The Earth: natural history: general interest Books

Book SynopsisAn enhanced facsimile of Jones's Icones, one of the most scientifically important and visually stunning works on butterflies and moths ever created.Trade Review'Science and art combine in an exquisite history as relevant today as it was more than two centuries ago. A book of considerable scientific value and artistic beauty. As a modern research source – at a time when habitat destruction and a changing climate are a reality and decline of butterflies globally is alarming – it is invaluable' - John Tennent, The Art Newspaper'The sheer intellectual as well as physical effort of gathering together a body of knowledge such as Icones cannot be underestimated, and nor can its collaborative nature' - The Herald'The Icones are not only extraordinarily beautiful paintings, but they present an important record of a pre-industrial butterfly world. Several of the illustrated species are extinct or locally extinct. It is wonderful that they have finally been published. Combined with the notes from experts, this book forms, in the words of the publishers, 'an exquisite work of natural history from the Age of Enlightenment'. I couldn’t agree more' - Antenna'Any enthusiast that is interested in world Lepidoptera (butterflies in particular) and its historical backdrop will absolutely love Iconotypes and, as such, this new work is highly recommended' - Peter Eeles, Dispar'Beautifully produced' - Country Life'This wonderful book is a veritable tour-de-force (as well as being a labour of love). It is a marvellous blend of Aurelian history, taxonomy, art, biogeography, and thoughtful articles and anecdotes about the eccentric characters who have contributed to lepidopterology over the last three centuries. It is packed with stories and illustrations which will excite all lovers of Lepidoptera' - Metamorphosis'An exquisite specimen … a brilliant specimen of collaborative publishing' - The Tablet, Books of the Year'WOW! The scholarship and totality of this new book are as complete as I can want and could easily be a template for anyone writing a schol¬arly as well as beautiful book. This is the best book I ever reviewed' - Eric H. Metzler, National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian)'Now all can appreciate the paintings in this beautifully illustrated work. With historical butterfly facts and supporting interpretation it is more than just an enhanced facsimile as the title-page too modestly asserts' - Archives of Natural HistoryTable of ContentsForeword by Professor Paul Smith, Director of Oxford University Museum of Natural History Introduction: William Jones & the Birth of the Icones by Richard I .Vane-Wright Icones Volume I: Papiliones Equites: Troes & Achivi Map—Distribution of iconotype species in Europe Article—The early study of Lepidoptera by Alberto Zilli Icones Volume II: Papiliones Heliconii Map—Distribution of iconotype species in North & Central America Icones Volume III: Papiliones Danai: Candidi & Festivi Map—Distribution of iconotype species in South America Article—A flourishing of lepidopterological activity by Alberto Zilli Icones Volume IV: Papiliones Nymphales: Gemmati & Phalerati Map—Distribution of iconotype species in Asia Article—Collecting Lepidoptera in the 18th & 19th centuries by Arlene Leis Icones Volume V: Papiliones Nymphales Map—Distribution of iconotype species in Africa Article—The art of painting butterflies by Stefanie Jovanovic-Kruspel Icones Volume VI: Papiliones Plebeji Map—Distribution of iconotype species in Australasia Article—The decline of Lepidoptera around the globe by Francisco Sánchez-Bayo Icones Volume VII: Papiliones Conclusion: The Legacy of William Jones by Richard I. Vane-Wright Full listing of Jones’s iconotypes Bibliography Sources of illustrations Index to the butterflies Index to the articles Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisHope is the new icon of the Natural History Museum, a stunning 9,000 pound, 82-foot-long blue whale skeleton. Suspended by steel wires and captured in a majestic swooping posture, her reconstruction is a work of art as well as a feat of engineering. Her story begins in 1891 when she was found beached off the coast of Ireland. A lucrative find for a local fisherman, her skeletal remains were sold to the Museum. The project to restore her took three years to complete, including 10 months of painstaking laboratory work to clean and repair each of her 221 bones. Combining the latest scientific research into the blue whale with behind-the-scenes imagery, this book sheds new light on the largest creature ever to have lived on Earth.

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Book SynopsisWe all know Cuckoos as the harbingers of spring whose haunting calls proclaim the birds own name across fields and reedbeds. A bird much more often heard than actually seen, and often mistaken for a hawk or falcon when briefly glimpsed in flight. Cuckoos are also well known, perhaps even infamous, for their habit of laying their own eggs into the nests of much smaller species, such as reed warblers, who are then doomed to raise the enormous cuckoo chick rather than their own young, and whose eggs are ruthlessly thrown from the nest by the cuckoo hatchling.But how does this complex behaviour act out in nature, and how did it evolve? What are the cuckoo's special tricks and what counter-measures have the host birds developed to resist the depredations of cuckoos? In this book the authors delve into the stories behind what we see, and into the complex and ever evolving evolutionary arms race by which the nest parasite and its hosts constantly try to leapfrog each other into

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Book SynopsisSeahorses are instantly recognisable and have been a part of our culture for millennia, yet we still know very little about these enigmatic creatures.Steve Trewhella and Julie Hatcher have spent hundreds of hours in British waters observing native seahorses, witnessing at first hand how they behave in the wild, and how they interact with the other plants and animals in their underwater realm.With stunning photography, In the Company of Seahorses paints a rich picture of a mysterious world amongst swaying seagrass and colourful seaweeds. The accompanying text is packed with personal anecdotes describing the authors' journey of discovery, illustrating for the first time the secretive lives of these elusive animals in British waters.By sharing one couple's passion for an entrancing ocean icon, this book aims to inspire, inform and create a better understanding of the seahorse and its often vulnerable habitats around the British coastline.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisWritten by Dr David Rothery, a volcanologist, geologist, planetary scientist and Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University, Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: A Complete Introduction is designed to give you everything you need to succeed, all in one place. It covers the key areas that students are expected to be confident in, outlining the basics in clear English and providing added-value features like a glossary of essential terms and even examples of questions you might be asked in your seminar or exam.The book uses a structure chosen to cover the essentials of most university courses, with an introduction on how the Earth moves, followed by separate sections on volcanoes (including eruptions, types of volcano, volcanic hazards, volcanoes and climate, monitoring volcanoes, predicting eruptions and living with volcanoes), earthquakes (including faults, measurement, seismic monitoring, prediction, prevention and preparedness) and tsunamis.

