Natural History Books

Book SynopsisFascinating and entertaining entries about Britain's greatest dishes and ingredients.Includes recipes for 20 classics.Beautifully illustrated.Supported by the National Trust.Do you know your Bedfordshire clanger from your Dorset knob? Your Kentish cobnuts from your Cromer crab?This guide is packed with stories and facts about the food that makes Britain great. From regional specialities to national favourites, it explores our wonderful foodscape in all its diversity and vitality. You'll find cherished classics alongside more recent additions singing hinnies, pan haggerty and bara brith, as well as samosas, jerk chicken and urban honey. There are also some delicious recipes that make the most of locally produced ingredients to impress friends and family.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA delightfully illustrated guide to harnessing the rhythms of nature for self-care.We could all learn a thing or two about living in balance from our friends in the plant and animal kingdom. Take, for example, the jellyfish, one of the most energy-efficient animals in the world, moving through the ocean by contracting and relaxing, with frequent breaks in between. Or the avocado tree, which can credit its existence to a mutually beneficial relationship with the pre-historic sloth, followed by some hungry, hungry humans and the advent of agriculture. And then there is the oyster, producing a pearl as the result of an immune response when a grain of sand invades her system. What better example exists of how adversity can produce something beautiful?We need look no farther than nature—from the habits of the porcupine to the sunflower to the wombat to the dragonfly—for small and simple things we can do to slow down, rechTrade Review"Shah's humor is infectious, and her breezy approach makes learning from shrimp, sloths, spiders, and wombats, among many others, unexpectedly rewardigng." — Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn engrossing and revealing study of why we deem certain animals ?pests? and others not?from cats to rats, elephants to pigeons?and what this tells us about our own perceptions, beliefs, and actions, as well as our place in the natural worldA squirrel in the garden. A rat in the wall. A pigeon on the street. Humans have spent so much of our history drawing a hard line between human spaces and wild places. When animals pop up where we don?t expect or want them, we respond with fear, rage, or simple annoyance. It?s no longer an animal. It?s a pest.At the intersection of science, history, and narrative journalism, Pests is not a simple call to look closer at our urban ecosystem. It?s not a natural history of the animals we hate. Instead, this book is about us. It?s about what calling an animal a pest says about people, how we live, and what we want. It?s a story about human nature, and how we categorize the animals in our midst, including bears and coyotes, sparrows and snakes. Pet or pest? In many cases, it?s entirely a question of perspective.Bethany Brookshire?s deeply researched and entirely entertaining book will show readers what there is to venerate in vermin, and help them appreciate how these animals have clawed their way to success as we did everything we could to ensure their failure. In the process, we will learn how the pests that annoy us tell us far more about humanity than they do about the animals themselves.Trade Review"👍!" — Mary Roach, author of Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law “Deeply reported and vividly told, Brookshire’s exploration of our most reviled animal neighbors will forever change how you see nature and our relationship to it. Elephants and boas and bears, oh my! Pests is natural history writing at its best.” — Riley Black, author of The Last Days of the Dinosaurs: An Asteroid, Extinction, and the Beginning of Our World “Brookshire convincingly argues that many of the problems we blame on pests arise not from the creatures themselves but from our own self-centered ways of looking at the world. A fascinating look at how culture, traditions, and human behavior shape the way people coexist or come into conflict with the animals that share their habitats.” — Christie Aschwanden, author of Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery “As human populations expand and the climate changes, these animals are not going away. Brookshire has a magnificent ability to bring the ecological context of our epic conflicts with everything from snakes to elephants down to the entertaining and personal.” — John Shivik, author of The Predator Paradox: Ending the War with Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes “A deeply thoughtful yet entertaining tour of our thorny and morally complicated relationships with the creatures we consider pests. Integrating first-rate storytelling with ecology, natural history, wildlife management, cultural anthropology, and ethics, Pests provides a compelling perspective on a misunderstood aspect of human-animal interactions.” — Hal Herzog, author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard to Think Straight About Animals “In this scintillating, searching, and surprisingly funny debut, Brookshire weaves together history, research, and Indigenous knowledge to reveal our complicity in creating animal conflict—and argues for a new model of coexistence in which neither we nor the animals have to end up as the villains.” — Maryn McKenna, author of Big Chicken, Superbug, and Beating Back the Devil "[An] excellent natural history...the author delivers fascinating accounts of a score of widely deplored pests...Outstanding, possibly mind-changing natural history." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “…An eye-opening account of why certain animals are demonized…Animal lovers will adore this clever survey.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "An entertaining and pensive perusal of the human-wildlife conflict problem that calls to mind Mary Roach's Fuzz." — Booklist

Read more less

Book Synopsis''I was warned by all those who knew me that to take on a project like this was madness.''At the peak of her fast-paced career, presenter and interviewer Selina Scott bought a house in the Tramuntana hills of Mallorca. It was a dilapidated old farmhouse without even mains electricity or water, but she had fallen in love with the beauty and peace of the surroundings, and the promise of an escape from her high-pressured job and unwelcome tabloid attention.Selina begins to settle into Mediterranean life and spends time renovating the house. However, she soon realises that making the old house her home is going to be more difficult than she thought. From the unwelcome wildlife that insists on sharing her house, to dubious building work, locals both friendly and hostile, and a forest fire that threatens the whole valley, Selina''s new life is full of unexpected challenges. In this funny, elegantly written account of her Spanish years Selina tells us about tTrade ReviewShe records with a loving and observant eye * Telegraph *Charming * Sunday Express *A terrific read, beautifully written * Richard Madeley *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Thick with rolls of gleaming new wire, the obstacle was designed to prevent a suicide bomber driving into the compound''s thick mud walls. Today, however, it had only succeeded in stopping a terrified-looking small white dog. I knew that the Taliban could be hiding in any one of these buildings, just waiting for one of us. But I knew I couldn''t just walk away.''In a remote outpost of Now Zad, in Helmand province, Pen Farthing''s tour of duty will change his life forever, but for entirely unexpected reasons ...Appalled by the horrors of a local dog fight, he intervenes to free the victims. One of these dogs finds his way into the Marine compound - and into Pen''s heart. Soon other strays are being drawn to the sanctuary provided by Pen''s makeshift pound, including one young mum who crawls under the compound fence carrying her newborn pups to safety. But as his time in Helmand draws to an end, Pen cannot leave the dogs of Now Zad to their own fates. He begins hatching plans to help them escape to a better life.Trade ReviewPen Farthing is absolutely wonderful, really truly my kind of heroInspirational ... his compassion and dedication are a fine example to us all * Daily Mail *An inspiring tale. Heartwarming stuff * News of the World *An exciting, funny and moving book ... Nowzad, AK, Jena, Tali and their pups could melt a stone's heart * Guardian *An emotional rollercoaster that will keep you turning the pages and reaching for the Kleenex - don't miss it -10/10 * Your Dog *

