore, to provide us with this very welcome summary of our current state of knowledge."---Tim Birkhead, Times Higher Education"This book is a fascinating exploration of how birds learn, think and feel. The book looks at the structure of the avian brain and the abilities it provides to our feathered neighbors. It does this without being stuffy or beyond the reach of the general public with an interest in birds. Short essays on each topic allow a person to explore the book in snippets or to skip around the book to read whatever catches your eye." * A Charm of Finches *"The book is beautifully illustrated with high resolution pictures showing the diversity of birds and describing the complex methods birds use to successfully survive in an ever-changing world. The book also focuses on the relationships of birds to other animals and the environment." * NSTA Recommends *"How big is a bird's brain? Big enough has always been my answer. The tiny hummingbird weighs less than an ounce and yet it can remember where every flower in its territory is located and how long it takes to refill with nectar. Big enough. A new book by Dr. Nathan Emery goes well beyond my analysis with interesting, fun and informative presentation on the latest research into avian intelligence. . . . The book is beautifully illustrated and provides an engaging exploration of the avian mind."---Sam Crowe, Birdzilla.com"[Bird Brain] is really great, the best book out there right now on animal intelligence, possibly the best book so far this year on birds. This is the kind of book you want laying around the house or classroom to learn stuff from. If you are writing or teaching about anything in evolution or behavior, this is a great way to key into the current work on bird intelligence." * Greg Laden's Science Blog *"This lovely book combines pictures of bird species, diagrams of experimental situations, and brain anatomy to provide information about bird intelligence. The illustrations are superb! Each short topic is covered in a pair of facing pages, allowing the reader to get clear and simple coverage of the specific subject matter." * Choice *"An in-depth look at recent research and fascinating lab experiments, [Bird Brain] overturns any notion that birds are somehow dumb. Instead, it argues with an overwhelming amount of evidence that a number of bird species should be considered more as ‘feathered apes.'"---Jeremy Hance, The Guardian"This book is well-grounded in the bird science of the past 20 years but at the same time it will be perfectly accessible to curious weekend bird enthusiasts. It is an informative and visually rich book."---Paul Nicholson, London Free Press"Bird Brain, by Nathan Emery, is the best current book on animal intelligence, and one of the best bird books you'll be able to lay your hands on right now." * Greg Laden's Blog *"This fascinating and surprisingly concise book explores the fundamental question of what is intelligence, then moves on to meticulously refute the ‘bird brain' myth. . . . This oversized book is a pleasure to read, and I especially love the richly detailed illustrations and how they highlight the concepts presented."---Forbes.com, a "12 Best books about Birds and Birding in 2016" selection"Emery's authoritative and stunningly illustrated book provides a charming exploration of the avian mind."---Kevin Laland, Trends in Ecology & Evolution