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Book SynopsisRivers and the ecosystems they support have always captivated humans, leading curious scientists to broaden our understanding with ongoing research. In Explorer's Guide to Rivers and Streams, Dr. Ryan Utz (Chatham University) presents a broad scientific understanding of rivers, streams, and the animals that reside within them, written accessibly for a general audience. Topics range from what causes river flows to rise and fall to the ecology of riverine fishes. Kayakers, anglers, and hikers alike will find many tools within Explorer's Guide to Rivers and Streams to deepen their understanding of their favorite waterway.

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Book Synopsis'One of our greatest nature writers' GuardianFor over fifty years, Richard Mabey has been a pioneering voice in modern nature writing. This book collects pieces across his rich career, tracing his continually evolving ideas as much as the profound changes in our environment. From the rediscovery of food foraging in the 1970s, to reflections on the musicality of birdsong, these essays show Mabey's passionate belief that our planet is a commonwealth for all species, and that our reconnection with the living world is more vital than ever.'Richard Mabey is among the best writers at work in Britain' Tim Dee'Poised where nature meets culture, [Mabey] is knowledgeable, politically savvy and wry, and an excellent naturalist' New StatesmanTrade ReviewRichard Mabey is among the best writers at work in Britain. I don't mean among the best nature writers, I mean the best writers, full stop. I would read anything he wrote, but if such a thing as nature writing exists and flourishes today it is thanks almost entirely to him. I have lived by his books for all of my life. Pretty much all of what nature means to me, I know thanks to his own lifelong clear-eyed but loving investigation of what it means to him. He has allowed us all to think about modern nature – our world - but also, crucially, to feel it too. I cannot imagine a truer green man. * Tim Dee *One figure, like no other, looms large in setting the ground for the contemporary form that has come to be called then New Nature Writing. Richard Mabey is an author whose work has consistently pioneered new ways of thinking about landscape, nature, place, culture and the range of interconnections that all of these share. Often this has meant reminding us of old ways of thinking about these things but he has always had a sharp eye for the new meanings our modern context provokes. * Jos Smith *One of our most influential writers on the natural world * Gardens Illustrated *A valuable contribution to a great cause -- John Jolliffe * Spectator *Poised where nature meets culture, he [Richard Mabey] is knowledgeable, politically savvy and wry, and an excellent naturalist -- Kathleen Jamie * New Statesman, *Books of the Year* *

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Book SynopsisA ground-breaking and beautifully written investigation into the Arctic Treeline with an urgent environmental message.'Evocative, wise and unflinching' Jay Griffiths, author of WildThe Arctic treeline is the frontline of climate change, where the trees have been creeping towards the pole for fifty years already.Scientists are only just beginning to understand the astonishing significance of these northern forests for all life on Earth. At the treeline, Rawlence witnesses the accelerating impact of climate change and the devastating legacies of colonialism and capitalism. But he also finds reasons for hope. Humans are creatures of the forest; we have always evolved with trees and The Treeline asks us where our co-evolution might take us next.SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAMES CROPPER WAINWRIGHT PRIZE'A moving, thoughtful, deeply reported elegy for our vanishing world and a map of the one to come' Nathaniel Rich, author of Losing Earth'A lyrical and passionate book... The Treeline is a sobering, powerful account of how trees might just save the world, as long as we are sensible enough to let them' Mail on Sunday'Ben Rawlence circumnavigates the very top of the globe - returning with a warning, in this enthralling and wonderfully written book' Mark Lynas, author of Six DegreesTrade ReviewThis original and readable book takes readers to a part of the world undergoing radical but little-understood change. * Financial Times, *Books of the Year* *An urgent and insightful tour of some of the world's strangest, most bewitching and most endangered environments... This is an important book, and one I will be pressing into other people's hands. -- Cal Flyn, author of ISLANDS OF ABANDONMENT[A] sweeping account of the Arctic forest that circles the world in an almost unbroken ring. * Financial Times *[A] lyrical and passionate book... The Treeline is a sobering, powerful account of how trees might just save the world. -- Kathryn Hughes * Mail on Sunday *[An] urgent investigation into the Arctic treeline... a meticulously researched and compellingly presented read. -- Hannah Beckerman * Observer *

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Book Synopsis'Wise, challenging and offering some unexpected laughter in the dark, this is a rational and insightful account of the sixth great extinction event. Peter Marren is a brilliant writer and a national treasure.' PATRICK BARKHAM'Thoughtful, fascinating and very timely.' STEPHEN MOSS'Important and thought-provoking.' CAROLINE LUCAS, GREEN PARTY MP'Essential reading. Marren makes a page-turner out of Armageddon.' SIMON BARNES'In his characteristic style Peter Marren has humanised the story of wildlife losses with humour and wit but also with his enormous knowledge and deep love for the living world.' MARK COCKERWe are in the midst of an extinction event: the sixth mass extinction on earth and one entirely caused by mankind. All species become extinct sooner or later, but we have accelerated that natural process several hundredfold and now, it is happening right in front of our eyes. Extinction has a terrifying finality to it. And many species have already been lost to us forever; there is little we can do about that.What we can do, however, is reflect, remember, and ultimately acknowledge the unvarnished truth. We must see the natural world as it is, and not as we might want it to be. Our trajectory is one that has benefited one species alone - humankind. For all other beings, from mammals to fish, from birds to insects and coral, from plants to lichens and fungi, the future, for better or worse, is in our hands.Trade ReviewWise, challenging and offering some unexpected laughter in the dark, this is a rational and insightful account of the sixth great extinction event that we are all creating. It also contains the best succinct summary of the conservation movement in Britain that I've ever read. Peter Marren is a brilliant writer and a national treasure. -- Patrick BarkhamAfter They're Gone tackles one of the huge, uncomfortable but absolutely necessary and unavoidable themes of our times. In his characteristic style Peter Marren has humanised the story of wildlife losses with humour and wit but also with his enormous knowledge and deep love for the living world. -- Mark Cocker, author and naturalistSurely one of the best written books about the current extinction crisis in animals, plants and fungi, by one who has spent a lifetime working in the conservation of the organisms he loves. Marren's tour through British wildlife in particular combines common sense and clarity of vision with a poignant sense of loss for the richness of the past. -- Richard Fortey, FRSImportant and thought-provoking -- Caroline Lucas, Green Party MPEssential reading: Marren makes a page-turner out of Armageddon. -- Simon BarnesA characteristically thoughtful, fascinating and very timely book on the process of extinction - and why it matters not just for the future of the natural world, but for us all. -- Stephen Moss, Naturalist and AuthorFrom the Xerces blue to the Labrador duck, from the giant earwig to the golden frog, Peter Marren offers us in After They've Gone a litany of wildlife loss across the world as distressing as it is gripping; and his account of the extinction of the baiji, the legendary Chinese river dolphin, will break your heart -- Michael McCarthy, author of THE MOTH SNOWSTORMHis humour keeps the reader from despairing while his love of the natural world is an inspiration to help where we can * Irish Independent *Nothing is more final than extinction, or more brutal... British nature writer Peter Marren covers the subject with admirable brio * Financial Times *

