The Earth: natural history: general interest Books
Can of Worms Press Watching
Book Synopsis
£21.25
HarperCollins Publishers Butterflies
Book SynopsisThe ideal portable companion, the world-renowned Collins Gem series returns with a fresh new look and updated material.
£6.99
Galison The Great Surf 500 Piece Puzzle
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£15.29
Birlinn General The Bone Cave
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£10.44
Ebury Publishing A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a
Book SynopsisWith a new afterword, Why You Are Here: A speech on the opening of the COP26 climate summitAs a young man, I felt I was out there in the wild, experiencing the untouched natural world - but it was an illusion. The tragedy of our time has been happening all around us, barely noticeable from day to day - the loss of our planet's wild places, its biodiversity. I have been witness to this decline. A Life on Our Planet contains my witness statement, and my vision for the future - the story of how we came to make this, our greatest mistake, and how, if we act now, we can yet put it right.We have the opportunity to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited.All we need is the will do so.
£11.69
PROFILE BOOKS METEORITES
£9.49
Galison Houseplant Haven 1000 Piece Foil Puzzle
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£19.19
HarperCollins Publishers Creatures of Darkness
£10.44
Little Toller Books The English Path
Book SynopsisIn The English Path Kim Taplin explores how writers and poets have written about footpaths and bridleways, from Jane Austen to Iain Sinclair, celebrating these vital routes, which sustained rural life for centuries.
£12.60
HarperCollins Publishers Forces of Nature
Book SynopsisSunday Times BestsellerHow did life on Earth begin? What is the nature of space and time? What are the chances that we will discover life on other worlds?Think you know our planet?Think again.Forces of Nature takes you from the mid-Atlantic ridge in Iceland, the volcanoes of Indonesia and the precipitous cliffs in Nepal, to the manatees off the coast of Florida and the northern lights of the Arctic, in search of the fundamental laws that govern our world.These universal laws shape everything, from the structure of snowflakes to the elegant spirals of the galaxies. By seeking to understand the everyday world the colours, structure, behaviour and history of our home we can step beyond the everyday and approach the Universe beyond.Trade ReviewPraise for Professor Brian Cox: ‘Cox’s romantic, lyrical approach to astrophysics all adds up to an experience that feels less like homework and more like having a story told to you. A really good story, too.’ Guardian ‘He bridges the gap between our childish sense of wonder and a rather more professional grasp of the scale of things.’ Independent ‘If you didn’t utter a wow watching the TV, you will while reading the book.’ The Times ‘Engaging, ambitious and creative.’ Guardian ‘In this book of the acclaimed BBC2 TV series, Professor Cox shows us the cosmos as we have never seen it before – a place full of the most bizarre and powerful natural phenomena.’ Sunday Express ‘Will entertain and delight … what a priceless gift that would be.’ Independent on Sunday
£10.44
Elliott & Thompson Limited Waterlands
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£14.44
Galison Joy Laforme Presentville 500 Piece Foil Puzzle
Book Synopsis
£15.29
HarperCollins Publishers Seaweed The sustainable 2023 guide to our oceans
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE BEST MIXED MEDIA BOOK AWARD AT THE CREATIVE BOOK AWARDS 2024A gorgeous guide to foraging, pressing and using seaweeds for a wealth of home creative projects. Both aspirational and inspirational, this guide to bringing the outdoors inside is quite unlike anything on the market and will inspire all readers to begin their beach foraging journey.A beautifully packaged, comprehensive visual guide to seaweed by design company Molesworth & Bird. Seaweed will inspire readers to look beyond the tangled piles of seaweed washed up at high tide, to discover its exceptional beauty and appreciate its many uses. The book celebrates the unique appeal of the plants and showcases the myriad ways to bring their beauty indoors, with the authors providing step-by-step activities so you can create your own prints at home. Whether pressing a deep khaki green Peacock's Tail seaweed or creating a stunning cyanotype with Eelgrass, the possibilities are endless with this seashore bounty.The book is packed with glorious photography of the UK coastlines where the seaweeds can be foraged, alongside stylish interiors, and scenes of beach cook-outs and wild swimming spots. It also includes a library of pressed seaweeds presented in colour categories, with notes for identification and use. There is expert guidance on collecting seaweeds, and it will show how foraged seaweeds can be used at home for cooking, dyeing and printing fabrics, and as part of your skincare routine. It explores the fascinating history of seaweed collecting and investigates its potential as a healthy food source and sustainable material, whether foraged or farmed.Trade Review‘Framed foraged seaweed is the wholesome homeware trend you need to know now […] these days the interiors cognoscenti are adorning walls in seaweed art in chic palettes of plum, moss and rhubarb’ – Sunday Times Style, 30th Oct 2022
£24.00
Bonnier Books Ltd Once Upon a Planet The story of Earth from stardust to our first steps
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£13.49
Profile Books Ltd A Natural History of the Hedgerow: and ditches,
Book SynopsisIt is difficult to think of a more quintessential symbol of the British countryside than the British Hedgerow, bursting with blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes, and home to oak and ash, field mice and butterflies. But as much as we might dream about foraging for mushrooms or collecting wayside nettles for soup, most of us are unaware of quite how profoundly hedgerows have shaped the history of our landscape and our fellow species. One of Britain's best known naturalists, John Wright introduces us to the natural and cultural history of hedges (as well as ditches, dykes and dry stone walls) - from the arrival of the first settlers in the British Isles to the modern day, when we have finally begun to recognise the importance of these unique ecosystems. His intimate knowledge of the countryside and its inhabitants brings this guide to life, whether discussing the skills and craft of hedge maintenance or the rich variety of animals, plants, algae and fungi who call them home. Informative, practical, entertaining and richly illustrated in colour throughout, A Natural History of the Hedgerow is a book to stuff into your pocket for country walks in every season, or to savour in winter before a roaring fire.Trade ReviewA beautifully presented field guide. -- Robbie Millen * Times *A true labour of love spiced with a fine dry humour... a rich and spellbinding love letter to the great British hedgerow... [not] just a delightful one-off read, but an invaluable work of reference that will remain on my bookshelves for good. -- Christopher Hart * The Sunday Times *This illustrated survey is historically detailed, enriched by the author's deep knowledge of British landscapes and natural history. * Guardian *After reading this delightful book, you'll see those humble boundaries as living archives of our island story. * Daily Mail *Fascinating... his book grows on me, like honeysuckle... shows a clean limb and a sense of humour... he does the hedgerow good. * Country Life *Hugely enjoyable ... such a pleasure to read ... laced with humour and an abundance of first-hand knowledge. * BBC Countryfile *Engaging... plants are described with tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm that can only come from someone who knows and loves them like old friends... [A] great educational tool - not to say fascinating read. * English Garden *Wright covers a respectable amount of ground in this hybrid field guide... Often humorous and richly informative, this a perfect book for dipping into. * The Lady *Praise for The Naming of the Shrew: Who would have thought that a book about Latin names could be quite so compelling! * Alan Titchmarsh *Brims with verbal curiosities * Nature *Nature writing at its best: insightful, entertaining and often very funny * British Wildlife *Weird and wonderful * Sunday Telegraph *Charming. * The Lady *The pleasure of Wright's book is the contrast between the rigour required for giving names and the careless minds and mischievous humour of those who devise them. * The Times *Fascinating and funny. * BBC Countrylife *Erudite but whimsical ... a book as charming as it is wise. * Irish Examiner *A great read. * Grow Your Own *