Read more less

Book SynopsisPeter was a confirmed loner and cat hater, until he was given a small, grey (and impeccably handsome) kitten with folded ears by his then girlfriend. The girlfriend went but Norton stayed - in fact, he and Peter became inseparable. Trotting along beside him down the street, having his own chair in restaurants or sitting on Peter''s lap on plane journeys, Norton made his presence felt and Peter was a loner no more. But, after learning how to love his cat, would Peter now learn how to love another human too?Trade ReviewPeter Gethers' trio of books about the globe-trotting Norton are witty and warm. We not only learn of Norton's sweet personality but also about the author's feelings about what really matters when it comes to love and cats -- Vicki Myron, author of DEWEYA charming and heartening account * Kirkus Reviews *Norton is clearly a charmer, and Gethers tells his story with contagious affection....Will warm the heart of any confirmed cat-lover * Washington Post Book World *A delight. Norton, the cat, brings Gethers to some of life's great lessons ... He teaches Gethers the value of real commitments and the value of love -- Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie Brown * Los Angeles Times Book Review *An entertaining romp that leaves no doubt that Mr Gethers and his cat have a most remarkable relationship * New York Times Book Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSheila Hocken is a writer and canine specialist, best known for her book Emma & I. Sheila was born in Beeston, Nottingham, in 1946, and lives near Nottingham today. Sheila is actively involved in the canine world as a dog trainer. Her website is www.sheila-hocken-dog-training.com.Trade ReviewA delightful and courageous autobiography ... will move you to tears * Sunday Express *I confess to having a large lump in my throat as I read Sheila Hocken's story. Touching and joyful * Daily Mirror *The year's most poignant true story * Woman's Own *One of the most poignant works I have ever read. It is a beautiful book * Liverpool Echo *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this beautiful follow-up to 2012''s hit, Our Garden Birds, street artist Matt Sewell offers more watercolours and quirky descriptions of British songbirds.In Matt''s world, the peewit sings the blues, and the bittern fills his neck ''like a tweed pair of bellows''. Distinctive and enchanting, with a songbird for each week of the year, this delightful gift book will appeal to birders, children and adults, and art and design fans alike.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPippa Mattinson, dog-training specialist, tells you everything you need to know about training and caring for your new puppy. From preparing the house and garden before the puppy arrives, to introducing your new friend to all the family (including children and other animals), and solving problems like crying, night waking, feeding, upset stomachs, biting, chewing and jumping up, this book is packed with all you need to know as a puppy owner.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this series of moving recollections involving both his childhood and his work as a mature artist, John Fowles explains the impact of nature on his life and the dangers inherent in our traditional urge to categorise, to tame and ultimately to possess the landscape. This acquisitive drive leads to alienation and an antagonism to the apparent disorder and randomness of the natural world. For John Fowles the tree is the best analogue of prose fiction, symbolising the wild side of our psyche, and he stresses the importance in art of the unpredictable, the unaccountable and the intuitive. This fascinating text gives a unique insight into the author and offers the key to a true understanding of the inspiration for his work.Trade ReviewA text of unusual beauty and perception * Publishers Weekly *Magnificent... Mystical * Daily Telegraph *Gritty and entertaining * Sunday Telegraph *Fowles' language is strong, green, discursive, related throughout to his own life and memories * Vogue *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSince 1972 Mark Cocker has been a member of a community of obsessional people, almost all male, who sacrifice most of their spare time, a good deal of money, sometimes their chances of a partner or family, even occasionally their lives, to watch birds. Birders is the story of this community, of its characters, its rules, its equipment and its adventures - many of which are hilariously funny, Birders is also a work of love - the story of what birds can do to the human heart.Trade ReviewAt last! An up to date examination of what makes birders tick. And about time too! Wonderfully written * Bill Oddie *A natural history version of Fever Pitch... Reading it may even make you want to try out this strangely addictive past time for yourself * Guardian *Intensely readable, very funny and highly enlightening * New Scientist *With a mixture of well-chosen anecdotes and self-deprecating humour, Cocker succeeds in making event he most hardened cynic appreciate his passion. Birders is a stylish work in a long tradition of fine writing on the subject * Guardian *The best account yet of the "tribe" and its wonderful, unworldly passions * The Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn The Secret Life of Birds, lifelong bird enthusiast Colin Tudge explores the extraordinary variety, secret history and hidden importance of birds around the world. Birds are beautiful, intriguing and life-enhancing. They can do everything mammals can, and even more besides. Collected here are birds who navigate using the stars, tool-making crows, territorial robins, cooperative penguins and swans who mate for life - among hundreds of others. Revealing everything from why birds sing to how they fly, think, bond and survive, from how they evolved (and whether it really is from dinosaurs) to why, in so many ways, they are very much like us, this rich, evocative book will make you love and admire the birds that are all around you. ''Enjoyable ... entertaining ... masterful''  Stephen Moss, Guardian ''Simply fizzing with ideas ... his heart is with the birds''   Literary Review ''Inspired ... Tudge''s writing is always clear and frequently embellished with wry humour''   Richard Fortey, Sunday Telegraph ''Only when we read this scintillating study do we see how little we''ve known about the creatures we see around us''   Michael Kerrigan, Scotsman Books of the Year ''An author whose own deep relish for the extraordinary lives of birds seems only marginally less pleasurable to him than sharing that wonder with others''   BBC Wildlife Magazine When Colin Tudge was a small boy, he could recognize only five kinds of birds. After studying zoology at Cambridge, Colin wrote for the New Scientist and was a documentary maker for BBC radio. His other books, also published by Penguin, include The Secret Life of Trees and So Shall We Reap: What''s Gone Wrong with the World''s Food - and How to Fix It.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTony Fitzjohn has spent over forty years re-introducing lions, leopards, rhinos and African Hunting Dogs to the wild. He is one of the world's leading field experts on the relationship between man and African wildlife. He was awarded the OBE by the Queen and the Order of the Golden Ark by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands for his services to wildlife.Trade Review'Brilliant, truly brilliant. I was hooked. It was inspiring, moving and exciting. He is the last of the swashbuckling conservationists who has selflessly devoted his life to the people and the wildlife of Africa. A true african adventure of epic proportions. It makes me want to give up everything and move to Africa'. -- Ben FogleHugely compelling and funnily written. From tragedies of the worst kind to triumphs unimaginable, he's a true pioneer making up solutions to situations as he goes along * Martin Clunes *Born Wild describes his breathless roller coaster across the African savannah with passion and humour, an inspirational tale of what one comitted individual can achieve against the odds -- Brian Jackman * Sunday Telegraph *The passages describing the lions the three men were raising and rehabilitating into the wild are odes to harmony, serentiy and understanding * Telegraph *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Amazing'' GuardianFrom the on-screen experts for BBC2''s Cat Watch, and based on their groundbreaking research - this is the ultimate guide to making your cat a happier, more sociable animal.The idea of a trained cat is a contradiction in terms, isn''t it? Naturally solitary, wary, easily threatened by newcomers, they are attached to place rather than people, and much of their ''antisocial'' behaviour arises in situations where that attachment is threatened. But, as cat experts Sarah Ellis and John Bradshaw argue, such stress-induced behaviour can be prevented, reduced, even eliminated, by training.A comprehensive and engaging step-by-step guide, The Trainable Cat will help you to help your cat negotiate the complexities of everyday life: to enjoy living with humans - including new babies and lively toddlers - and other pets; to answer to their name; settle into a new home; and to overcome the anxiety of a visit to the vet. YTrade ReviewI doubt you'll find a more well-informed or scientific book on cats that better shows you how feline thinking works -- Carol Midgley * The Times *Most people think that cats cannot be trained, but experts John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis beg to differ ... They explain how even the grumpiest of cats can learn to enjoy being groomed * Lady *In addition to improving the cat's welfare, the training enhances the relationship between owner and animal ... It's amazing what a few treats and perseverance can do... Though the training book is now rather dog-eared, the cat has left it mercifully unchewed * Guardian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA timeless and majestic portrait of Africa by renowned writer Peter Matthiessen (1927-2014), author of the National Book Award-winning The Snow Leopard and the new novel In Paradise A finalist for the National Book Award when it was released in 1972, this vivid portrait of East Africa remains as fresh and revelatory now as on the day it was first published. Peter Matthiessen exquisitely combines nature and travel writing to portray the sights, scenes, and people he observed firsthand in several trips over the course of a dozen years. From the daily lives of wild herdsmen and the drama of predator kills to the field biologists investigating wild creatures and the anthropologists seeking humanity''s origins in the rift valley, The Tree Where Man Was Born is a classic of journalistic observation. This Penguin Classics edition features an introduction by groundbreaking British primatologist Jane Goodall.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom an expert in animal consciousness, a book that will turn the fly on the wall into the elephant in the room.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are ''living fossils''? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today''s popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. A cultural phenomenon ; 3. In the popular imagination ; 4. Some things we know, some things we don't ; 5. Against the odds ; 6. Bringing fossils to life ; 7. Evolving ; 8. Of molecules and man ; 9. Fakes and fortunes ; 10. Back to the future ; Further reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisA bold, visionary, and mind-bending exploration of how the geometry of chaos can explain our uncertain world - from weather and pandemics to quantum physics and free willCovering a breathtaking range of topics - from climate change to the foundations of quantum physics, from economic modelling to conflict prediction, from free will to consciousness and spirituality - The Primacy of Doubt takes us on a unique journey through the science of uncertainty. A key theme that unifies these seemingly unconnected topics is the geometry of chaos: the beautiful and profound fractal structures that lie at the heart of much of modern mathematics. Royal Society Research Professor Tim Palmer shows us how the geometry of chaos not only provides the means to predict the world around us, it suggests new insights into some of the most astonishing aspects of our universe and ourselves. This important and timely book helps the reader makes sense of uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.Trade Reviewimportant book * Andrew Robinson, Nature *The Primacy of Doubt also contains very informative explanations as to the application of chaos theory in climate and meteorological models, and why meteorologists failed to predict southern Britain's 1987 hurricane. To my mind this were probably the book's strongest areas and are 'must reads' for those with an interest in climate forecasting. * Jonathan Cowie, SF2 Concatenation *Quite possibly the best popular science book I've ever read... The Primacy of Doubt is like getting off one of those exciting roller coaster rides, when your immediate inclination is to think 'I want to do that again, but I'll have a bit of a break first.' I will be reading this book again, without doubt. Remarkable. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *delightful and substantive * William Hooke, Living on the Real World *The Primacy of Doubt provides a remarkably broad-ranging account of uncertainty in physics, in all its various aspects. I strongly recommend this highly thought-provoking book. * Roger Penrose, OM, FRS, winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics *Tim Palmer is a scientific polymath. It's hard to think of anyone else who could have written so authoritatively—and so accessibly—on themes extending from quantum gravity to climate modelling. This fascinating and important book offers some profoundly original speculations on conceptual linkages across different sciences. * Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal of the United Kingdom *The Primacy of Doubt is an important book by one of the pioneers of dynamical weather prediction, indispensable for daily life. * Suki Manabe, winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics *In a whirlwind of a book that's partly scientific autobiography and partly the manifest of a visionary, Tim Palmer masterfillly weaves together climate change and quantum mechanics into one coherent whole. Using uncertainty as a unifring principle, Palmer puts forward new perspectives on old problems. A revolutionary thinker way ahead of his time. * Sabine Hossenfelder, author of Lost in Math *An exploration of the amorphous concept of uncertainty... [an] informative, ingenious book. * Kirkus Reviews *Physicist Palmer delivers a challenging but rewarding look at how uncertainty helps scientists make sense of the world... Despite the complexity of his arguments, the author succeeds at bringing complicated theories within reach of those who have a basic familiarity with physics. Science-minded readers, take note. * Publishers Weekly *Provocative... useful for scientists and non-scientists alike * Jessica Flack, Physics World *Table of ContentsPreface 1: The Primacy of Doubt DS From Two Perspectives Part I: The Science of Uncertainty and the Geometry of Chaos 2: Chaos, Chaos Everywhere 3: The Geometry of Chaos 4: Noisy, Million-Dollar Butterflies 5: Quantum Uncertainty DS Determinism Lost? Part II: The Science of Uncertainty to Predict Our Chaotic World 6: The Two Roads to Monte Carlo 7: Climate Change: Catastrophe or Just Lukewarm? 8: Pandemics 9: Financial Crashes 10: Deadly Conflict and the Digital Ensemble of Spaceship Earth 11: Decisions! Decisions! Part III: The Science of Uncertainty to Understand Our Chaotic World 12: Quantum Uncertainty: Determinism Regained? 13: Noisy Billion-Dollar Brains 14: Free Will, Consciousness and Theology Acknowledgements Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Natural History of Selborne (1789) is written as a series of letters, which describe with wit and precision the flora and fauna White observes in his Hampshire parish. A classic of nature writing, this edition includes contemporary illustrations, a contextualizing introduction, and an appendix of readers' responses over 200 years.Trade Review'I can wholeheartedly recommend this edition ... Beautifully produced ... Secord's introduction - surely one of the chief reasons to purchase this new edition of a book never out of print - provides a nuanced and stimulating account of the origins, character, and legacies of Selborne.' * Diarmid A. Finnegan, Journal of Historical Geography *'This Oxford edition offers new insights into a work that has been hugely popular. ' * Land and Business *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Natural History of Selborne (1789) is written as a series of letters, which describe with wit and precision the flora and fauna White observes in his Hampshire parish. A classic of nature writing, this edition includes contemporary illustrations, a contextualizing introduction, and an appendix of readers' responses over 200 years.Trade Review'I can wholeheartedly recommend this edition ... Beautifully produced ... Secord's introduction - surely one of the chief reasons to purchase this new edition of a book never out of print - provides a nuanced and stimulating account of the origins, character, and legacies of Selborne.' * Diarmid A. Finnegan, Journal of Historical Geography *'This Oxford edition offers new insights into a work that has been hugely popular. ' * Land and Business *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA number of extreme weather events have struck the Northern Hemisphere in recent years, from scorching heatwaves to desperately cold winters, and from floods and storms to droughts and wildfires. These events have fuelled intense discussions in scientific conferences, government agencies, cafes, and on street corners around the world. Why are these events happening? Is this the emerging signal of climate change, and should we expect more of this? Media reports vary widely, but one mysterious agent has risen to prominence in many cases: the jet stream.The story begins on a windswept beach in Barbados, from where we follow the ascent of a weather balloon that will travel along the jet stream all around the world. From this viewpoint we observe the effect of the jet in influencing human life around the hemisphere, and witness startling changes emerging. What is the jet stream and how well do we understand it? How does it affect our weather and is it changing? These are the main questions tackled in this book. We learn about how our view of the wind has developed from Aristotle''s early theories up to today''s understanding. We see that the jet is intimately connected with dramatic contrasts between climate zones and has played a key historical role in determining patterns of trade. We learn about the basic physics underlying the jet and how this knowledge is incorporated into computer models which predict both tomorrow''s weather and the climate of future decades. And finally, we discuss how climate change is expected to affect the jet, and introduce the vital scientific debate over whether these changes have contributed to recent extreme weather events.Trade ReviewWoollings suggests that the extreme weather events that have afflicted the northern hemisphere in recent years are connected to the behaviour of the jet stream. He outlines what we know about the jet stream and how it is affecting the planet's climate. * Survival: Global Politics and Strategy *[A] thoroughly original, highly imaginative book ... The book is approachable to an intelligent lay audience. It is judiciously and delightfully illustrated and told as an engaging narrative... * Richard Lofthouse, QUAD *[An] approachable exploration of the jet stream ... The reader is rewarded with plenty of juicy little facts ... a good and surprisingly enjoyable trip around a weather phenomenon. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *As a professional meteorologist I particularly enjoyed this whirlwind tour through my chosen science in a book that brings seemingly disparate theories together to give a global understanding of the weather ... the book strikes the right balance between facts, figures and diagrams with personal stories about key players in the world of meteorology. I would highly recommend it to both professional meteorologists and those who have an interest in the weather and climate. * Katie Brown, Weather *This book is ideal for lay folk with basic school-level science who have an interest the weather and wish to learn a little more. It would also be a valuable summer holiday read for school leavers anticipating embarking on a meteorology or climate change related course. * Jonathan Cowie, The Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *Tim Woollings is a great story-teller ... I was delighted to find this book a real page-turner! Each topic is treated with a judicious blend of vigor and rigor ... I think this book would be an excellent introduction to the global atmospheric circulation for anyone with a basic background in classical mechanics who is prepared to spend some time grappling with the concepts. But it would also be a good, rapid read for someone who wants a quick overview. * Professor David Andrews *This is an amazing book. In less than 200 slim pages it gives a very readable account of weather and climate ... The reader is given both an interesting historical background and an up-to-date account of many important issues, including climate change. * Sir Brian Hoskins, Imperial College London and University of Reading *This educative, scientifically sound and well-narrated story has the power to inspire further research and reading. A must read for atmospheric scientists and for anyone who enjoys studying our natural environment. * Panos Athanasiadis, CMCC, Bologna *Tim Woollings' book is a grand travelogue of weather, history, and geography, all connected to the winds that circle our globe and the people who have tried to understand them. Anyone who has watched a weather forecast and has wondered why the air does what it does will find this book fascinating. The science is up-to-date and accurate; Woollings doesn't settle for ordinary close-enough-but-wrong explanations but instead explains how weather and climate systems really work. You'll be amazed and awestruck at everything that happens to produce that puff of wind against your cheek. * John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas A&M University *Table of Contents1: Launch 2: Trades 3: Spin 4: Contrasts 5: Waves 6: Storm 7: Tracks 8: Experiments 9: Nino 10: Mountains 11: Gulf 12: Split 13: Drivers 14: Exit 15: Future 16: Changes 17: Confession