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Book Synopsis'An insightful book with sparkling wit and humour that will appeal to new and seasoned readers of palaeontology.'Dr Anjana Khatwa, TV presenter and Earth ScientistIt is difficult to conceive of the vast scale of the history of life on Earth, from the very first living organisms sparking into life in hydrothermal deep-sea vents to the dizzying diversity of life today. The evolution of life is a sweeping epic of a tale, with twists and turns, surprising heroes and unlikely survivors. The Earth beautifully distils this complex story into a meaningful scale. In taking a closer look at 47 carefully selected organisms over fifteen periods in our planetary history, this book tells the whole story of life on Earth, and the interconnectedness that unites us through our ecosystems and planetary history.Prepare to be confounded by the ingenuity of evolutionary biologies, humbled by our own brief part in this epic history, and disquieted by our disproportionate impact on the world we call home.'An extraordinarily accessible and informative biography of life seen through the many forms it has generated and preserved in stone, beautifully presented. From tales of the well-known stars of palaeontology like Archaeopteryx to the many-sided cultural stories of the earliest bee fossil, everyone will learn something new.'Thomas Halliday, bestselling author of Otherlands: A World in the MakingTrade ReviewThis ambitious new book provides insights into 47 species that have defined how life has evolved on our planet. With an eye towards those who are new to science, the book is cleverly written with a light touch to draw you into remarkable worlds with astonishing revelations. I particularly love how the punchy, bite sized chunks of information are easily digestible over a breakfast morning read as your favourite cereal. Elsa has achieved an extraordinary feat - an insightful book with sparkling wit and humour that will appeal to new and seasoned readers of palaeontology. -- Dr Anjana Khatwa, TV presenter and Earth ScientistBeyond interesting facts and unusual animals, what ties it all together and elevates this book is the writing, both on account of the excellent explanations and the beautiful phrasing... [Panciroli] injects a degree of poetry that makes you see extinct organisms in a new light...The combination of interesting popular science facts, inspired writing, and a mission to correct common misconceptions make this book easy to recommend, and it would make for a great gift. * The Inquisitive Biologist *An extraordinarily accessible and informative biography of life seen through the many forms it has generated and preserved in stone, beautifully presented. From tales of the well-known stars of palaeontology like Archaeopteryx to the many-sided cultural stories of the earliest bee fossil, everyone will learn something new. -- Thomas Halliday, bestselling author of Otherlands: A World in the Making

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Book SynopsisPlanet earth as we know it is changing rapidly as a consequence of the excessive use of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial processes. Our natural environment is deteriorating at pace and today people are struggling to find mechanisms to cope in the face of these changes. This vital book offers positive, practical techniques to give readers the tools needed to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Readers will find guidance and comfort in the innovative forms of meditations, exercises and rituals, accompanied by the author's intuitive line drawings.This is a hugely important spiritual guide which offers practical techniques to help readers meet the challenges of modern life.

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Book SynopsisAn all-access guide to the abundant natural splendor of Sonoma County.Wild Sonoma celebrates the spectacular and resilient natural landscapes of Sonoma County, which along with its neighboring counties is one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. Our exploration launches with an entertaining primer on ecology basics, including the impact of fire, before a fun fact–filled survey of sixty-two of the area’s iconic and commonly encountered species—from vivacious acorn woodpeckers to disease-neutralizing Western fence lizards. It caps off with a tour of six sites to experience Sonoma’s diverse natural beauty, with a special emphasis on access. Written by Wild LA author Charles Hood, introduced by renowned naturalist Jane Goodall, and illustrated by John Muir Laws, Wild Sonoma offers residents and tourists from eight to eighty a sense of wonder and cause for hope.Trade Review"Earthy and balanced, smooth on the tongue, and with a buttery finish, Wild Sonoma is an appealing, opulent introduction to the natural wonders just beyond the tasting rooms and terraces of Northern California wine country."—Foreword ReviewsTable of ContentsForeword by Jane Goodall Introduction: Welcome to Wild Sonoma! Part 1: Where Nature Comes From water and watersheds dirt versus soil fire and fire ecology Part 2: a Field Guide to Cool, Interesting, and Essential Species birds acorn woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus American coot Fulica americana American robin Turdus migratorius Anna’s hummingbird Calypte anna California quail Callipepla californica California scrub-jay Aphelocoma californica common raven Corvus corax dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus golden-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla great blue heron Ardea herodias great egret Ardea alba house finch Haemorhous mexicanus mallard Anas platyrhynchos mourning dove Zenaida macroura red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor turkey vulture Cathartes aura western bluebird Sialia mexicana flowers, shrubs, and trees arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis bay laurel Umbellularia californica blue dicks Dipterostemon capitatum California buckeye Aesculus californica California poppy Eschscholzia californica coast live oak Quercus agrifolia coast redwood Sequoia sempervirens common manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas iris Iris douglasiana field mustard Brassica spp. Pacific madrone Arbutus menziesii Pacific poison oak Toxicodendron diversilobum sky lupine Lupinus nanus spring vetch Vicia sativa sticky monkey-flower Diplacus aurantiacus toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia valley oak Quercus lobata insects common buckeye Junonia coenia bumble bee Bombus spp. cabbage white Pieris rapae California sister Adelpha californica common yellowjacket Vespula pensylvanica darkling beetle Eleodes grandicollis flame skimmer Libellula saturata harvester ant Veromessor andrei mourning cloak Nymphalis antiopa pipevine swallowtail Battus philenor mammals black bear Urus americanus bobcat Lynx rufus coyote Canis latrans gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus mule deer Odocoileus hemionus northern raccoon Procyon lotor striped skunk Mephitis mephitis western gray squirrel Sciurus griseus reptiles and amphibians California newt Taricha torosa garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis gopher snake Pituophis catenifer northern Pacific rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus Sierran treefrog Pseudacris sierra western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis Part 3: Explorations and Excursions Jenner and the Russian River Estuary Lake Sonoma The Middle Russian River Spring Lake Regional Park Jack London State Historic Park Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Where to Go Next About the Authors

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Book SynopsisThe international bee crisis is threatening our global food supply, but this user-friendly field guide shows what you can do to help protect our pollinators. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation offers browsable profiles of 100 common flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees that support bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. The recommendations are simple: pick the right plants for pollinators, protect them from pesticides, and provide abundant blooms throughout the growing season by mixing perennials with herbs and annuals! 100 Plants to Feed the Bees will empower homeowners, landscapers, apartment dwellers — anyone with a scrap of yard or a window box — to protect our pollinators.