£11.69
Vintage Publishing Silent Earth: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Read this book, then look and wonder' Sunday Times *A TLS Book of the Year*We have to learn to live as part of nature, not apart from it. And the first step is to start looking after the insects, the little creatures that make our shared world go round.Insects are essential for life as we know it - without them, our world would look vastly different. Drawing on the latest ground-breaking research and a lifetime's study, Dave Goulson reveals the long decline of insect populations that has taken place in recent decades and its potential consequences.Eye-opening and inspiring, Silent Earth asks for profound change at every level and a passionate argument or us to love, respect and care for our six-legged friends.'Compelling - Silent Earth is a wake-up call' Isabella Tree, author of Wilding'Enlightening, urgent and funny, Goulson's book is a timely call for action' New StatesmanTrade ReviewA powerful book * Mark Cocker, Financial Times *Thoughtful, frightening and yet hugely enjoyable... This book will make you think differently about our right of dominion over the planet * Daily Telegraph *It's remarkable that insect decline has gone largely unnoticed by non-specialists... Keep dreaming, Dave Goulson. We'll need more dreamers like you * The Times *If Silent Earth contains a single incontestable message it is that nature - insects, flowers, plants, trees, birds and mammals, including our species - is a single system... This powerful book tells us that we need to act as if we understand this essential truth * Financial Times *Compelling, penetrating, devastating - Silent Earth is a wake-up call for the world. Dave Goulson matches science with eloquence and passion to spotlight the cataclysmic loss of insect life on our planet. Rachel Carson would be proud. -- Isabella Tree
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind
Book SynopsisA very enjoyable book that brilliantly blends science, insight and passion' TRISTAN GOOLEYThe secret world of fungi is another kingdom. They do things differently there. Diverse beyond our wildest imaginations, fungi don't obey rules. They pop up unbidden and often dressed in curious reds and greens.They do not seem of this world, yet fungi underpin all the life around us: the wood wide web' links the trees by a subterranean telegraph; fungi eat the fallen trunks and leaves to recycle the nutrients that keep the wood alive; they feed a host of beetles and flies, which in turn feed birds and bats. Fungi produce the most expensive foods in the world but also offer the prospect of cheap protein for all; they cure disease, and they both cause disease and kill; they are the specialists to surpass all others; their diversity thrills and bewilders.Professor Richard Fortey has been a devoted field mycologist all his life. He has rejoiced in the exuberant variety and profusion of mushrooms sinc
£21.25
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Wood: The Life & Times of Cockshutt Wood
Book Synopsis'BRITAIN'S FINEST LIVING NATURE WRITER' - THE TIMESA SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER and BBC Radio 4 'Book of the Week' from 'indisputably, one of the best nature-writers of his generation' (Country Life) Written in diary format, The Wood is the story of English woodlands as they change with the seasons. Lyrical and informative, steeped in poetry and folklore, The Wood inhabits the mind and touches the soul.For four years John Lewis-Stempel managed Cockshutt wood, a particular wood - three and half acres of mixed woodland in south west Herefordshire - that stands as exemplar for all the small woods of England. John coppiced the trees and raised cows and pigs who roamed free there. This is the diary of the last year, by which time he had come to know it from the bottom of its beech roots to the tip of its oaks, and to know all the animals that lived there - the fox, the pheasants, the wood mice, the tawny owl - and where the best bluebells grew. For many fauna and flora, woods like Cockshutt are the last refuge. It proves a sanctuary for John too. To read The Wood is to be amongst its trees as the seasons change, following an easy path until, suddenly the view is broken by a screen of leaves, or your foot catches on a root, or a bird startles overhead. This is a wood you will never want to leave.Trade ReviewIt is a pleasure to be in the company of a man who is so attuned to his woody world ... He is good at sketching nature, fixing a vivid image in the mind's eye of a reader ... Lewis-Stempel has rightly won himself the reputation as being among our best nature writers ... The Wood is an entertaining, illuminating, well-turned read -- Robbie Millen * The Times *John Lewis-Stempel is the hottest nature writer around. * Spectator *A heartfelt and evocative diary of a year among the trees…it’s his observation of the natural world – the sight, the sound, the smell of it – that is so memorable. He has a distinctively brisk, muscular style of writing that has a poetic intensity and concision. * Guardian *Lyrical diary documenting a year in nature ... he’s brilliant on birds and their habits. -- Helen Brown * Daily Mail *Another triumph. Natural, translucent, full of half-glimpsed depths....just like a wood itself. -- Philip Marsden
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Collins Wild Flower Guide
Book SynopsisFollowing on from its successful launch in 2009, Collins Wild Flower Guide the ultimate reference book for wild flower enthusiasts now enters its second edition.Featuring all flowering plants, including trees and grasses, and ferns, this fully revised and updated field guide to the wild flowers of Britain and northern Europe is the most complete illustrated, single-volume guide ever published.Leading botanical artists have been specially commissioned to ensure accurate, detailed illustrations. Species are described and illustrated on the same page, with up-to-date authoritative text aiding identification. Plants are arranged by family, with their key features highlighted for quick and easy reference. The text offers a complete account of over 1,900 wild flowers of Britain and Ireland, along with a summary of their European distribution.Collins Wild Flower Guide is an indispensable guide for all those with an interest in the countryside, whether amateur or expert.Trade Review'This book is a great achievement that will be hard to match … a beautiful and well-judged illustrated flora.' British Wildlife
£21.24
Orion Publishing Co Trees 10 Things You Should Know
Book SynopsisDiscover the wonders at the centre of our planet''s ecosystem.In ten short and accessible essays, science and nature writer Carolyn Fry takes us on an awe-inspiring journey of the Earth''s lungs. From what makes a plant a tree and the incredible impact of forests, to how trees are under attack and what we can do to save them, this book will enthral and inform on the monumental power of the humble tree.Trees: 10 things you should know is an essential introduction to why trees are so important, and why our lives depend on them!