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"I often wonder why there hasn't been any really good books dealing with the antelopes, wild cattle, sheep, gazelles and goats of the world. Well I guess I need wonder no more. With the publication of Castello's new book, I have found a resource that will be invaluable as I travel in search of wildlife... As with other Princeton guides, the layout is eye-pleasing and the text factual, informative and inclusive. Ranges, habitats, descriptions, subspecies and behaviour are covered for every species."--North Durham Nature Newsletter "This volume provides excellent introductory information about hundreds of animals; it will serve a wide range of readers seeking a basic understanding of this subject; high school students, college students, and interested adults will benefit from its content. Libraries working with these populations should consider adding this reasonably priced volume."--Mark Schumacher, American Reference Books Annual "With this title, new ground has been broken in several ways. Visually, Castello, a medical doctor, has replaced traditional artists' renderings with photos from global photographers. This is also the first field guide to reflect the revised species list, which recently doubled the number of bovid species from 143 to 279... Castello fills a void, and this book should generate wide interest in scientists, students, and general reader... This volume may inspire a new generation of conservationists and raise awareness of beautiful, endangered bovids and their perilous situations."--Choice "Bovids of the World offers a compelling and beautiful introduction to one of the world's most diverse and important families of creatures with hair... Few books have done more to remind me than Bovids of the World that I've only just scratched the surface of what the planet has to show me."--Ed Kanze, Bedford (NY) Record-Review "This is a handy reference to what I consider the coolest taxonomic family on earth: the bovids... Sit down with it and enjoy these fascinating creatures."--Matt Miller, Cool Green Science blog "I am confident that Bovids of the World is a valuable addition to any wildlife biologist's library. Those with and without close familiarity to the family Bovidae will have a handy reference for office and field use. Hats off to Jose R. Castello, an M.D. from Spain, for his knowledge and passion to highlight the bovids in such a detailed and taxonomically relevant field guide."--David M. Leslie, Jr., Journal of Wildlife ManagementTable of ContentsFOREWORD by Brent Huffman and Colin Groves 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 7 INTRODUCTION 8 TRIBE AEPYCEROTINI Impalas 24 TRIBE NEOTRAGINI Sunis, Royal Antelope, Pygmy Antelope 28 TRIBE REDUNCINI Reedbucks, Waterbucks, Rhebok 38 TRIBE ANTILOPINI Gazelles, Oribis, Steenbok, Grysbok, Dik-diks 82 TRIBE OREOTRAGINI Klipspringers 224 TRIBE CEPHALOPHINI Duikers 244 TRIBE CAPRINI Sheep, Goats, and relatives 302 TRIBE HIPPOTRAGINI Horse Antelopes 466 TRIBE ALCELAPHINI Tsessebes, Topis, Hartebeests, Wildebeests 496 TRIBE BOSELAPHINI Nilgai, Four-horned Antelope 542 TRIBE TRAGELAPHINI Spiral-horned Antelopes 546 TRIBE BOVINI Bison, Buffaloes, Cattle, Saola 596 SKULLS 650 REFERENCES 659 INDEX 660

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is the future of field guides . . . I just love this book, I absolutely love it."---Chris Packham, #WildMorningswithChris"It is just about a perfect rendition of the modern field guide: comprehensive, detailed, beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written. It is also excellent value. . . . I would unhesitatingly recommend this new book to anyone interested in our native orchids."---Bob Gibbons, British Wildlife Magazine"The most startling and richest identification guide I have ever come across. . . . Every single time I pick up this book, I gawp and I learn. Field guide of the year, without question. And quite possibly field guide of the decade too."---James Lowen, James Lowen Wildlife"This book distinguishes itself in the depth of attention it gives to orchid habitats . . . . The illustrations in the book are quite simply, out of this world superb. . . . This book takes a bold step in a new direction, a leap away from simple listing and describing, to being an efficient and user-friendly tool in the hands of the orchid enthusiast on the quest for accurate identification."---Paddy Tobin, An Irish Gardener"What I really welcome is the images are brilliant coloured botanical drawings and photos so you get the best of both. A really nice feature is a brief index in a fold of the cover just pointing the species pages. I recommend this very welcome addition to those oft-thumbed works that sit on my desk for easy reference."---Bo Beolens, Fat Birder"This authoritative yet accessible guide is the result of many years' hard work from the authors. The multitude of information loaded into its texts are complimented by top-class illustrations and stunning photography. It is the new essential in its field and congratulations must go to Cole and Waller for producing what deserves to become a best-selling guide to this fascinating family."---Josh Jones, Birdguides.com"This book is the perfect guide for looking for and identifying them, it has everything you could ever need to know about British Orchids."---Mike King, Gloster Birder"A clear, comprehensive, well-designed, beautifully illustrated guide to a fascinating group of our wild flowers."---Mark Avery, Mark Avery blog"This is another outstanding guide from Wild Guides (this time published in association with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland) but this one is at another level and is a credit to everyone involved and should be on every naturalist’s bookshelf."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalist’s Association"The mission statement from authors Sean Cole and Mike Waller to develop the most beautiful and comprehensive field guide on the subject has clearly been achieved!"---Jim Almond, Shropshire Birder blog"This book is an exceptional contribution to the literature on British orchid identification."---Ro Scott, Highland Naturalist"A superb new identification guide."---Eric Brown, News Shopper"This is clearly a fantastic book."---Andy Karran, Gwent Wildlife Trust

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Book SynopsisHealing for Horses is the most comprehensive guide available on the subject of using healing energy with horses. Margrit also describes the way energy runs through a living being, what and where the chakras are on horses, and how healing can benefit horses and improve the horse-human bond.