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Book Synopsis“A book that offers hope.” —The New York Times Book Review “A wondrous tapestry.” —Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel Audubon Medal winner Richard Louv’s landmark book Last Child in the Woods inspired an international movement to connect children and nature. Now he redefines the future of human-animal coexistence. In Our Wild Calling, Louv interviews researchers, theologians, wildlife experts, indigenous healers, psychologists, and others to show how people are connecting with animals in ancient and new ways, and how this serves as an antidote to the growing epidemic of human loneliness; how dogs can teach children ethical behavior; how animal-assisted therapy may yet transform the mental health field; and what role the human-animal relationship plays in our spiritual health. He reports on wildlife relocation and on how the growing populations of wild species in urban areas are blurring the lines between domestic and wild animals. Our Wild Calling makes the case for protecting, promoting, and creating a sustainable and shared habitat for all creatures—not out of fear, but out of love.Includes a new interview with the author, discussion questions, and a resource guide.Trade Review“A game-changer.” —Psychology Today “Louv deftly brings together cutting-edge science, longstanding wisdom and recent discoveries, along with wonder and humor, while never losing sight of the magic that’s possible when humans and nonhumans connect. This is a book that offers hope.” —The New York Times Book Review “Our Wild Calling is a thoughtful, calm, reasoned book, best read at a chapter-a-day pace, allowing time to think and digest what the author has presented.” —The Associated Press "A manifesto for a new way of living in the world, the book reveals a natural tapestry too often ignored." —The Christian Science Monitor “Impassioned and compelling . . . A thoughtfully researched, poetically inspiring call to action that will resonate with a broad range of readers.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review “Louv writes of our need for immersion in nature and of how our interactions with animals can help us to save not only ourselves, but also the planet. In lyrical, sometimes mystical prose, he challenges our assumptions about how we relate to other species.” —Booklist, starred review "[An] intriguing and poetic treatise . . . Thoughtful and hopeful, Louv’s work is a stirring look at ‘the blurred lines that have always existed between wild and domestic, human and other than human.’ ” —Publishers Weekly “Looking at scientific research from a variety of experts, this is a compelling call to reestablish ties with the animal world. Strongly recommended for anyone feeling overwhelmed or spiritually bereft in today’s society."—Library Journal “Richard Louv has done it again. A remarkable book that will help everyone break away from their fixed gaze at the screens that dominate our lives and remember instead that we are animals in a world of animals.” —Bill McKibben, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? “These pages weave a wondrous tapestry in which we all are crucial threads. It’s a picture of our own creation, about a future we will share, a future we can strive to make worth living for.”—Carl Safina, author of the New York Times bestseller Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel “We need community with nature and communication with animals more than ever now that so many of us live in urban environments. Through many fascinating stories of human-animal interaction, Richard Louv urges us to be open-minded about animals and reposition our species inside the natural world.” —Frans de Waal, author of Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves “I wish I had written this book! In this deep exploration, Louv celebrates our essential connections to animals—in the wild, in the city, in our dreams, in our hearts.” —Jennifer S. Holland, author of the New York Times bestselling Unlikely Friendships series “Not just a brilliant, wise, and eloquent book, but a powerful summons to reconnect with the life all around us. Reconnecting with animals is a remedy for much of what ails modern life including loneliness and boredom.” —David W. Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Oberlin College “Powerful. A must-read for everyone who is concerned with the ways in which human animals are becoming increasingly alienated from nonhuman animals, with devastating results for all involved.” —Marc Bekoff, author of Rewilding Our Hearts “The timing for Our Wild Calling could not be better. Louv suggests that humans who have strong relationships with animals help their own mental health as well as possibly saving life on earth. This book is incredibly important to our future on this planet.” —Robert Bateman, artist, naturalist, and author of Robert Bateman’s Canada “Richard Louv continues to connect all of us to nature through his new book . . . A great read for all!” —Fran P. Mainella, 16th Director of the U.S. National Park Service

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Book SynopsisFor focus, exercise, and pleasant distraction, scientist Declan McCabe takes frequent walks along Vermont''s Winooski River. The brief trips provide solitude, grounding, and an opportunity to explore. Slowing down, and observing carefully, reveals diverse life in unexpected places. Each patch of soil, each fallen tree, and every puddle of standing water is a microcosm of life to be appreciated.Turning Stones is a careful look at the mysteries and life that can be found in a river if you just the take the time to look. The more than 50 short essays gathered in this volume provide an astounding look at the rich diversity of life that depends on water. McCabe looks at the unique chemistry of water that makes it essential for all life. He examines a range of life form and looks to the future at ways to preserve clean water for the next generation and beyond.