Read more less

Book Synopsis Simone Marchi presents the emerging story of how cosmic collisions shaped both the solar system and our own planet, from the creation of the Moon to influencing the evolution of life on Earth. The Earth emerged out of the upheaval and chaos of massive collisions in the infancy of the Solar System, more than four billion years ago. The largest of these events sent into orbit a spray of molten rocks out of which the Moon coalesced. As in ancient mythological tales, this giant catastrophe marks the birth of our planet as we know it. Space exploration has shown that signs of ancient collisions are widespread in the Solar System, from the barren and once-habitable Mars to the rugged asteroids. On Earth these signs are more subtle, but still cataclysmic, such as the massive asteroid strike which likely sparked the demise of the dinosaurs and many other forms of life some 66 million years ago. Signatures of even more dramatic catastrophes are concealed in ancient rocks. These events wreaked havoc on our planet''s surface, influencing global climate and topography, while also enriching the Earth with gold and other rare elements. And recently, modern science is finding that they could even have contributed to developing the conditions conducive to life. In Colliding Worlds, Simone Marchi explores the key role that collisions in space have played in the formation and evolution of our solar system, the development of planets, and possibly even the origin of life on Earth. Analysing our latest understanding of the surfaces of Mars and Venus, gleaned from recent space missions, Marchi presents the dramatic story of cosmic collisions and their legacies.Trade ReviewIn Colliding Worlds, Simone Marchi explores the key role that collisions in space have played in the formation and evolution of our solarsystem, the development of planets, and possibly even the origin of life on Earth. Analyzing our latest understanding of the surfaces of Mars and Venus, gleaned from recent space missions, Marchi presents the dramatic story of cosmic collisions and their legacies. * Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin No. 167 (January 2022) *Although collisions form the main thread running through the book, it's actually wider in scope than that, covering both the history of the Solar System, and the history of our understanding of it. That includes our understanding of our own planet, and one of the eye-opening facts is how long it took the academic world to recognise the role played by collisions in geological history. Basically, the topic got lost for decades in the gap between the geology and astronomy departments. [...] Marchi's first-hand accounts of work he was personally involved in - such as NASAs Dawn mission to the asteroid belt - make especially fascinating reading. For anyone wanting an up-to-date account of the Solar System and the processes that shape it, this is the perfect place to start. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *Colliding Worlds is a fascinating and fresh look at the history of our solar system through the lens of the cataclysmic events that have profoundly shaped it. Marchi's engaging and clearly written book helps us understand the nature and significance of impacts for Earth's geologic history and the emergence of life, as well as their implications for our sibling terrestrial planets and exoplanetary systems. * Carol A. Raymond, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology *A fascinating story of how our Solar System was formed, and how we have arrived at the current understanding of it, from the unique perspective of cosmic collisions. Information from a few hundred years of planetary and astronomical research to the latest space exploration is marvellously weaved together. The very success of being able to connect diverse subjects in such a coherent and engaging manner attests to the fundamental importance of cosmic collisions, or "creative destruction" as the author puts it, in our search for the grand theory of planetary formation in the coming years. * Jun Korenaga, Yale University *Table of Contents1: Born out of Fire and Chaos 2: A Clash of Giants 3: Wandering Among the Planets 4: Earth's Wild Years 5: A Watery Mars 6: Creative Destruction Endnotes

Read more less

Book SynopsisDeserts make up a third of the planet''s land surface, but if you picture a desert, what comes to mind? A wasteland? A drought? A place devoid of all life forms?Deserts are remarkable places. Typified by drought and extremes of temperature, they can be harsh and hostile; but many deserts are also spectacularly beautiful, and on occasion teem with life. Nick Middleton explores how each desert is unique: through fantastic life forms, extraordinary scenery, and ingenious human adaptations. He demonstrates a desert''s immense natural beauty, its rich biodiversity, and uncovers a long history of successful human occupation. This Very Short Introduction tells you everything you ever wanted to know about these extraordinary places and captures their importance in the working of our planet.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a newTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION; EPILOGUE

Read more less

Book SynopsisRivers have played an extraordinarily important role in creating the world in which we live. They create landscapes and provide water to people, plants and animals, nourishing both town and country. The flow of rivers has enthused poets and painters, explorers and pilgrims. Rivers have acted as cradles for civilization and agents of disaster; a river may be a barrier or a highway, it can bear trade and sediment, culture and conflict. A river may inspire or it may terrify. This Very Short Introduction is a celebration of rivers in all their diversity. Nick Middleton covers a wide and eclectic range of river-based themes, from physical geography to mythology, to industrial history and literary criticism. Worshipped and revered, respected and feared, rivers reflect both the natural and social history of our planet. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis small paperback is a succinct and yet impressively broad and engaging introduction to the subject ... Middleton covers an astonishing amount of ground in five chapters. * Martin Smart, Geographical *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; EPILOGUE; FURTHER READING