£11.69
Vintage Publishing Origins: How the Earth Shaped Human History
Book SynopsisRead the Sunday Times bestseller that reveals the Earth’s awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations.‘Stands comparison with Sapiens… Thrilling’ Sunday Times Human evolution in East Africa was driven by geological forces. Ancient Greece developed democracy because of its mountainous terrain. Voting behaviour in the United States today follows the bed of an ancient sea. Professor Lewis Dartnell takes us on an astonishing journey into our planet’s past to tell the ultimate origin story. Blending science and history, Origins reveals the Earth’s awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations – and helps us to see the challenges and opportunities of the future. ‘A sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world’ Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads ‘Absorbing… A first-class read – and an important one’ ObserverTrade ReviewA sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world. Whether discussing the formation of continents or the role that climate (and climate change) has had on human migration, Lewis Dartnell has a rare talent in being able to see the big picture – and explaining why it matters. -- Peter Frankopan, author of THE SILK ROADSOrigins by Lewis Dartnell stands comparison with Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens…A thrilling piece of Big History -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *‘Extraordinary… Origins is one of those rare books that dissolves mystery through the steady application of sublime lucidity. While reading it, I kept thinking: “Oh, that makes sense…” … Dartnell understands geology, geography, anthropology, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and history. That’s quite an achievement, but what makes him special is the way he communicates the interconnectedness of these disciplines in a clear, logical and entertaining way…Superb. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times *Dartnell has an easy, light touch that mixes well with his considerable knowledge. The result is a first-class read – and an important one -- Robin McKie * Observer *Dartnell has found the perfect blend of science and history. This is a book that will not only challenge our preconceptions about the past, but should make us think very carefully about humanity’s future -- Simon Griffith * Mail on Sunday *Origins, snappily written, is a fast read … fascinating -- David Sexton * Evening Standard, *Book of the week* *Dartnell’s story is beautifully written and organized. His infectious curiosity and enthusiasm tug the reader from page to page, synthesizing geology, oceanography, meteorology, geography, palaeontology, archaeology and political history in a manner that recalls Jared Diamond’s classic 1997 book Guns, Germs, and Steel * Nature *Dartnell is an eloquent, conversational guide to these daunting aeons of time -- Katy Guest * Guardian *What a treat to see history through the eyes of an astrobiologist! Our history was shaped profoundly by the laying down of iron beds two billion years ago, by the tectonic forces that ripped open the African rift valley, by the slow cooling of the earth that began 50 million years ago, and by the evolution of grasses! Lewis Dartnell’s absorbing new book shows, with many vivid examples, how deeply human history is embedded in the history of planet earth -- David Christian, author of ORIGIN STORYAn original and timely way of looking at human history through the materials and natural resources that our species has employed to such effect. It should be read by everyone who ponders how long exploitation can continue on a finite planet. -- Richard ForteyEndlessly enthralling, Lewis Dartnell explains why the history of humanity, and of human cultures, both take dictation from the deeper history of Earth herself - from broad generalities to surprisingly specific details. An entertaining and informative essay on contingency - and worthy successor to the writing of Stephen Jay Gould. -- Ted NieldOrigins’ strength lies in the way it manages to conjure a tight, linear narrative from what would otherwise be an overwhelming wealth of insights, a feat aided by Dartnell’s soothing, conversational writing style… a captivating and enriching read, with as much to recommend it to those with an interest in geophysics as to students of human history and civilization. -- Ian Randell * Psysicsworld *Origins is like a well-crafted jigsaw puzzle. Each piece fits together beautifully to build up a complete picture of the deep connections we have to the blue marble we call home… a thoroughly satisfying read for anyone interested in how our planet drove our history, and how everything is connected -- Jenny Winder * BBC Sky at Night, *Book of the Month* *Big history is back… Origins is a bravura survey that captures our global zeitgeist and emphasises the limits of short-term historical and political thinking -- Jerry Brotton * BBC History *A thrilling slice of big history and as good as Harari * Sunday Times, *Summer Read of 2019* *Enthusiastic and brimful of facts… Dartnell’s great achievement is that while he crams in a great deal, the reader doesn’t feel rushed. It moves from the dawn of agriculture, to ancient Mesopotamian merchants to the coal-fields of England without a bump -- Jon Wright * Geographical *Instead of looking at what we have done to the Earth, he examines what it has done to us, interweaving the physical and social sciences in a clear, logical and joyously entertaining way… [a] wonderful book -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times, *Books of the Year* *
£10.44
Dorling Kindersley Ltd An Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth
Book Synopsis
£17.00
Mango Media Curing Coral
Book SynopsisCuring the CoralExplore the vibrant underwater ecosystems that depend on coral reefs and learn the science behind restoring their health. Discover the diverse marine life that thrives among coral, the complex relationships within coral reef ecosystems, and the techniques scientists use, such as micro fragging and outplanting, to rejuvenate reefs. Follow engaging stories of real-life conservation efforts, from Belize's coral reefs to the Florida Keys. Travel alongside Summer Collins as she navigates challenges, celebrates conservation victories, and inspires communities to participate actively in protecting and revitalizing coral reefs. Inside, you'll find:Insight into threats like coral bleaching and climate change. Step-by-step processes for planting coral reefs. Inspirational stories showcasing youth leadership in marine biology. If you're passionate about marine biology, eager to participate in ocean conservation, or simply fascinated by marine life, this book shows you how you can help protect our planet's coral reefs. Dive in and become a coral reef hero!