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Book SynopsisAccompanied throughout by the author's evocative hand-drawn illustrations, Deeper Into the Wood is a lyrical and inspiring story; a potent reminder of nature's delicate balance and our responsibility toward its preservation.Trade Review‘A wonderfully personal evocation of the joys, hard work and meaning of creating a wood for wildlife, written with sensitivity and care. A delightful read’ Stephen Moss, author of The Robin: A Biography‘A rare treat of a book that warms as it informs and leads us deep into the character of one small pocket of England. Ruth Pavey writes with wit, passion and precious little sentimentality' Tristan Gooley, author of The Secret World of Weather‘Wonderful... how love for a small woodland and respect for its local history can enhance wildlife and enrich the human spirit’ Nick Davies, author of Cuckoo: Cheating by Nature‘Ruth Pavey spins a delicate web between the many branches of her little Somerset wood. Her closely observed changes of wildlife and the changing seasons, echo a growing awareness and concern for life on Earth itself. The author’s growth and metamorphosis into an amateur naturalist who has learnt to read the language of trees is profoundly inspirational’ Gabriel Hemery, author of The New Sylva‘Inquisitive and generous. Pavey shares the love of her wood, past and present, through a fascinating weave of its natural and cultural histories. This book is as companionable as it is interesting' Patrick Baker, author of The Unremembered Places

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT for people who value friendship, uncompromising love, dribble, chewed up furniture and miles and miles of walking to go to the toilet.__________________________________''The dog is often called a man''s best friend.Dogs are reliable, loyal and loving, like all best friends.They also smell like a bobble hat full of corned beef that has been left on a parcel shelf of a locked car for a fortnight during a hot spell. But there are some things you don''t mention to a best friend.''__________________________________''Once a week, Patsy vacuums up all the dog hair in her house.When she has finished the sofa she will do the carpets, inside the oven, in the powder tray of the washing machine, between the pages of the book she is reading, and behind the wallpaper.''How did it get there?'' laughs Patsy while coughing up a hair-ball.''__________________________________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. ''Hilarious'' StylistOther new titles for Autumn 2017: How it Works: The Brother How it Works: The Sister The Ladybird Book of the Ex The Ladybird Book of the Nerd The Ladybird Book of the New You The Ladybird Book of Balls The Ladybird Book of the Big Night Out The Ladybird Book of the Quiet Night In People at Work: The Rock Star Previous titles in the Ladybirds for Grown Ups series: How it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum How it Works: The Dad The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipster How it Works: The Student How it Works: The Cat How it Works: The Dog How it Works: The Grandparent The Ladybird Book of Red Tape The Ladybird Book of the People Next Door The Ladybird Book of the Sickie The Ladybird Book of the Zombie Apocalypse The Ladybird Book of the Do-Gooder

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Book SynopsisA unique look at animals in ancient Rome, perfect for fans of Mary Beard and Peter JonesTrade ReviewOne can almost see [the author’s] tears on the page when she describes the Romans’ cruelty to dolphins, lions and horses. - The Spectator

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Book SynopsisClaire Guest was walking her dogs when Daisy, a fox red Labrador, nudged her breast insistently and stared up into her face with her big brown eyes. Sensing something was wrong, Claire visited her GP and soon found out she had a very deep and difficult to diagnose form of breast cancer. Daisy had saved her life, simply by smelling her cancer.With her scientific background and deep love of dogs, Claire intuited that Daisy and her canine pals could save many more lives, and set up the charity Medical Detection Dogs. Though faced with many challenges, Claire and her dogs have proven to be a remarkable asset to cancer detection, and have changed the lives of many seriously ill people and their families.This is the story of how our relationship with dogs can unleash life-saving talents, changing not only the medical world, but our own lives too.Trade ReviewAn inspiring story ... a fascinating read * The Sun *The work of Medical Detection Dogs is moving and mind-blowing ! And Claire Guest is phenomenal.I am pleased and proud to support her in any way I can, and cannot recommend this book highly enough. * Lesley Nicol *This is an incredible story of determination and belief. A moving, inspiring and hugely uplifting read. * Kate Humble *A deeply personal story ... fantastic. * Dogs Monthly *A moving story ... inspiring. 5/5 * Your Dog *

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Book SynopsisAn expertly written guide to holistic care for good cat health and well-being, helping to prevent ill health and maintain your pet's natural balance and harmony. Step-by-step instruction is accompanied by 280 photographs and illustrations.