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Natural History of Selborne (1789)is written as a series of letters, which describe with wit and precision the flora and fauna White observes in his Hampshire parish. A classic of nature writing, this edition includes contemporary illustrations, a contextualizing introduction, and an appendix of readers' responses over 200 years.Trade ReviewI can wholeheartedly recommend this edition ... Beautifully produced ... Secords introduction - surely one of the chief reasons to purchase this new edition of a book never out of print - provides a nuanced and stimulating account of the origins, character, and legacies of Selborne. * Diarmid A. Finnegan, Journal of Historical Geography *Any book that delighted both Virginia Woolf and Charles Darwin is a must-read, in my opinion. But this little gem of a book is also beautifully produced and has some added useful context. * GrrlScientist, Guardian *A natural history must-read in a new edition. * New Scientist *This Oxford edition offers new insights into a work that has been hugely popular. * Land and Business *This comfortable pocket edition of the classic work ... is a delight to handle and read. This will certainly be one of my future travelling companions. * Biological Journal of the Linnean Society *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe animal world is immensely diverse, and our understanding of it has been greatly enhanced by analysis of DNA and the study of evolution and development (''evo-devo''). In this Very Short Introduction Peter Holland presents a modern tour of the animal kingdom. Beginning with the definition of animals (not obvious in biological terms), he takes the reader through the high-level groupings of animals (phyla) and new views on their evolutionary relationships based on molecular data, together with an overview of the biology of each group of animals. The phylogenetic view is central to zoology today and the volume will be of great value to all students of the life sciences, as well as providing a concise summary for the interested general reader.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. What is an animal? ; 2. Animal phyla ; 3. The evolutionary tree of animals ; 4. Basal animals: corals, sponges and jellyfish ; 5. The bilaterians: building a body ; 6. Lophotrochozoa: wondrous worms ; 7. Ecdysozoa: insects and nematodes ; 8. Deuterostomes I: starfish, sea squirts and amphioxus ; 9. Deuterostomes II: the rise of vertebrates ; 10. Deuterostomes III: vertebrates on land ; 11. Enigmatic animals ; Further reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisScientists have long counseled against interpreting animal behavior in terms of human emotions, warning that such anthropomorphizing limits our ability to understand animals as they really are. This book challenges this long-held view. It reveals that animals exhibit a range of moral behaviors, including fairness, empathy, trust, and reciprocity.Trade Review"This provocative and well-argued view of animal morality may surprise some readers as it challenges outdated assumptions about animals.... Written as much for other academics as for interested lay readers, this lucid book is highly recommended." - Library Journal "The authors contend that, in order to understand the moral compass by which animals live, we must first expand our definition of morality to include moral behavior unique to each species. Studies done by the authors, as well as experts in the fields of psychology, human social intelligence, zoology, and other branches of relevant science excellently bolster their claim." - Publishers Weekly "Wild Justice makes a compelling argument for open-mindedness regarding nonhuman animals." - New Scientist "Humans think of themselves as the only moral animals. But what about... the rat who refuses to shock another to earn a reward, and the magpie who grieves for her young? Cognitive animal behaviorist Bekoff and philosopher Pierce argue that nonhuman animals also are moral beings - with not just building blocks or precursors of morality but the real deal. The research gathered here makes a compelling case that it is time to reconsider yet another of the traits we have claimed as uniquely our own." - Discover"

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA guide to dog behaviors of all kindsTrade Review"Marc Bekoff's vast experience, clear thinking, and unique philosophy come together to make this book a must-read for anyone wanting to know what makes dogs tick. A masterly work by the master."--Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, author of Pets on the Couch "This is a gem of a book, packed with information that answers the questions you have always pondered, and some that you may not have considered (such as 'Do dogs prefer to lift one leg more than the other?'). Canine Confidential deserves to become a primary resource for dog caretakers and those working professionally with dogs. Marc Bekoff, who is widely respected as a leading authority on ethology and animal emotions, shines the light of his immense experience and research on what makes our best friend tick. If you want to know why dogs do the things they do, this book is for you. Written with eloquence, insight and humor, peppered throughout with anecdotes and photographs, this wonderful book is a must-have for everyone who cares for, loves, studies, and wonders about our canine companions."--Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, principal of the International School for Canine Psychology and Behvaiour "Another thought provoking, insightful manifesto from one of the most brilliant scientists of our time. Canine Confidential is a revolutionary perspective into the minds of our best friends, answering the questions everyone asks, as well as the questions no one has thought to ask. Well written, funny, and fascinating--you will never look at dogs the same way again."--Brian Hare, author of The Genius of Dogs "One of the world's leading ethologists, Marc Bekoff has devoted his life to understanding non-human animals of all persuasions as sentient beings and to providing them the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest measure, according to their natures, and without being abused or slaughtered by humans. In Canine Confidential, Bekoff turns his considerable powers as an observer of canids wild and domestic to providing readers with the scientific knowledge and investigatory tools that will help them understand their dog companions. Mixing often humorous anecdotes with clear, concise reports from the cutting edge of canine science, Bekoff details what we know and outlines what we have yet to learn about our closest non-human friends. Canine Confidential is a must read for anyone who has an interest in dogs. Even readers who think they know all there is to know about dogs may find themselves looking at and interacting with their companions in ways that enrich their time together."--Mark Derr, author of How the Dog Became the Dog "Canine Confidential is an incredibly accessible, plain-spoken book about humankind's most loyal, most faithful companion. The many insights here will help you to earn all that loyalty and love that they so freely give. The stories and observations here will make you a much better human for your canine family members." --Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: How Animals Think and Feel

Read more less

Book SynopsisZoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks are vital centers of animal conservation and management. This book presents the thinking and practice in the care and management of wild mammals in zoos and other institutions. It offers information from studies of animal behavior; advances in captive breeding; and new thinking in animal management and welfare.Trade Review"Zoos should be staffed with those who have made Wild Mammals in Captivity their essential textbook." (Times Higher Education, on the first edition)"