£13.59
Birlinn General Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape
Book SynopsisA Times Bestseller Shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing 2020 'Remarkable, and so profoundly enjoyable to read ... Its importance is huge, setting down a vital marker in the 21st century debate about how we use and abuse the land' - Joyce McMillan, Scotsman Desperate to connect with his native Galloway, Patrick Laurie plunges into work on his family farm in the hills of southwest Scotland. Investing in the oldest and most traditional breeds of Galloway cattle, the Riggit Galloway, he begins to discover how cows once shaped people, places and nature in this remote and half-hidden place. This traditional breed requires different methods of care from modern farming on an industrial, totally unnatural scale. As the cattle begin to dictate the pattern of his life, Patrick stumbles upon the passing of an ancient rural heritage. Always one of the most isolated and insular parts of the country, as the twentieth century progressed, the people of Galloway deserted the land and the moors have been transformed into commercial forest in the last thirty years. The people and the cattle have gone, and this withdrawal has shattered many centuries of tradition and custom. Much has been lost, and the new forests have driven the catastrophic decline of the much-loved curlew, a bird which features strongly in Galloway's consciousness. The links between people, cattle and wild birds become a central theme as Patrick begins to face the reality of life in a vanishing landscape.Trade Review'For as long as anyone can remember there have been Lauries farming in Galloway. Native is Patrick Laurie's account of returning home and trying to establish a farm on a 30 acre plot. This is a memoir born out of moments of wonder and pain ... It is not so much a lament for a lost way of being, but the loving story of trying to find it again' * The Times, Nature Books of the Year *'He’s a keen observer, of nature and of the general ebb and flow of the world, and he writes with a seemingly effortless lyricism about what he sees… A charming evocation of the harsh realities of farming in the modern world, and the difficulties of marrying food production and conservation' * Geographical Magazine *'Laurie has an authentic ability to balance the pains and joys of small farming. … [Native] works a remarkable balancing act/ the blackened fingernail, bruised by bustling cattle, presses down on a key as richly ambiguous as the curlew’s cry' -- Brian Morton * Times Literary Supplement *'[Laurie's] chapters apply a delightful honesty to the poignant struggle of everyday agriculture, but then occasionally take my breath with a lyrical passage... rapturous writing' -- Nick Offerman'Usually only the Highlands gets a look-in so the relative obscurity of the country that Laurie farms makes the book special... It is a painful book about presence and absence, and it’s worth reading for the quality of prose alone' -- Patrick Galbraith * The Times *'Laurie writes in beautiful detail about the landscape and animals surrounding him. The book represents an ongoing battle between progress and conservation in which the farming industry is integral. A thoughtful read about a man’s love of his homeland' * Scottish Field *'Remarkable, and so profoundly enjoyable to read ... Its importance is huge, setting down a vital marker in the 21st century debate about how we use and abuse the land' -- Joyce McMillan * Scotsman *'Brilliant and Beautiful... This is a book about a place you will probably have never visited: but you should read it nonetheless because what it says has a wider importance, about some of what we have got wrong in the way we respect nature and farming and what we might get right if we change our ways. it is also that most valuable of things, an escape to an open land where curlew still cry and the wind and rain cut in from the sea and city life feels a million miles away' -- Julian Glover * London Evening Standard *‘[A] beautifully written memoir, a mesmerising account of a year of back-breaking labour, personal despair and piercing moments of joy… unforced and utterly authentic.’ FIVE STAR REVIEW * Mail on Sunday *'A farmer with a poet’s eye is a rare thing indeed, and this is a rare breed of a book: an elegy to a vanishing landscape but one not without hope, and to be greatly treasured' * Daily Mail *'Galloway, past and present, is the bedrock of this book, a granite foundation on which Laurie is to build his future… an unflinching account of what it takes to turn into a farmer, bearing callouses, bruises and scars…. moving as well as inspirational. This Galloway farm might be just one stamp in an album, but if a butterfly wing can cause a hurricane, what about a rampaging bull?' -- Rosemary Goring * Herald *'Native is described as ‘a hymn of love to his native land’. It’s an apt description for a wonderful book... a poignant and thought-provoking read, I loved it' -- Matt Johnson * LoveReading *'I work at Forum Books in Corbridge and got a proof of this - it's the most incredible book I can recall reading - prose to compare with Macfarlane. Staggering, should win prizes' -- Bookseller * Forum Books *'I simply adore this book!' -- Polly Pullar'Patrick Laurie's neighbours looked on in amusement when he turned the clock back to follow his grandfather’s way of rearing cattle. But the old ways are paying off and he is now the proud owner of a thriving rare breed herd – and seen the return of threatened wildlife to his land' * Sunday Post *'Patrick Laurie is a wonderful writer. He has written a hymn of love to his native land' -- James Rebanks'In this tender, lyrical book, Patrick Laurie considers what it means to really belong to a place. Throughout, the mud, blood and sweat of the farm are brought vividly to life, and each sentence is charged with passion for its subject' -- Malachy Tallack'A young man sets out to work the land like his forefathers and brings Riggit Galloway cattle in to help him. Nature flourishes ... A good read, although Patrick Laurie may also be the type of farmer on the verge of extinction, along with the curlew' * Birdwatching Magazine *'Patrick Laurie returns to his native Galloway in southwest Scotland, with the sole ambition of farming and raising livestock like his family had before him. Haunted by nature’s declining fortunes, he hopes that by bringing back ‘the old ways’ – mixed farming instead of monocultures, slow-growing rare-breed cattle instead of modern European beef breeds, a sickle and a scythe instead of a combine harvester – he can also bring back the wildlife that once thrived on Galloway’s farmland' -- Geordie Torr * Geographical magazine, Best Books of 2020 Nature, Climate and Environment *'A love song to a way of life, the animals, the birds (particularly the birds) and the landscape' * Sorted Magazine *'With enchanting lyricism throughout, this book will hook you like the long beaks of the little waders themselves as they snaffle up their worms' -- Loretta Mulholland * Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week *'A bittersweet portrait of a difficult and disappearing way of life…Rich with the sense of place and balanced between solastalgia and practicality' * ShinyNewBooks.co.uk *
£9.49
Scribe Publications Deep Water
Book SynopsisOceans created, shaped, and sustain not just human life, but all life on Earth, and perhaps beyond it. Deep Water is a reckoning with humankind's complex relationship with these oceans. In this thrilling work a blend of history, science, nature, and environmental writing acclaimed author James Bradley plunges into the unknown to explore the deepest recesses of the natural world, guiding readers through the atomic creation of the oceans to the wonders contained within, like the schools of fish who use electromagnetic sensing to migrate across the globe; describing how human populations have circumnavigated the world by boat; and interrogating the environmental catastrophe already impacting our lives. Deep Water celebrates the ocean's glories and the extraordinary efforts of the scientists and researchers currently unlocking its secrets. Offering vital new ways of understanding humanity's place on our planet, Bradley shows that the oceans might yet save us all.
£11.69
Galison Bookshop Afternoon 500 Piece Foil Puzzle
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£999.99
Text Publishing Company The Horse
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£13.49
Penguin Books Ltd We Belong to Gaia
Book SynopsisIn twenty short books, Penguin brings you the classics of the environmental movement.James Lovelock''s We Belong to Gaia draws on decades of wisdom to lay out the history of our remarkable planet, to show that it is not ours to be exploited - and warns us that it is fighting back.Over the past 75 years, a new canon has emerged. As life on Earth has become irrevocably altered by humans, visionary thinkers around the world have raised their voices to defend the planet, and affirm our place at the heart of its restoration. Their words have endured through the decades, becoming the classics of a movement. Together, these books show the richness of environmental thought, and point the way to a fairer, saner, greener world.