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Book SynopsisCome along on an informative, whirlwind tour of urban species—from intelligent crows to backyard lichens—and discover that you are surrounded by wild nature, even in your own backyard.When biologist Hanna Bjørgaas spots a fairy cup lichen in Antarctica, she is surprised to recognize it from her own backyard in Oslo. When she returns home, she embarks on a journey into urban nature, visiting city parks, cemeteries, and concrete rooftops to investigate the species that live in urban spaces. Along the way, she meets corvids, songbirds, ants, pigeons, bats, sparrows, fungi, and linden trees—and the experts who study their surprising abilities to survive, and thrive, in the city.As Bjørgaas discovers, urban nature—and its unique mixture of species that have never lived together before in Earth’s history—is valuable. More than half of the world’s human population lives in densely populated areas—and plants and animals have followed us into cities. Secret Life of the City invites us to pay more attention to the sounds, sights, and smells of urban nature right outside our door.A treasure trove of fascinating flora and fauna, this wonderful book offers a plea to save our city plants, animals, and fungi before we lose them, too.Trade Review“Fascinating... A marvelous journey... Bjørgaas passes a calendar year exploring the internal lives of crows, bats, nightingales, gulls, lichens and urban soils, a grounded account of the sublime adventures that come from slowing down and paying attention.”—Washington Post"A gem of a book."—Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, author of Extraordinary Insects"Biologist Bjørgaas debuts with an enchanting paean to the overlooked marvels of metropolitan wildlife. . .offer[s] a nuanced understanding of urban flora and fauna and push back against common assumptions about where nature ends and the human world begins. City dwellers will see their environs in a new light."—Publishers Weekly"This book is a delight to read. Like an urban Alice in Wonderland, bubbling biologist Hanna Bjørgaas takes us on a rollercoaster of interconnected adventures with the animals and other creatures that she shares her daily life with. We climb with her through the undergrowth, confront cheeky city birds, and poke around in layers of moss and lichen. Her enthusiasm for all life around her and the dedicated scientists who study it is infectious. Plus, we pick up a lot of good science without even noticing it, that's how good a tour guide she is."—Menno Schilthuizen, author of Darwin Comes to Town"A wonderfully intimate account of the secret rhythms of the city. Hanna Bjørgaas's exploration of the city reveals its natural life in memorable detail, delving deep into the microorganisms within the soil and soaring high above the city with peregrine falcons. Her book is a moving call to understand our urban environments better and appreciate their mysterious ecosystems."—Ben Wilson, author of Urban Jungle: The History and Future of Nature in the City"I once saw a sign that said 'Love is a Decision,' and Hanna Bjørgaas's book made me realize that wonder is a decision, too. I loved her decision, at the outset of the book, to wonder about nature in Oslo—sparrows and dirt and lichen and bats—and I loved how her questions lead to revelatory answers, about the city's noise affecting bird sopranos and bird contraltos differently; how as we are afraid of the dark, bats are afraid of the light; that putting your head in soil cheers you up, and that if you want to cheer up the soil you just leave it alone. This book, full of dazzling information, begins with wonder and ends with affection for 'the near and the dear': the subjects have become the friends."—Amy Leach, author of Things That Are and The Everybody Ensemble

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Book SynopsisMajestic and awe-inspiring, mountains demand our attention. Through the centuries, they have both repulsed and attracted. They have been appreciated and despised as sites of divine and diabolic sublimity, as the dwellings of gods and demons, hermits and revolutionaries. Mountain encounters have defined ways of seeing. They have changed our sense of time. They have pushed the boundary between life and death. Progressively tamed, exploited, even commodified, today mountains continue to attract seekers of spiritual quietness and of extreme emotions alike, as well as weekend travellers looking for a break from the everyday.In this compelling journey through peaks both real and imaginary, Veronica della Dora explores how the history of mountains is deeply interlaced with cultural values and aesthetic tastes, with religious beliefs and scientific practices. She shows how mountains are ultimately collaborations between geology and the human imagination, and how they have helped shape our environmental consciousness and our place in the world. Magnificently illustrated, and featuring examples from five continents and beyond, Mountain offers a fascinating exploration of mountains and the idea of mountain in art and literature, science and sport, religion and myth.

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Book SynopsisThroughout human history our relationship with trees, woods and forests has remained central to the development of our technology, culture and expansion as a species. In this engaging book Charles Watkins examines and challenges our historical andmodern attitudes to wooded environments, and our continuing anxiety about humanity's impact on these natural realms.

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Book SynopsisThe remote archipelago which lies off the north-west coast of Scotland boasts a huge range of contrasting and spectacular land- and seascapes. Lewis is austere, with a featureless peatland core, bounded by dramatic sea cliffs, whilst neighbouring Harris is extraordinarily rugged but fringed with stunning unspoilt beaches. The Uists are characterised by gentle fertile machair lands, and Barra has a more brutal landscape carved from ancient gnarled rock. But these islands have one thing in common: they were all built from the most ancient rocks in Britain – Lewisian gneiss, which reaches back almost to the beginning of geological time. In this book Alan McKirdy explores these islands, together with the volcanic rocks that build the outposts of Rockall, St Kilda and the Shiants, tracing their extraordinary journey through time and across the globe.Trade Review'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland' * West Highland Free Press *'Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change' * Dundee Courier *

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Book SynopsisThe archipelagos of Orkney and Shetland are the products of some of the most dramatic events which have occurred in the Earth’s history. The Shetlands are the eroded roots of a vast mountain range that once soared to Himalayan heights and extended from Scandinavia to the Appalachians. Around 65 million years ago, this mighty chain was split asunder by the shifting of the Earth’s tectonic plates, and the North Atlantic Ocean was formed. In earlier times, the area was occupied by a huge freshwater lake – Lake Orcadie – which existed for almost 10 million years and was home to a wide range of primitive species of fish. Later, during the last Ice Age, the area was completely submerged beneath ice sheets which left an indelible mark on the landscapes of both island groups. This book tells the incredible geological story of the most northerly outposts of the British Isles.Trade Review'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland' * West Highland Free Press *'Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change' * Dundee Courier *

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Book SynopsisAfter giving up a hectic life as a journalist in Europe and Hollywood in the late 1960s to return to his boyhood love of nature, Mike Tomkies moved to Eilean Shona, a remote island off the west coast of Scotland. There he rebuilt an abandoned croft house and began a new way of life observing nature. He tracked foxes and stags, made friends with seals and taught an injured sparrow-hawk to hunt for itself. It was the indomitable spirit of this tiny bird that taught Tomkies what it takes for any of us to be truly free. Whether he was fishing, growing his own food or battling through stormy seas in a tiny boat, he learned that he could survive in the harsh environment. This is the astonishing story of daring to take the first step away from urban routines and embracing a harsh yet immensely rewarding way of life which, in turn, led Tomkies to an even more remote location and inspired an acclaimed series of books on various animals and the challenges and joys of living in remote places.