Read more less

Book SynopsisWarmly written and scientifically informed, Animals' Best Friends is the invitation we all need to improve the lives of nonhuman animals among usand thereby improve our own.Trade Review"Our relation with animals is fraught with conflicting emotions. We like to eat some, seek to eradicate others, yet adore and spoil our pets like family members. King describes her own moral dilemmas and the personal solutions she has found, always with love and respect shining through. This book will help its readers articulate their own attitudes."--Frans de Waal, author of Mama's Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves "A stunning and deeply beautiful accomplishment. Required reading for anyone who wants to better understand the complexities and contradictions of our interactions with animals. And for anyone who wants to have a deeper and more useful relationship with the natural world. I learned a lot reading it. An instant classic."--Jeff VanderMeer, author of the New York Times-bestselling Southern Reach Trilogy "Even as we struggle to be compassionate, it's difficult to live in the world without hurting animals. What's an animal lover to do? This question is at the heart of this important book by King, whose writing, thinking, and teaching about the minds and feelings of animals, and our responsibilities to them, is justly celebrated. Happily, there are many ways to help, from the kitchen to the ballot box. And helping animals is not all-or-nothing. Crucially, King points out ways we can help with great compassion not only for the animals, but also for the people making sometimes difficult choices. Animals' Best Friends will be a guiding light not only to philosophers and ethicists, but also to caring people everywhere who hope to bring the power of human empathy to the choices we make that affect animals' lives."--Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness "Animals' Best Friends is a wonderful book: beautifully written, deeply moving, and fascinating throughout. The stories and research that King tells about the wonders of animal life enable the reader to share in her own enduring sense of hope: Not just for animals in captivity and in the wild, but through and with them, for our own species as well."--Stuart Shanker, author Reframed: Self-Reg for a Just Society and Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"The sage of Walden Pond is himself in the mix with The Daily Henry David Thoreau, a quote-a-day compendium from Thoreau biographer Laura Dassow Walls of some of his best observations. In a pandemic year touched by window-gazing among homebound Americans, readers might especially respond to this musing from Christmas Eve, 1841: 'Will it not be employment enough to watch the progress of the seasons?'" * Wall Street Journal *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Bioethicist and author Jessica Pierce has penned a wonderful guide to living life with dogs and improving your bond through respectful and joyful canine-human relationships. Who’s a Good Dog? examines how we can nurture kindness, attentiveness, and empathy when working, living, and training with our dogs." -- Connie Wilson * Modern Dog *"Pierce implores us to rethink our relationships with dogs, so that they become more a collaboration than a state of dominance. . . . This is far from being one of those ‘how to be a good parent’ books written by a perfect mother of a perfect child. Pierce admits that her own beloved rescue dog Bella is far from perfect when it comes to supposed ‘good’ behaviour. . . . One of the most delightful traits of dogs is . . . their sudden boundless joy, which can manifest itself by their zooming round and round in crazy circles for no reason, so it looks as if they’ve lost their mind. We should keep a list, Pierce advises, of what gives our dog pure, unbridled joy, and we should come back to it often. I’ll do just that. Dogs will be dogs." -- Ysenda Maxtone Graham * Daily Mail *"Bioethicist Pierce wants us to make the most of our nonhuman relationships. In Who's a Good Dog?, she argues all dogs are good dogs, and shows how to better serve their innate dogginess." * New Scientist, Best Non-fiction and Popular Science Books of 2023 *"Thought-provoking. . . . A fresh and rigorous inquiry into how humans can best serve their canine companions. Dog lovers will want to take note." * Publishers Weekly *"Deeply thought-provoking and frequently uncomfortable, this outstanding book asks readers to carefully consider not just the immediate physical needs of dogs but their emotional needs as canines and individuals. . . . This authoritative work asks how owners can provide their dogs with an environment to which comfortable, fulfilling adaptation is possible. Highly recommended." * Library Journal (starred review) *“How can we help our dogs live their best lives? With enormous insight and empathy, Pierce explains that rather than aiming for obedience from our dogs, we can work collaboratively with them to discover new and joyful ways of being together. She is a staunch advocate for honoring dogs’ true natures. I loved her kind and often humorous stories about living with Bella, who is a very good dog.” -- Barbara J. King, author of "Animals’ Best Friends: Putting Compassion to Work for Animals in Captivity and in the Wild"“Pierce is one of the leading canine bioethicists in the world. In Who’s a Good Dog? she carefully applies her deep and broad knowledge of ethics and dog behavior so that all canines—homed and free-ranging dog beings—can have the best lives possible, and so too can their human companions or the humans with whom they have contact. When dogs and humans form and maintain close, give-and-take relationships, it’s a win-win for all. In this landmark and readable book, Pierce tells us just how to do it.” -- Marc Bekoff, author of "Dogs Demystified" and "Canine Confidential"“Who’s a Good Dog? is sorely needed to fill essentially a void in the public conversation about the human-dog relationship. Pierce bravely asks us to examine our assumptions about our dogs’ emotional landscapes, and to consider our own actions and choices within those relationships. Her book is a comprehensive, accessible manual for people who have never before considered the basic ethical implications of living with a dog.” -- Lisa Moses, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics“An astonishing book. Reading Who’s a Good Dog? is akin to the project Pierce asks of us: to adopt a beginner’s mind in relation to understanding the dogs we live with. There’s a sense with many of the questions posed in the book that there is much more to say—but this is also its beauty, that with incredible restraint, Pierce has created opening after opening for us to do the work of reflection (and theorization) ourselves. Original, well-executed, and engaging.” -- Kathryn Gillespie, author of "The Cow with Ear Tag #1389"“A book that all loving pet owners should read.” * New Scientist, on "The Last Walk" *“There is of course so, so much more to enrichment for pets; I’d recommend starting with Pierce’s book if you want to know more.” * New York Magazine, on "Run, Spot, Run" *"Pierce’s book digs into understanding dogs, urging empathy and connection. She explores canine behavior, urging guardians to walk at the dog’s pace and embrace their nature. Her work transforms research into actionable guidance for fostering fulfilling relationships with our furry friends." * Longmont Leader *Table of ContentsIntroduction: We Dog Chapter 1: The Difficulty of Being a (Pet) Dog Chapter 2: Human-Dog Relations Chapter 3: Care and Constraint Chapter 4: Landscapes of Fear, Landscapes of Pleasure Chapter 5: Technologies of Control Chapter 6: Training Dogs to Be Good Chapter 7: Bad Dogs and Behavioral “Problems” Chapter 8: Dwelling in Possibility Acknowledgments Resources Notes Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"[A] fascinating celebration of the green world upon which all human life depends."--Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human "New Scientist, Best Books of the Year, on Silvertown's An Orchard Invisible" "A gem. . . . Read it as a gardener, scientist, food aficionado, historian, botanist, or naturalist, and you'll not be disappointed."--Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human "Times Higher Education, on Silvertown's An Orchard Invisible" "A science-informed tour of the table, showing how our fare comes to us courtesy of natural selection--and, of course, survival of the fittest. . . . Silvertown delves in with gusto. . . . His accessible discussion ranges from shellfish gathering to bread-making to gardening, from issues of food security . . . to the genetic basis for taste and genetic variability among populations of food plants. . . . A tasty nibble for the bookish, science-inclined foodie."-- "Kirkus Reviews" "A series of beautifully plated amuse-bouche, raising tantalizing and rich ideas. . . . The book left me feeling as if I had attended a dinner party, where foodies, historians, and scientists mingled, sharing vignettes on various food-related topics. Each 'bite' . . . left me contemplating the relationships between genetic changes, speciation, and, at times, even the future of our planet."--Mari-Vaughn V. Johnson, US Department of Agriculture "Science" "As pleasurable to read as it is informative."--Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human "Library Journal, on Silvertown's An Orchard Invisible" "Deserves a spot on any natural history lover's bedside bookstand. . . . It is simply a delight to read."--Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human "Natural History, on Silvertown's An Orchard Invisible" "In a nutshell, I will never look at seeds the same way again, whether teeny poppy seeds or mammoth coconuts. . . . [A] delicious little book."--Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human "Australian, on Silvertown's An Orchard Invisible" "Silvertown breaks down the sociology, selective breeding, and nutritional evolution behind each contemporary dietary staple. . . . This tour--from animal to vegetable to beer--will give even the most ambitious foodie something to chew on."-- "Scientific American" "The Darwinian dining served up by evolutionary ecologist Silvertown in this delectably erudite study is all about tracing the impact of natural selection on foods. We learn that mussels helped to fuel the hominin exodus from Africa; rye is a weed domesticated by accident; carnivory and tapeworms are intimately linked; and Penicillium camemberti mold evolved in soft cheeses. We even examine engastration--stuffing one animal into another before cooking--as a status-led manifestation of the need to share food. This intricate scientific banquet is a marvelous read: bon appetit."--Barbara Kiser "Nature" "From the opening course of oysters to the final swill of wine, Silvertown's account of the evolution of our diet is a sumptuous experience. Dinner with Darwin combines natural history, biography, archaeology, and biology into food stories that will enlighten any meal."--Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human "Washington Independent Review of Books" "Dinner with Darwin ranges far more widely--and offers vastly more substance--than the common horde of food books. This is not a candlelit foodie memoir or a 'breakthrough' weight-loss manual. Dinner with Darwin is a wide-ranging natural history of our diet, crafted at a pitch-perfect level for the science buff and the general reader alike. Silvertown is also a wonderful writer: erudite, informative, and thoroughly entertaining."--Bob Duffy "Washington Independent Review of Books"Table of Contents1. An Invitation to Dinner 2. A Cooking Animal 3. Shellfish—Beachcombing 4. Bread—Domestication 5. Soup—Taste 6. Fish—Flavor 7. Meat—Carnivory 8. Vegetables—Variety 9. Herbs and Spices—Piquancy 10. Desserts—Indulgence 11. Cheese—Dairying 12. Wine and Beer—Intoxication 13. Feasting—Society 14. Future Food Acknowledgments Notes Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis work traces the scientific, administrative, and political strategies that enabled the foundation of the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle. It argues that agriculture and animal breeding rank alongside classification and collections in explaining why natural history was important for French rulers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDogopolis suggests a surprising source of urban innovation in the history of three major cities: human-canine relationships.Trade Review"Dogopolis is a beautifully presented book with an evocative historical voice and great confidence and flair. It is also a lot of fun to read. Pearson offers a treasure trove of details about the shared lives of humans and dogs across three rapidly urbanizing cities that epitomized urban modernity, and deals with themes at the heart of urban history in his examination of the public and private spaces; class, gender, and race relationships; and public health and disease."-- "Neil Pemberton, Manchester University"Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Straying 2 Biting 3 Suffering 4 Thinking 5 Defecating Coda Acknowledgments Appendix: Reflections on Animals, History, and Emotions Chronology Notes Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the shell wars of hermit crabs to little blue penguins spying on potential rivals, power struggles in the animal kingdom are as diverse as they are fascinating, and this book illuminates their surprising range and connections. The quest for power in animals is so much richer, so much more nuanced than who wins what knock-down, drag-out fight. Indeed, power struggles among animals often look more like an opera than a boxing match. Tracing the path to power for over thirty different species on six continents, writer and behavioral ecologist Lee Alan Dugatkin takes us on a journey around the globe, shepherded by leading researchers who have discovered that in everything from hyenas to dolphins, bonobos to field mice, cichlid fish to cuttlefish, copperhead snakes to ravens, and meerkats to mongooses, power revolves around spying, deception, manipulation, forming alliances, breaking up alliances, complex assessments of potential opponents, building social networks, and more. PowerTrade Review"A scrupulously scientific but highly accessible tour of power’s manifestations among caribou, bonobos, deer, dolphins, hyenas, meerkats, mice, mongooses (mongeese?)—and those are just some of the mammals. . . . Readable and intellectually satisfying. . . . Compact but very gratifying. . . . True to its title, Power in the Wild doesn’t address Homo sapiens. But the anthropocentrically inclined will find that the power dynamics of nonhuman animals offer plenty of insight into our own, distorted a bit as in a funhouse mirror. For the open-minded, Dugatkin’s depiction of power in the wild yields a stunningly provocative reflection." -- David P. Barash * Wall Street Journal *“Power in the Wild, by behavioral ecologist Dugatkin, reveals the realpolitik behind the lives of sweet-looking creatures from meerkats to field mice, as he examines the eternal struggle for dominance in nature.” * New Scientist, "Don't Miss" *"While visiting a wolf research park in Austria, animal behaviorist Dugatkin was startled to see one male sitting on top of another, clamping its snout in its jaws. The park’s director assured him there was no harm involved, only a display of power. This theme defines Dugatkin’s engaging book, which is based on the work of many scientists with a huge range of animals from around the world, including baboons, dolphins, mongooses and ravens. 'Power pervades every aspect of the social lives of animals,' he says." -- Andrew Robinson * Nature *"From ants to cuttlefish to wolves, this entertaining book surveys various species’ strategies for maintaining control. . . . Dugatkin’s snappy prose enlivens his evolutionary explanations, as of a discussion of how new technology aids in data collection. He is deliberate about highlighting the work of women researchers. Power in the Wild is a charming tour through the wonderful, sometimes bizarre realities of animal behavior." * Foreword Reviews *"Power struggles in the animal kingdom are still not entirely understood, not least when they take place in many more arenas and forms than the most obvious one of physical conflict. Spying, deception, manipulation, shifting social networks—all these are covered here. The author looks at more than thirty species across six continents." * Bookseller *"This captivating, illuminating, and timely book explores how power is sought, attained, maintained, and transferred in nonhuman animal societies... This colorful journey through the deep evolutionary roots of power structures and the complex paths to higher social status will inspire behavioral scientists across disciplines, including ethologists, psychologists, and anthropologists, as well as adult readers with particular interest in animal behaviors... Highly recommended." * Choice *"Like cooperation, competition in the nonhuman world takes many forms. In Power in the Wild, biologist and science historian Dugatkin shows that strength and ruthlessness are only two of the many possible assets an organism may bring to a contest... Aided by new theories and, in many cases, new technologies and techniques, researchers are untangling the influences of genetics, hormone levels, and habitat on such behaviors, and investigating how changes in these and other factors may shift power dynamics over lifetimes and generations. As they do so, they uncover even more complexity in communities long assumed to be far simpler than ours. While Dugatkin's book is not about power in human communities, he is alert to the entrenched inequalities in science and makes a commendable effort to ensure that a large proportion of the voices in his book belong to women, younger scientists, and others too often denied full credit for their work." * Sierra *“Timely and fascinating. . . . Dugatkin’s book is great food for thought regarding the nature of power, equality, and equity, the origins of justice and the origins of sociality in animals—including our own species.” -- Sheng-Feng Shen, Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan * Nature Ecology & Evolution *"It would have been easy for Dugatkin, given the scope of his book, to get bogged down in numbers, names, and details, producing a litany of 'gee whiz' facts without any connecting thread. . . . Yet, on the whole, he manages to balance scientific specificity with linguistic flourishes and descriptive details that kept me immersed. . . . Dugatkin's respect for the researchers behind the science also keeps the story moving. The book is as much a profile of them and their endeavors as the animals they study. . . . One of the real joys of the book, though, is Dugatkin's enthusiasm about the subject.” -- Leah Campbell * Earth Island Journal *"This engaging publication describes the ways animals use overt and subtle behaviors to assess and influence the behaviors of others. . . . Field accounts . . . offer firsthand and thoughtful perspectives into the role of power in the lives of nonhuman animals." -- Jennifer E. Smith * Quarterly Review of Biology *“A brilliant journey into the intricate dramas of animal behavior and evolution. Along the way, we also see the scientific process in vivid light, a wonderful exposition of how to deepen understanding of the living world.” -- David George Haskell, Sewanee: The University of the South, author of Pulitzer finalist "The Forest Unseen" and Burroughs medalist "The Songs of Trees"“Power, and the way it is won and lost, unites angelfish and weaverbirds, ravens and cockroaches. By revealing its stunning variety in nature, Dugatkin shows how power isn’t necessarily abusive, or ugly—it’s simply a fact of life. From confrontation to espionage, with coalitions formed and dissolved, his absorbing stories explore how animals juggle their relationships and play a long game.” -- Marlene Zuk, Regents Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, author of "Paleofantasy" and "Sex on Six Legs"“Entertaining anecdotes and scholarly science effortlessly entwine in this delightfully raucous romp through decades of research on the nature of power in the animal kingdom. A great read whether you’re a student, scientist, or amateur animal behavior enthusiast.” -- Athena Aktipis, Arizona State University, author of "The Cheating Cell"“‘Biology’ means ‘the study of life,’ and it requires the story of life. Admirers of Dugatkin’s acclaimed books such as How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog) know that he tells rousing stories about nature and how scientists decipher its mysteries. There could not be a more pervasive aspect of life than power dynamics, nor one that more greatly influences nature’s slow change over time. For fans of both science writing and nature writing, Power in the Wild teems with enough animals and scientists around the world to satisfy David Attenborough—whose urbane narration comes to mind as one enlightening glimpse of nature follows another in this lucid and lively celebration of nature's diversity.” -- Michael Sims, author of "Adam’s Navel" and "The Adventures of Henry Thoreau"Table of ContentsPreface 1 Chart a Path to Power 2 Weigh Costs and Benefits 3 Assess Thy Rivals 4 Watch and Be Watched 5 Build Alliances 6 Cement the Hold 7 Survive the Battles 8 Rise and Fall Afterword Acknowledgments Notes Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisFirst paperback edition with over 100 photographs of one of nature's greatest spectacles and captions that reflect on the folklore, science and beauty of the northern lights.Trade Review[Review of hardcover edition: ] Bortolotti's well-written text explains the remarkable light spectacle and features over 100 colour-drenched images by noted aurora photographer Yuichi Takasaka.--Jodi DeLong"Halifax Chronicle Herald" (12/18/2011) [Review of hardcover edition: ] The shimmering, swirling, ghostly glowing northern lights are pictured here in multi-faceted glory; ideal if you want to see the Aurora Borealis without braving sub-zero temperatures late at night. This gorgeously produced book offers photos of rare red aurora, Aurora Australis (in the south), views from space and more. Brief front pages to each chapter and short captions under the photos cover history, science and folklore associated with the aurora. And if you are inspired to go out and see the magic for yourself, the last page has advice for you.--Gail Marchessault"Winnipeg Free Press" (12/09/2011)