£8.04
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Crystal and Gem
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£9.99
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Private Life of the Hare
Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT FOR NATURE LOVERSTo see a hare sit still as stone, to watch a hare boxing on a frosty March morning, to witness a hare bolt . . . these are great things. Every field should have a hare.' The hare, a night creature and country-dweller, is a rare sight for most people. We know them only from legends and stories. They are shape-shifters, witches' familiars and symbols of fertility. They are arrogant, as in Aesop's The Hare and the Tortoise, and absurd, as in Lewis Carroll's Mad March Hare. In the absence of observed facts, speculation and fantasy have flourished. But real hares? What are they like? In The Private Life of the Hare, John Lewis-Stempel explores myths, history and the reality of the hare. And in vivid, elegant prose he celebrates how, in an age when television cameras have revealed so much in our landscape, the hare remains as elusive and magical as ever.Trade ReviewIn vivid prose, [John Lewis-Stempel] celebrates how, in an age when television cameras have revealed so much in our landscape, the hare remains as magical and elusive as ever. * Slightly Foxed *In elegant prose, [John Lewis-Stempel] celebrates the elusive magic of these beautiful night creatures. * Evening News *
£10.44
Birlinn General The Bone Cave: A Journey through Myth and Memory
Book SynopsisThis is a book about stories – old stories of people and place, and of the more-than-human world. A vivid account of a journey through the Scottish Highlands, The Bone Cave follows a series of folktales and myths to the places in which they’re set. Travelling mostly on foot, and camping along the way amid some of Scotland’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes, Dougie Strang encounters a depth of meaning to the tales he tracks – one that offers a unique perspective on place, culture, land ownership and ecological stewardship, as well as insights into his own entanglement with place. Dougie sets out on his walk at the beginning of October, which also marks the start of the red deer rut. The bellowing of stags forms the soundtrack to his journey and is a reminder that, as well as mapping invisible landscapes of story, he is also exploring the tangible, living landscape of the present.Trade Review'This is a glorious read: measured, insightful, wistful and replete with meaning... a gem of a book' * Scottish Field *'The Bone Cave is a meditation on the move; a listening to the voices of bird, wind and river, a holding onto tree and stone, a watching of deer. And in the fullness of presence to this landscape, it summons the spirits that inhabit story and place. As Strang pitches his tent across the Highlands, kindling fire and memory, he draws us into the enfolded layers of landscape, wildlife and folktale that tell us who we were and yet might be. Wise and wonderful' -- Merryn Glover, author of The Hidden Fires'I loved The Bone Cave. I loved tracing Dougie Strang’s journey through the Highlands on maps and in my mind. The places he describes come alive through his attentive, respectful presence, his affinity for the landscape, and his ability to infuse his travelogue with history, stories, memoir and folklore. It is an inspiring and beautiful book' -- James Macdonald Lockhart, author of Wild Air and Raptor'Dougie Strang will guide you through the "carrying stream" of places, stories and deep time. Go confidently! You are in the hands of one of Scotland’s finest navigators' -- Alastair McIntosh, author of Soil and Soul and Poacher’s Pilgrimage'Much more than a travelogue... it's the author's exploration of the connections between the places he visits and elements of Scottish folklore that make this such a special book' * Undiscovered Scotland *'A mesmerising journey through remote Scotland, full of myth and self-reflection' -- David Robinson * Books from Scotland *'a sensitive exploration of land, time, modernity and masculinity... ache[s] with a profound, not-quite-lost connection to Earth' * The New Statesman *'Although the book shines with folk tales and quirky lore, it doesn’t shy away from the real tragedy of the Highlands, where people remain dispossessed and land-ownership and ecological destruction remain a brutal fact of life' * Bella Caledonia *'A fascinating insight into the ways in which landscape and folklore are intertwined here in Scotland... The ways in which these stories are linked to the landscape - and to the daily lives of the people who used to inhabit it - are expertly teased out by Strang' -- Roger Cox * The Scotsman *'A unique perspective on place, land, ownership and ecological stewardship... a beautiful book' * Oban Times *'Excellent book' -- Kathleen Jamie'A lovely well-written book... I really enjoyed my dip into Scottish folklore, the landscape that houses its memories and the tramping of the author’s boots on soggy ground' -- Mark Avery
£13.49
HarperCollins Publishers British Coastal Wildlife
Book SynopsisDiscover over 1,200 species of animals and plants found in the coastal regions of Britain and make the most of your surroundings, whether you are on a holiday browse or serious quest. This is the definitive photographic reference guide for nature enthusiasts.This informative photographic guide will help nature enthusiasts visiting the seashore to discover and quickly and accurately identify the animals and plants commonly found in the coastal areas of Britain.The book is illustrated with beautiful photographs throughout, the perfect seashore companion for staycation' travelling nature enthusiasts as well as general natural history buffs. Young and old alike keen to discover the wildlife of Britain''s coastal areas will delight in this beautifully practical guide.Trade Review‘Beautiful photographs’ The London Naturalist Praise for the Collins Complete series: 'Wonderfully descriptive photographs'BBC Wildlife 'Packs in lots of well-chosen detail in compact form'British Wildlife ‘A bookshelf essential’The Field
£16.99
Hodder & Stoughton America Before The Key to Earths Lost
Book Synopsis***THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER***''Hancock''s books provide a fascinating, alternative version of prehistory. America Before, detailed and wide-ranging, turns what was myth and legend into a new story of the past.'' Daily MailWas an advanced civilization lost to history in the global cataclysm that ended the last Ice Age? Graham Hancock, the internationally bestselling author and television presenter, has made it his life''s work to find out -- and in America Before, he draws on the latest archaeological and DNA evidence to bring his quest to a stunning conclusion.We''ve been taught that North and South America were empty of humans until around 13,000 years ago - amongst the last great landmasses on earth to have been settled by our ancestors. But new discoveries have radically reshaped this long-established picture and we know now that the Americas were first peopled more than 130,000 years ago - many tens of thousaTrade ReviewHancock's books provide a fascinating, alternative version of prehistory. America Before, detailed and wide-ranging, turns what was myth and legend into a new story of the past. * Daily Mail *Praise for Graham Hancock * : *A great yarn... [Hancock] is a writer with a first-rate feel for colour and ambience. * The Sunday Times *Hancock's book is an absorbing big-picture analysis as well as a cautionary tale. * Nexus *
£11.24
Chelsea Green Publishing Co Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and