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Book SynopsisChina is a huge country, with remarkably varied and unusual wildlife. This fully updated second edition of Bradt's visitor's wildlife guide provides a colourful introduction to the mammals, birds, reptiles and other wildlife for which the area is renowned, together with an insight into their habits and habitats, and an indication of where they are likely to be seen. Accessible and beautifully illustrated, the guide will appeal both to the first-time visitor and to the serious naturalist seeking a compact volume to carry around. And after the trip, it will also make a great souvenir. New for this second edition are coverage of the new Giant Panda National Park, the recovery of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, whose numbers have increased from around 1,000 to over 3,000, the huge increase in protected areas on both land and sea, and the increased protection in several large reserves for the chiru or Tibetan antelope, notably in Kekexili World Heritage Reserve. Also included are 10 maps focusing on major landscape features and habitats, as well as specific habitat regions such as desert, high plateau, lowland and wetland, and mountain, forest and grassland. All major animal groups are covered, as are habitats and plant life, and there are features on special topics such as medicinal plants, rare cranes and panda country. There are also practical tips for the visitor on where and when to go, and around 200 photographs illustrating the most interesting species from some of the country's finest photographers.Table of ContentsForeword Landscape, habitats and plant life General landscape features, Habitats, Plant life Mammals Carnivores, Hoofed mammals, Elephants, Primates, Small mammals, Dolphins, seals and sirenians Birds Seabirds and waterbirds, Birds of prey (raptors), Ground birds, Near-passerines, Passerines (perching birds) Reptiles, amphibians and fish Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish Invertebrates Butterflies and moths, Beetles, bugs, spiders and others Making the most of it When to go, What to take, Health and safety, Watching for wildlife, Photographing natural China Where to go Conservation and nature reserves, Regions and sites: Desert region of northwest China, High plateau region of west China, Mountain, forest and grassland region of north China, Lowland and wetland region of east China, Mountain and forest region of central China, Mountain and forest region of south China, Mountains of southwest China, Tropical region of south China Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisYou don't know home until you leave it. With over 200 spectacular images, including astonishing satellite images and stills from the BBC Natural History Unit’s footage, Earth from Space reveals our planet as you’ve never seen it before.For decades we competed to be the first to reach space, but it was when we looked back at Earth that we were truly awestruck. Now, for the first time, using advanced satellite images we can show the earth’s surface, its mega structures, weather patterns and natural wonders in breathtaking detail.From the colours and patterns that make up our planet to the mass migrations and seismic changes that shape it, Earth from Space sheds new light on the planet we call home. It reveals the intimate stories behind the breathtaking images, following herds of elephants crossing the plains of Africa and turtles travelling on ocean currents that are invisible unless seen from space. The true colours of our blue planet are revealed, from the striped tulip fields of Holland to the green swirl of a plankton super bloom that attracts a marine feeding frenzy. Whether it's the world’s largest beaver dam – so remote it was only discovered through satellite imagery – or newly formed islands born from volcanic eruptions, discover a new perspective on our ever-changing planet.

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Book SynopsisWelcome home. A place 200 million years in the making.Long ago, our planet had only one gigantic land mass. Then something monumental happened. That supercontinent ruptured and seven different worlds were born. Each of those worlds - or continents - evolved, and continues to evolve, its own way of life. From the jungle of the Congo or the majestic Himalayas to the densely populated wilds of Europe or the comparatively isolated Australasia, Seven Worlds, One Planet explores the natural wonders that give each of our continents its distinct character. Following the animals that have made these iconic environments their home, it discovers spectacular wildlife stories that reveal what makes each of these seven worlds unique. With a foreword by Sir David Attenborough and over 250 breathtaking images, including stills from the BBC Natural History Unit’s spectacular footage, Seven Worlds, One Planet is a stunning exploration of the planet, and the worlds within it, that we call home.

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Book SynopsisPraise for The Green Planet (BBC One)'David Attenborough's gobsmacking, awe-inspiring return' The Guardian'The Green Planet reveals the secret lives of plants in the same way The Blue Planet opened our eyes to the oceans' New ScientistThere's something new under the sunPlants live secret, unseen lives - hidden in their magical world and on their timescale. From the richest jungles to the harshest deserts, from the snowiest alpine forest to the remotest steaming swamp, Green Planet travels from one great habitat to the next, showing us that plants are as aggressive, competitive and dramatic as the animals on our planet. You will discover agents of death, who ruthlessly engulf their host plant, but also those that form deep and complex relationships with other species, such as the desert cacti who use nectar-loving bats to pollinate. Although plants are undoubtedly the stars of the show, a fascinating new light will be shed on the animals that interact with them.Using the latest technologies and showcasing over two decades of new discoveries, Green Planet reveals the strange and wonderful life of plants like never before - a life full of remarkable behaviour, emotional stories and surprising heroes.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that mosquitoes' mouthparts are helping to develop pain-free surgical needles? Who'd have thought that the humble mussel could inspire so many useful things, from plywood production to a 'glue' that cements the crowns on teeth and saves unborn babies in the womb? How about the fact that studying the tiny kingfisher solved engineering problems with Japan's ultra-high-speed bullet train, or that the humpback whale's flipper helped design the most efficient blades for wind power turbines? For many years, humans have been using the natural world as inspiration for everything from fashion to architecture, and medicine to transport, and it may come as a surprise to learn how many inventions have been motivated by animal design and behaviour. Dive into the depths with us as author Patrick Aryee reveals even more astonishing stories about animals' exceptional powers and the unique contributions they've made to the quality of our everyday lives. Beautiful hand-drawn illustrations accompany his revelations and bring the natural world to life.

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Book SynopsisThroughout time, trees have stood as sentinels, wise yet silent, patiently accumulating their rings while the storms of history have raged around them. Trees and humankind have always had a symbiotic relationship. Throughout the centuries trees have offered us shelter from the cold and the heat. They have provided us with a multitude of nutritious fruits, leaves, flowers and roots for food and medicine. They have given us wood with which to make our tools, weapons and toys, not to mention timber for houses, fences, boats and bridges. But perhaps most significant of all, trees have provided us with fuel for fire, which, once it was tamed hundreds of thousands of years ago became the engine of civilization. Trees are our strongest allies. The Living Wisdom of Trees is a richly illustrated guide to the cultural significance of 55 trees, from Acacia to Yew, looking in particular at their botanical characteristics; their place in world myth, magic and folklore; their healing properties; and their practical contribution to society. Featuring beautiful hand-drawn evocative illustrations, The Living Wisdom of Treesis for all who seek acquaintance with the fascinating lore and the profound spiritual wisdom of trees.