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Book SynopsisIt is exactly like Isaiah 11:6: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid . . . ” Written by National Geographic magazine writer Jennifer Holland, Unlikely Friendships documents one heartwarming tale after another of animals who, with nothing else in common, bond in the most unexpected ways. A cat and a bird. A mare and a fawn. An elephant and a sheep. A snake and a hamster. The well-documented stories of Koko the gorilla and All Ball the kitten; and the hippo Owen and the tortoise Mzee. And almost inexplicable stories of predators befriending prey—an Indian leopard slips into a village every night to sleep with a calf. A lionness mothers a baby oryx. Ms. Holland narrates the details and arc of each story, and also offers insights into why—how the young leopard, probably motherless, sought maternal comfort with the calf, and how a baby oryx inspired the same mothering instinct in the lionness. Or, in the story of Kizzy, a nervous retired Greyhound, and Murphy, a red tabby, how cats and dogs actually understand each other’s body language. With Murphy’s friendship and support, Kizzy recovered from life as a racing dog and became a confident, loyal family pet.These are the most amazing friendships between species, collected from around the world and documented in a selection of full-color candid photographs.Trade Review“Jennifer S. Holland’s irresistible volume features heartwarming stories of interspecies love and adorable photographs that are heart-stopping in more than one sense.”— New York Times Book Review “The feel-good book of the summer—maybe the year—may very well be Unlikely Friendships.”— USA Today “Jennifer Holland documents one heartwarming tale after another of animals who, with nothing else in common, bond in the most unexpected ways.” — Reader's Digest “With aww-inducing photographs, the book highlights the most improbable animal connections.” — National Geographic“Jennifer S. Holland’s irresistible volume features heartwarming stories of interspecies love and adorable photographs that are heart-stopping in more than one sense.”— New York Times Book Review “The feel-good book of the summer—maybe the year—may very well be Unlikely Friendships.”— USA Today “Jennifer Holland documents one heartwarming tale after another of animals who, with nothing else in common, bond in the most unexpected ways.” — Reader's Digest “With aww-inducing photographs, the book highlights the most improbable animal connections.” — National Geographic

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Book Synopsis Welcome to the Jurassic Terrarium! Build and display your own adorable miniature dinosaur habitat and add a little more green to your life with the help of this miniature craft kit. Inside you''ll find: A 3 plastic, tear-drop shaped container with eye-hook 1 Brontosaurus figurine Plastic plant Grass mound Pebbles 32-page illustrated mini book with history, fun facts, and how-to instructions to build your terrarium

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Book SynopsisA high-quality boxed notecard set featuring beautiful and noteworthy birds from Audubon's Birds of America.

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

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Book SynopsisTells the story of John Lane’s journey through the Southeast US, as he visits coyote territories: swamps, nature preserves, farm fields, suburbs, a tannery, and even city streets. On his travels he meets, interrogates, and observes those who interact with the animals - trappers, researchers, hunters, pet owners, and even a devoted coyote hugger.

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Book SynopsisEverywhere in Yorkshire are clues to vanished worlds in the rocks, fossils and landforms. This accessible, well-illustrated book is a beautiful guide to the geology.

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Book SynopsisAfter losing her job and her boyfriend, Emily inherits a cottage in a picturesque village and finds herself the unwilling owner of a puppy. She quickly discovers that Poppy is clever and affectionate, and learns to love the little dog. Emily has a tendency to find herself in danger and, luckily, Poppy is always there to rescue her new...Trade ReviewFun and heartwarming with all the mystery and tight plotting you'd expect from Leigh Russell -- Victoria Selman, Sunday Times Bestelling author of Truly, Darkly, DeeplyThis book is an easy read if you like English village setting with a dose of mystery and intrigue -- Sue HillFast-paced, fun and featuring a fiendish puzzle, Barking Up the Right Tree is a great start to Leigh Russell's first cosy mystery series. * Crime Fiction Lover *All dog lovers will love this fun read cosy crime. And if you are not a dog lover, you will still enjoy it as it is full of mystery, romance, and who doesn't love a crime to solve, certainly not us mystery readers. Well done Leigh Russell. I look forward, very much, to Poppy and Emily's next outing * Mystery People *

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