Book SynopsisWINNER of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award Author of the New York Times 2023 "Notable Book" Crossings Washington Post “50 Notable Works of Nonfiction” Science News “Favorite Science Books of 2018” Booklist “Top Ten Science/Technology Book of 2018” "A marvelously humor-laced page-turner about the science of semi-aquatic rodents…. A masterpiece of a treatise on the natural world.”—The Washington Post In Eager, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb reveals that our modern idea of what a healthy landscape looks like and how it functions is wrong, distorted by the fur trade that once trapped out millions of beavers from North America’s lakes and rivers. The consequences of losing beavers were profound: streams eroded, wetlands dried up, and species from salmon to swans lost vital habitat. Today, a growing coalition of “Beaver Believers”—including scientists, ranchers, and passionate citizens—recognizes that ecosystems with beavers are far healthier, for humans and non-humans alike, than those without them. From the Nevada deserts to the Scottish highlands, Believers are now hard at work restoring these industrious rodents to their former haunts. Eager is a powerful story about one of the world’s most influential species, how North America was colonized, how our landscapes have changed over the centuries, and how beavers can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, extinction, and the ravages of climate change. Ultimately, it’s about how we can learn to coexist, harmoniously and even beneficially, with our fellow travelers on this planet.Trade Review“Written with clarity, intelligence, and humor, this engaging book will appeal to basically everyone.”―Forbes“Eager takes us inside the amazing world of nature’s premier construction engineer…and shows us why the restoration of an animal almost driven to extinction is producing wide-ranging, positive effects on our landscapes, ecology, and even our economy.”―National Geographic"Impressively researched, charmingly written, absolutely persuasive book. . . .Goldfarb makes his argument with a quiet power and deceptively breezy writing that paints a vivid picture of how the various inhabitants of the natural world rely on one other. Take one vital piece out and the whole thing could collapse."—The Seattle Times"This book lodges itself among the ranks of the best sort of environmental journalism.”―The Boston Globe“Eager is a passionate, captivating love letter to the beaver.”―The Christian Science Monitor "Goldfarb’s writing shines with beautiful language and colorful stories.”―Science News“Engrossing and elegantly written…. Within its wide scope, Eager includes nuggets sure to make you the most fascinating conversationalist at your next party.”―Scientific American“A revelation! If we only let them live, beavers are the solution to many of our nation’s ecological problems. . . . Goldfarb’s wonderful book might just tail-slap a politician or two into realizing how much we need them to restore our critical wetlands.”—Sy Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus “This witty, engrossing book will be a classic from the day it is published.”—Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature“European settlers who cut, plowed, and shot their way west also trapped the country nearly clean of mammals. . . . Now, though, beavers are on the rebound, and the how and who of that story, as told in Eager, will give you a new and completely different concept of the continent.”—Carl Safina, New York Times bestselling author of Beyond Words“[Goldfarb] writes eloquently of the return of this industrious, habitat–enriching animal, its conflicts with humans and their property, and of the ways both elegant and Rube Goldbergian in which beaver and human needs can be balanced.”―Booklist, Starred Review"[Goldfarb] shares his findings in lucid and entertaining prose….Filled with hard facts and fascinating people (and animals), [Eager] is an authoritative, vigorous call for understanding and action."―Kirkus, Starred Review"In this diverting volume, environmental journalist Goldfarb sings the praises of beavers. . . . An affectionate portrait of these 'hardy rodents.’"―Publishers Weekly“This comprehensive book provides a well-rounded consideration of a frequently misunderstood species….Even if you don’t think you have an opinion on beavers, this engaging book will make you a beaver believer."―Library Journal"Lively and educational….Eager offers rare insight into the history of beavers and their behavior, qualities, and characteristics. Even more importantly, [it] explores the animals’ complex relationship with humans, and the essential role they play in developing ponds and streams that support wildlife."―Foreword ReviewsChoice Reviews— "A thought-provoking book for anyone interested in ecosystems science." Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Nature’s Engineers 2. Dislodged 3. An Uneasy Truce 4. Embracing the Pest 5. The Beaver Whisperer 6. California Dreamin’ 7. Making the Desert Bloom 8. Too Far Gone 9. Going Global 10. Future of the Dammed
£11.39
Wild Nature Press The Essential Guide to Beachcombing and the
Book Synopsis
£16.14
Transworld Publishers Ltd Still Water: The Deep Life of the Pond
Book SynopsisThe Times and Irish Independent: BEST NATURE BOOKS OF THE YEARGreat nature writing needs to be informative, detailed, accurate, lyrical, and, above all, to instil a sense of gratitude and wonder. John Lewis-Stempel succeeds in all these things triumphantly. From amorous toads to the eye-popping mating habits of water boatmen, a magical celebration of pond life by one of our finest, most evocative nature writers.' Daily MailPonds: small bodies of water, both naturally formed and artificial, home to wondrous, multitudinous life-forms. Ponds define our childhood: frogspawn, goldfish, feeding the ducks, but also our village life, our farms, our landscape. And they are multi-layered - from carp circling the bottom to water boatmen, coot, and birds dragonflies overhead. In Still Water, John immerses himself in the murky depths, both literarily and figuratively, to explore the still waters of the British countryside through each month of the year.Trade ReviewA beautifully written celebration of one of the natural world's most fertile founts of biodiversity and artistic inspiration ... A call to arms. * BEST NATURE BOOKS OF THE YEAR, 2019, The Times *The master of nature-writing takes readers through the changing life of a pond season by season. * Radio Times *Great nature writing needs to be informative, detailed, accurate, lyrical, and, above all, to instil a sense of gratitude and wonder. John Lewis-Stempel succeeds in all these things triumphantly. From amorous toads to the eye-popping mating habits of water boatmen, a magical celebration of pond life by one of our finest, most evocative nature writers. * Daily Mail *One of England's most noted nature writers ... Still Water is a scintillating mirror of ourselves. -- Derek Turner * BOOK OF THE WEEK: The Lady *UK farmer and nature writer John Lewis-Stempel has won much acclaim for his perfectly observed reflections on pastoral habitats and their residents. Still Water explores "the deep life" of ponds with characteristic wit and beauty from the two-time Wainwright Prize winner. -- Hilary A White * Irish Independent *
£10.44
Profile Books Ltd Counting Sheep: A Celebration of the Pastoral
Book SynopsisSheep are the thread that runs through the history of the English countryside. Our fortunes were once founded on sheep, and this book tells a story of wool and money and history, of merchants and farmers and shepherds, of English yeomen and how they got their freedom, and above all, of the soil. Sheep have helped define our culture and topography, impacting on everything from accent and idiom, architecture, roads and waterways, to social progression and wealth. With his eye for the idiosyncratic, Philip meets the native breeds that thrive in this country; he tells stories about each breed, meets their shepherds and owners, learns about their past - and confronts the present realities of sheep farming. Along the way, Philip meets the people of the countryside and their many professions: the mole-catchers, the stick-makers, the tobacco-twisters and clog-wrights. He explores this artisan heritage as he re-discovers the countryside, and finds a lifestyle parallel to modern existence, struggling to remain unchanged - and at its heart, always sheep.Trade ReviewPhilip Walling has written a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable account of this shared history... after reading this book you may look at a sheep, or a roast lamb, or a tweed jacket, with the glimmerings of a new appreciation.' -- Angus Clarke * The Times *Delightful ... Counting Sheep deserves its place on the bookshelf of any lover of the countryside. -- Horatio Clare * Daily Telegraph *Jacobs are yet another breed supposed to have swum ashore from a wrecked ship, this time a Spanish galleon in 1588. These were gentlemen's sheep, and commercial farmers would be disdainful of their being kept as ornaments with no concern for profit. To their gentle owners they were living lawn mowers that bred their own replacements and needed no fuel. But to a working farmer they were (and still are) little better than goats, and a damned nuisance. * From Counting Sheep *
£9.49
Birlinn General Set in Stone: The Geology and Landscapes of
Book SynopsisThe land that was to become Scotland has travelled across the globe over the last 3,000 million years - from close to the South Pole to its current position. During these travels, there were many continental collisions, creating mountain belts as high as the present-day Himalayas. The Highlands of Scotland were formed in this way. Our climate too has changed dramatically over the last 3 billion years from the deep freeze of the Ice Age to scorching heat of the desert. And within a relatively short time - geologically speaking, we will plunge back into another ice age. In Set in Stone, Alan McKirdy traces Scotland's amazing geological journey, explaining for the non - specialist reader why the landscape looks the way it does todays. He also explores Scots and those working in Scotland have played a seminal role in the development of the science of geology, understanding Earth processes at a local and global scale.