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Book SynopsisIn 1985 Boria Sax inherited an area of forest in New York State that had been purchased by his Russian, Jewish Communist grandparents as a buffer against what they felt was a hostile world. For Sax, in the years following, the woodland came to represent a link with those who lived and had lived there, including Native Americans, settlers, bears, deer, turtles and migrating birds. In this personal and eloquent account, Sax explores the meanings and cultural history of forests from prehistory to the present, taking in Gilgamesh, Virgil, Dante, the Gawain poet, medieval alchemists, the Brothers Grimm, the Hudson River painters, Latin American folklore, contemporary African novelists and much more. Combining lyricism with contemporary scholarship, Sax opens new emotional, intellectual and environmental perspectives on the storied history of the forest.Trade Review'Put on your hiking boots and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey around the world with Boria Sax as your expert guide. Make stops with Gilgamesh at the Cedar Forest of Lebanon, with Dante as he enters a dark forest, and with Joseph Conrad’s Marlow as he navigates his way down a river to the Congo. Behold Yggdrasil of Nordic mythologies, the Cosmic Tree that grows in Siberia, or the Waq Waq tree in medieval Arab belief systems. Beauty and wisdom flash out at us on every page of this captivating volume.' – Maria Tatar, author of The Heroine with 1001 Faces; 'We generally take forests for granted, but Boris Sax, in this elegant history, reveals their glory and importance. When we look at our devastation of forests throughout the world, and how ignorant we are about the value of trees, it is a crime that we don't know more about their existence. Sax's graceful analysis guides us through all kinds of enchanted forests throughout history that need more respect than they have received.' – Jack Zipes, Professor Emeritus, University of MinnesotaTable of ContentsIntroduction: Forests and Memory 1 Wood and Leaves 2 The World Tree 3 Mythic Beings 4 Conquest of the Woods 5 The Royal Hunt 6 The Forest and Death 7 Lord of the Forest 8 Lady of the Forest 9 The Classical, Rococo and Gothic Woods 10 The Primeval Forest 11 The Forest of Dreams 12 The Law of the Jungle 13 The Man with the Big Axe 14 The Politics of Trees 15 The River in the Forest Epilogue Timeline of Forests in Culture References Further Reading Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisButterflies and moths hold an enduring fascination for their unusual life cycle, as they change from one creature into another. Butterflies is an outstanding collection of photographs showcasing nature’s most beautiful and often elusive butterflies and moths – members of the Lepidoptera order – in the variety of their natural habitats. With 17,500 species of butterfly and 160,000 species of moth in the world today, they can be found on every continent apart from Antarctica, and in every nation. Arranged in chapters covering some of the most beautiful and interesting types of butterfly and moth, their habitats, their transition from egg to caterpillar and from chrysalid to adult, as well as their behaviour, the book reveals little-known facts about their life cycle, anatomy, self-defence mechanisms, feeding and migration. For example, did you know that while caterpillars chew their solid food, adult butterflies can only consume liquid, and some moths do not even have mouths? Or that many species can taste with their feet? With full captions explaining how the species breeds, feeds, and changes from caterpillar to the animal kingdom’s most stunning member, Butterflies is a brilliant examination in more than 200 outstanding colour photographs of these fascinating insects.Table of ContentsContents to include: Introduction Chapter One: Butterfly Species and Anatomy Chapter Two: Moth Species and Anatomy Chapter Three: Habitats Butterflies and moths live in a wide variety of habitats: tropical forest, grasslands, sand dunes, coastlines, mangroves and mountains, to name a few. Many of these are occupied because of the particular foods they offer the insects. Butterflies and moths adapt to survive in these habitats, employing various ingenious self-defence mechanisms. They also contribute to the ecosystem they are part of through pollination. Chapter Four: Life Cycle Butterflies and moths have four distinct stages of their life – eggs, caterpillar/larva, pupa and adult – and the transition between each is a sight to behold. Chapter Five: Behaviour Members of the Lepidoptera order display numerous fascinating behaviours. This chapter examines their feeding, migration, navigation, communication, breeding and territoriality. Butterfly species and sub-species discussed to include: Anna’s Eighty-Eight Apollo Arctic fritillary Banded orange tiger Blue morpho Blue tiger Ceylon rose Chimaera birdwing Common blue Common buckeye Cracker Dead leaf Eastern comma Elizabethan Emerald swallowtail Forest giant owl Glasswing Golden Kaiser-i-hind Helioconius hacale zuleikas Island marble Malachite Map Monarch Painted lady Peacock Peacock pansy Piedmont ringlet Purple emperor Question mark Rajah Brooke’s birdwing Red admiral Richmond birdwing Schaus’ swallowtail Silver-washed fritillary Silver-studded blue Spanish festoon Sylphina angel Ulysses Viceroy Zebra swallowtail Moth species and sub-species discussed to include: Atlas Cecropia Cinnabar Comet Dysphania militaris Elephant hawk-moth Emperor Gallium sphinx Garden tiger Giant leopard Hummingbird hawk-moth Io Japanese silk moth Lime-hawk-moth Luna Madagascan moon Noctuidae Oleander hawk-moth Pellucid hawk-moth Rosy maple Texas wasp-moth Uropyia meticulodina White-lined sphinx

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Book SynopsisNot so long ago, our roads, buildings, gravestones and monuments were built from local rock, our cities were powered by coal from Welsh mines, and our lamps were lit with paraffin from Scottish shale. We live among the remnants of those times but for the most part our mines are gone, our buildings are no longer local, and the flow of stone travels east to west. Spurred on by the erasure of history and industry, Ted Nield journeyed across this buried landscape: from the small Welsh village where his mining ancestors were born and died, to Swansea, Aberdeen, East Lothian, Surrey and Dorset. Nield unearths the veins of coal, stone, oil, rock and clay that make up the country beneath our feet, exploring what the loss of kinship between past and present means for Britain and the rest of the world today.