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries, Donald R. Prothero tells the fascinating stories behind the most important fossil finds and the intrepid researchers who unearthed them. He weaves together the dramatic tales of dinosaur discoveries with what modern science now knows about the species to which they belong.Trade ReviewOne of the 10 best nonfiction books to read in science. * New Scientist *Solid proof that dinosaurs through scientific eyes are no less fascinating than they are in the movies. * Kirkus Reviews *[Prothero] delivers another winning popular science book...dinosaur buffs will be delighted, fascinated, and entertained. * Publishers Weekly *After a couple of pages, Donald Prothero had me hooked...like attending the best kind of dinner party, replete with entertaining stories. -- Brian Clegg * Popular Science *From the desk of a seasoned and much celebrated California-based palaeontologist, this a story of imagination, rivalry, mistake and often not-so-quiet genius. * New Scientist *Excellent summer reading! * Greg Laden Blog *Another entertaining trip through the history of science, this time focusing on paleontology. * Physics Today *A grand tour of dinosaurs, from one of our most prolific natural history writers. I've been reading Donald Prothero's books since I began studying geology in college, and here he delivers again, with a romping chronicle of some of the most charismatic dinosaurs and the equally fascinating people who have studied them. -- Steve Brusatte, University of Edinburgh paleontologist and New York Times best-selling author of The Rise and Fall of the DinosaursThis is a highly readable and compelling historical tour of our discovery of dinosaurs, and it focuses on many fascinating stories. It provides equal balance on both human history and the lives and adventures of the people behind the relevant dinosaurs, and scientific thinking on the dinosaurs themselves and adjacent areas of controversy. -- Darren Naish, author of Dinosaurs: How They Lived and EvolvedThis book is excellent. Rather than simply a profile of twenty-five dinosaurs, it puts each of these in context of its discovery and significance in terms of the science of paleontology, as well as comparisons with close relations. Thus, it covers hundreds of dinosaurs, not just twenty-five. -- Thomas R. Holtz Jr., University of MarylandThere are many dinosaur books on the market but very few are written in such an engaging and informative manner – “The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries” by Donald R. Prothero tells the fascinating story of how our knowledge regarding the Dinosauria has evolved and changed over time – and what a superb read it is! We doff our hard hats to you sir, once again you have produced an extremely informative and enjoyable read. * Everything Dinosaur *This is a great book for folks interested in dinosaurs, from high schoolers through adult readers. * Choice *A highly accomplished synthesis of ideas and a keen up-to-date summary. . . . I recommend the book for the shelf of any professional paleontologist interested in dinosaurs, and for many amateurs who want to take a deeper dive into the field. * Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsPart I. In the Beginning1. Megalosaurus: The “Great Lizard,” the “Scrotum Humanum”, and the First Named Dinosaur2. Iguanodon: Gideon Mantell, Louis Dollo, and the First Dinosaur Fauna3. Cetiosaurus: The “Whale Lizard,” Richard Owen, and the First Known Sauropod4. Hadrosaurus: Joseph Leidy and the First American Dinosaur5. Eoraptor: The First DinosaursPart II. The Long-Necked Giants6. Plateosaurus: Ancestors of the Giants7. Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus: Marsh, Cope, and the Bone Wars8. Diplodocus: The Real “Jurassic Park” and Carnegie’s Gift9. Giraffatitan: The Tallest of the Tall, and the Tendaguru 10. Patagotitan: Who’s the Biggest of Them All?Part III. Red in Tooth and Claw: The Theropods11. Coelophysis: The Little Dinosaur of Ghost Ranch12. Cryolophosaurus: Denizen of the Polar Darkness13. Spinosaurus: Lost Giants of Egypt14. Tyrannosaurus: King of the Tyrant Reptiles15. Giganotosaurus: Biggest Predator of All?16. Deinocheirus: “Terrible Hands” Lead to Big Surprises17. Velociraptor: “Terrible Claws” and the Dinosaur Renaissance18. Sinosauropteryx: Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of BirdsPart IV. Horns and Spikes and Armor and Duck Beaks: The Ornithischians19. Heterodontosaurus: The Origin of Ornithischians20. Stegosaurus: The “Roofed Lizard” and the Thagomizer21. Ankylosaurus: Armored Dinosaurs and “Mr. Bones”22. Corythosaurus: Duckbills with Headgear23. Stegoceras: The “Unicorn Dinosaur” and the Boneheads24. Protoceratops: The Griffin Legend and the Origin of Horned Dinosaurs25. Triceratops: The “Dinosaurian Bison” and the Last of the DinosaursIndex

Read more less