£9.49
Atlantic Books Everest 1922: The Epic Story of the First Attempt
Book SynopsisThough it remains by far the world's most famous mountain, in recent years Everest's reputation has changed radically, with long queues of climbers on the Lhotse Face, lurid tales of frozen corpses and piles of high altitude trash. It wasn't always like this though. Once Everest was remote and inaccessible, a mysterious place, where only the bravest and most heroic dared to tread. The first attempt on Everest in 1922 by George Leigh Mallory and a British team is an extraordinary story full of controversy, drama and incident, populated by a set of larger than life characters straight out of Boys Own and Indiana Jones. The expedition ended in tragedy when, on their third bid for the top, Mallory's party was hit by an avalanche that left seven men dead. Using diaries, letters, published and unpublished accounts, Mick Conefrey creates a rich character driven narrative, exploring the motivations and private dramas of key individuals and detailing the back room politics and bitter rivalries that lay behind this epic adventure.Trade ReviewThe 1922 expedition was perhaps the most exciting of all Everest ventures. One hundred years ago virtually nothing was known about the effects of extreme altitude and those brave pioneers were making it up as they went along, pushing the boundaries of human possibility. With his usual forensic analysis and keen eye for the previously untold anecdote, Mick Conefrey re-illuminates one of the greatest mountain adventures of all time. * Stephen Venables *A gloriously British failure: The lost story of the tweed jacket-wearing and Kendal mint cake-eating band of eccentrics who were the first to try to conquer Everest is finally told 100 years on ... The story of that first attempt on the mountain is one history has largely erased. Failure tends to be forgotten. But in its centenary year, that 1922 expedition is celebrated in a gripping new book by mountaineering historian Mick Conefrey. Yes, it was a failure - but a glorious one. * Daily Mail *Table of Contentsi: Dramatis Personae ii: Introduction 1: Himalayans at Play 2: No Place for Old Men 3: The Hardest Push 4: Larger than Life 5: Oxygen Drill 6: News from the North 7: We May Be Gone Some Time 8: The Gas Offensive 9: Summit Fever 10: Trouble in the Sanctuary 11: A Terrible Enemy 12: 2020 Hindsight iii: Bibliography and Sources iv: Acknowledgements v: Index
£10.44
Profile The Meteorites
Book SynopsisFrom your window you can see the stars and distant planets: light years away, it's easy to think that our existences and theirs will never intersect. Yet meteorites - mysterious, irregular rocks of sometimes immense value - connect us with the vastness of the universe. They may have brought the first life to our planet, and today they still reveal extraordinary scientific insights.Helen Gordon reveals the fascinating stories of fallen meteorites and the lives they've touched - from collectors to kings, scientists to farmers. She meets amateur astronomers and gem dealers, goes meteorite hunting across rooftops and learns what objects moving through space can tell us about the fragility of life on Earth.
£17.00
Orion Publishing Co Trees and Woodland in the British Landscape
Book SynopsisA beautifully written classic of nature writing.''A masterly account...of supreme interest...a classic'' Country LifeLong accepted as the best work on the subject, Oliver Rackham''s book is both a comprehensive history of Britain''s woodland and a field-work guide that presents trees individually and as part of the landscape.From prehistoric times, through the Roman period and into the Middle Ages, Oliver Rackham describes the changing character, role and history of trees and woodland. He concludes this definitive study with a section on the conservation and future of Britain''s trees, woodlands and hedgerows.Trade ReviewA masterly account...of supreme interest...a classic of recorded field work and meticulous scholarship * COUNTRY LIFE *As an aid to understanding the landscape I haven't found its equal * NEW SCIENTIST *Have you ever thought about how trees are represented in landscape paintings? Even country-loving Gainsborough could hardly paint them in such a way that individual species can be identified by Dr Rackham * DAILY TELEGRAPH *This is the book that felled the romantic cliche of sylvan England ... There are heroes in this book as much as in any history but they are ancient oaks and beeches and hornbeams. Besides, how could anyone not want to read a book with a section on "What nettles say"? -- Simon Schama
£15.29
Rizzoli International Publications Desert Images
£41.60
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Story of Life in 10½ Chapters
Book SynopsisAn exploration of the key aspects of life on Earth – now and in the future – through the study of 10 and a half species. 'Entertaining and intellectually stimulating... The book highlights the wonderfully interconnected nature of our fragile planet. If you want big science at an accessible scale, this is for you' BBC Wildlife If an alien visitor were to collect ten souvenir life forms to represent life on earth, which would they be? This is the thought-provoking premise of Marianne Taylor's The Story of Life in 10½ Chapters. Each life form explains a key aspect about life on Earth. From the sponge that seems to be a plant but is really an animal to the almost extinct soft-shelled turtle deemed extremely unique and therefore extremely precious, these examples reveal how life itself is arranged across time and space, and how humanity increasingly dominates that vision. Taylor, a prolific science writer, considers the chemistry of a green plant and ponders the possibility of life beyond our world. She investigates the virus in an attempt to determine what a life form is; and wonders if the human – 'a distinct and very dominant species with an inevitably biased view of life' – could evolve in a new direction. She tells us that the giraffe was one species, but is now four; that the dusky seaside sparrow may be revived through 're-evolution', or cloning; explains the significance of Darwin's finch to evolution; and much more. The 'half' species is artificial intelligence. Itself an experiment to understand and model life, AI is central to our future – although from the alien visitor's standpoint, unlikely to inherit the earth in the long run.Trade ReviewOutstanding work... Taylor's writing is concise and accessible to a wide audience, while the book's vibrant, attractive layout, filled with beautiful illustrations, adds luster to the text. This rich survey of the long evolution of life on Earth will keep readers focused and fascinated' * Publishers Weekly *Taylor draws the reader in, not only with her species selection and detailed science, but also by means of colourful diagrams and photographs... Throughout the book is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating... The book highlights the wonderfully interconnected nature of our fragile planet. If you want big science at an accessible scale, this is for you' * BBC Wildlife *
£17.00
Amber Books Ltd Horses
Book SynopsisFrom the Azteca to the Appaloosa, Choctaw to the Palomina, Brumbys in Australia to the Mongolian, from rare breeds such as the Polish Konik to the semi-feral Pyrenean Pottok, Horses celebrates a wide variety of breeds from all around the world. Ranging from dressage to police horses, from racing horses to rodeo and polo, the book looks at the anatomy and lifecycle of foals and yearlings, colts and fillies, stallions, mares and geldings around the globe. It includes draft horses and warmbloods, light horses and thoroughbreds, gaited horses, ponies and breeds that have become feral. Each photograph is accompanied by a caption with fascinating information about the characteristics of each breed. Illustrated with 200 outstanding colour photographs, Horses is an exquisitely produced work packed with lively information about this beloved animal.Table of ContentsIntroduction Types of Horses Horse Anatomy Working Horses Young Horses Wild & Feral Horses Breeds featured include: Akhal-Teke American Quarter American Saddlebred Andalusian Appaloosa Arabian Ardennes Azteca Balikun Basque Mountain Belgian (Brabant) Boerperd Brandenburger Brumby Camarillo White Camargue Campolina Canadian Pacer Caspian Choctaw Cleveland Bay Dutch Draft Friesian Haflinger Irish Draft Jeju Kazakh Knabstrup Konik Lipizzaner Mallorquin Marwari Mérens Mongolian Morgans Mountain Pleasure Mustang Nez Perce Nokota Norwegian Fjord Orlov Trotter Palomino Pampa Paso Fino Persano Pottok Przewalski’s – the only remaining true wild horse subspecies Quarter Horse Rocky Mountain Horse Russian Don Schleswig Coldblood Shetland Pony Shire Horse Soviet Heavy Draft Swedish Ardennes Taishū Tennessee Walking Thoroughbred Trait du Nord
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Unexpected Truth About Animals: Stoned
Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2018 Royal Society Investment Science Book Prize'Endlessly fascinating.' - Bill Bryson 'Eye-opening, informative and very funny!' - Chris Packham'Well-informed and downright funny' - Richard DawkinsHistory is full of strange animal stories invented by the brightest and most influential, from Aristotle to Disney. But when it comes to understanding animals, we’ve got a long way to go. Whether we’re watching a viral video of romping baby pandas or looking at a picture of penguins ‘holding hands’, we often project our own values – innocence, abstinence, hard work – onto animals. So you’ve probably never considered that moose get drunk and that penguins are notorious cheats. In The Unexpected Truth About Animals Zoologist Lucy unravels many such myths – that eels are born from sand, that swallows hibernate under water, and that bears gave birth to formless lumps that are licked into shape by their mothers – to show that the stories we create reveal as much about us as they do about the animals. Astonishing, illuminating and laugh-out-loud funny.Trade ReviewA bloody fabulous read. Thoroughly recommend. -- Sue Perkins (Twitter)A riot of facts....Cooke scores a series of goals with style and panache. * The Times *Beautifully written, meticulously researched, with the science often couched in outrageous asides, this is a splendid read. In fact, I cannot remember when I last enjoyed a non-fiction work so much. * Daily Express *Best science pick.Sigmund Freud's first paper involved the dissection of eels in an attempt to locate their testes. To his frustration, Freud failed to find any. The eel's life cycle remains slippery, notes natural-history broadcaster Lucy Cooke in her deeply researched, sassily written history of "the biggest misconceptions, mistakes and myths we've concocted about the animal kingdom", spread by figures from Aristotle to Walt Disney. Other chapters spotlight the sloth, vulture, hippopotamus, panda, chimpanzee and others, and dismantle anthropocentric clichés with scientific, global evidence. * Nature *Lucy Cooke's The Unexpected Truth About Animals was a joy from beginning to end. Who could resist a writer who argues that penguins have been pulling the wool over our eyes for years, and that, far from being cute and gregarious, they are actually pathologically unpleasant necrophiliacs? * Guardian *
£10.44
Profile Books Ltd Notes from Deep Time: A Journey Through Our Past
Book Synopsis'Astounding ... To call this a "history" does not do justice to Helen Gordon's ambition' Simon Ings, Daily Telegraph 'Awe-inspiring ... She has imbued geological tales with a beauty and humanity' Shaoni Bhattacharya-Woodward, Mail on Sunday The story of the Earth is written into our landscape: it's there in the curves of hills, the colours of stone, surprising eruptions of vegetation. Wanting a fresh perspective on her own life, the writer Helen Gordon set out to read that epic narrative. Her odyssey takes her from the secret fossils of London to the 3-billion-year-old rocks of the Scottish Highlands, and from a state-of-the-art earthquake monitoring system in California to one of the world's most dangerous volcanic complexes in Naples. At every step, she finds that the apparently solid ground beneath our feet isn't quite as it seems.Trade ReviewThe reward of Helen Gordon's profoundly considered and far-reaching book is that it opens up the dizzying view of geological time ... Notes from Deep Time reaches into a place that, in a post-religious era, offers a glimpse of something close to eternity -- Philip Marsden * FT *Astounding ... To call this a "history" does not do justice to Helen Gordon's ambition. Her adventures in the deep time of Earth hark all the way back to its beginnings as a barren ocean planet, 4.4 billion years ago, while keeping one foot firmly planted in the depleted and desertified plaything we're left with today ... Notes From Deep Time sidesteps the maundering and finger-wagging that comes with much Anthropocene thinking, and shows us how much sheer intellectual and poetical entertainment there is to be had in the idea -- Simon Ings * Daily Telegraph *Awe-inspiring ... It's Gordon's background as a literary writer that takes Notes From Deep Time to the next level. She has imbued geological tales with a beauty and humanity -- Shaoni Bhattacharya-Woodward * Mail on Sunday *Notes From Deep Time is a marvel-rich masterclass of narrative non-fiction, one of those books that teaches its reader to see the world completely differently. That it does so with wit, wisdom and crystal-perfect prose only adds to the pleasure. To escape from the present into deep time with such a companionable guide is clarifying, almost therapeutic, and at times gratifyingly dizzying -- Max Porter, author * Lanny *If there were ever a good time to think about deep time, it's now ... A whirlwind tour of our planet's deep past and far future ... succeeds in grounding our existence firmly in the context of geological time -- Alexandra Witze * Nature *Helen Gordon's wonderfully expansive book encompasses a paradoxical fluidity, both tangible and immense, where human witnesses measure out deep time in golden spikes and ammonites, excavating lost seas and saurians for clues as to what we were and who we will be -- Philip Hoare, author * Leviathan *A book as multi-layered as the deep-time planet itself -- Sara Wheeler, author * Terra Incognita *Sublime ... a fascinating and thrilling descent into time, human in scale but full of moments of vertiginous wonder -- Jon Day, author * Homing *Helen Gordon's terrifically readable book juxtaposes scenes from deep Earth time with telling accounts of how geologists forensically analyse the evidence for this enormous narrative - and looks to the future, too, as humans make their own additions to the planet's strata. Highly recommended -- Jan Zalasiewicz, author * The World in a Pebble *Questing, thoughtful and profoundly moving, Notes From Deep Time is a remarkable TARDIS of a book -- Dan Richards, author * Outpost *A sparkling book that humanises the pre-human era. In her journey from the Earth's molten Hadean beginnings to our Holocene age, Gordon delivers stratigraphic revelations through the stories of the intriguing individuals who have brought their mysteries to light -- India Bourke * New Statesman *
£10.44
Wild Nature Press The Marine World A Natural History of Ocean Life
Book Synopsis
£40.50
James Napier Introduction to the Wildflowers of Northern
Book SynopsisNorthern Ireland is well known for the beauty of its natural landscape. With a better understanding of the plant species which grow in our woodlands, coasts and other natural habitats, we could all appreciate our natural surroundings much more.This book will introduce you to many of our common, and not so common, plant species in their natural environments. Introduction to the Wildflowers of Northern Ireland will encourage you to give those plant species we frequently stroll past a second look!
£12.99