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Katharine Briggs Folklore Award and runner-up for Countryfile Book of the Year. For millennia, the passing seasons and their rhythms have marked our progress through the year. But what do they mean to us now that we lead increasingly atomised and urban lives and our weather becomes ever more unpredictable or extreme?In this splendidly rich and lyrical celebration of the English seasons, Nick Groom investigates the trove of strange folklore and often stranger fact they have accumulated over the centuries and shows how tradition and our links with nature still have a vital role to play in all our lives.Trade ReviewGroom's enthusiasm is hard to resist, and his garnering of folklore and customs that, for centuries, guided life through the changing seasons bulges with fascination. -- John Carey * Sunday Times *Wonderful and timely -- Philip Hoare * Independent *It's no exaggeration to say that this is a volume I have been waiting for all my life... I love Nick Groom's passionate plea for us to be aware of traditional connections between human lives, the seasons and the natural world. He provides a cornucopia of knowledge, and an inspirational call to awareness... This is a rich celebration of traditions and a plea for them not to be forgotten. -- Bel Mooney * Daily Mail *Groom writes so well and so fittingly... He has taken a classic formula and reinvigorated it, given it new breath and interest. -- Ronald Blythe * Times Literary Supplement *Beguiling... Unexpectedly fascinating * Spectator *Offers far more than trivia and contains details that demand to be shared. -- Max Liu * Independent *A heartfelt exploration of the connections between the seasons and England's traditions and folklore brims with fascinating revelations. * Readers Digest *

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Book SynopsisModern science can speak with authority regarding only a tiniest fraction of the earth's interior. We have, quite literally, scratched just the surface of our planet. Can we truly know what lies beneath our feet, in the unimaginably deep depths of the earth? Can the phenomenon of spiritual investigation add to this question? In this comprehensive volume, with notes and an introduction, Rudolf Steiner's utterances on this theme have been brought together for the first time under one cover. His unique overview gives a picture of the nine layers of the earth as they become visible via the research of the spiritual scientist. The layers range from the familiar 'mineral' on which we live, to the innermost core which Steiner connects to human and animal powers of reproduction. In between are layers such as the 'Mirror Earth', which represents qualities of extreme evil, and the 'Fire Earth', which is connected to natural catastrophes. The information Steiner conveys is never abstract or theoretical, but intimately related to the human being. The Fire Earth, for example, is acutely affected by people's will. When the human will is chaotic and untutored, says Steiner, it acts magnetically on this layer and disrupts it, leading to volcanic eruptions. He also describes other natural catastrophes - such as extreme weather and earthquakes - in connection to the interior of the earth and karma.

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Book SynopsisForest is a celebration of the diverse ways in which trees and forests are as magnificent, economically relevant and profoundly enchanting today as they ever have been. Journeying across the continents, writer Matt Collins and photographer Roo Lewis tie together both the historical context and modern-day applications of some of the world's most fascinating and iconic trees. They explore the heritage of woodlands from around the world and meet those whose lives are inexplicably bound to them. The book is divided into 10 main chapters, each of which explores a tree from a particular genus – Pine, Juniper, Oak, Hornbeam, Cherry, Beech, Birch, Chestnut, Douglas-fir and Poplar. Each chapter provides the reader with a short introduction to the tree, followed by a journalistic account of its relevance to modern day-life (from gin making on Isle of Islay to a truffle farm in Spain), and concludes with an account of the tree in its native forest (from hornbeams in the Ironwoods of Ontario to firs on Vancouver Island). Captured on medium-format film, Roo’s stunning, rich colour images are the perfect companion to Matt’s engaging storytelling and botanical knowledge. Forest crafts a captivating interpretation of the story of the forest through the trees.Trade Review'A visual masterpiece... that combines gorgeous photography with trivia and anecdotes that transport you from your couch to the forest floor.' * The Smithsonian *'Smuggled among the photos are beautiful and substantive essays…an engaging and informative read.' * The Sunday Telegraph, 'Best Gardening Books 2019' *'This is a book in which you can lose your way in the wilderness and come out more clued up on tree species.' * Gardens Illustrated *‘This is a thought-provoking book that will encourage readers to venture deep into a forest…Lewis’ atmospheric, beautifully compose photographs are a delight.’ * BBC Countryfile magazine *'Wonderfully engaging writing with atmospheric photography…this warm and engaging and interesting book opens your eyes that bit further on the history, uses and importance of our trees.’ * BBC Wildlife magazine *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThe Pony Rider Boys In The Alkali is a book of the Pony Rider Boys series which is well-written by Frank Gee Patchin. This collection of ideas by Sir Patchin attempts to compile many of his classic thoughts that are consolidated in a single draft and offer them at an affordable price so that everyone can read them. Some stories are interesting and amazing while others can draw you completely into the book. With an eye-catching cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Pony Rider Boys In The Alkali is both modern and readable. The plot has many twists and turns that can engage a reader to read this book by the end of it. This book has been deemed a classic and has been a great collection of ideas that are comprehended so that people of any age can read this novel. A compendium of ideas delivered by Frank Gee Patchin is interesting and adventurous at the same time!

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Book SynopsisThe ancient Greeks called it Gaia; the Romans Terra. We know it simply as Earth, the planet we call home. And what a planet it is.Formed around 4.6 billion years ago from the debris of the big bang and long-dead stars, at first it was nothing special, but somehow it evolved to become the most amazing place in the known Universe. The only living planet we know of, it also has a very unusual moon, a remarkably dynamic surface, a complex atmosphere and a deeply mysterious interior.This is Planet Earth is dedicated to the wonders of Planet Earth. Its past is long and dramatic and its future shrouded in mystery. Yet despite centuries of research, only now are we starting to understand Earth's complexity.ABOUT THE SERIESNew Scientist Instant Expert books are definitive and accessible entry points to the most important subjects in science; subjects that challenge, attract debate, invite controversy and engage the most enquiring minds. Designed for curious readers who want to know how things work and why, the Instant Expert series explores the topics that really matter and their impact on individuals, society, and the planet, translating the scientific complexities around us into language that's open to everyone, and putting new ideas and discoveries into perspective and context.

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Book SynopsisSecond revised edition of the colourful field guide to tropical marine life, from tide pools to coral reefs and the open ocean beyond.Trade Review[Review of previous edition: ] Anyone fascinated by the underwater world will be riveted by the photos in this richly illustrated guide... Readers can lose themselves in the magnificent environment beneath the sea, observing a parrot fish sleeping in its mucus cocoon and a manta ray being cleaned by two remoras as a diver swims nearby. The text, written by Michael, who has worked as a scientific consultant for National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, is aimed at the novice, but it is a comprehensive resource on the many different aquatic species that make their homes in and around the world's reefs. Each listing gives the creature's dimensions, location and specific details about its behavior. For snorkelers or divers who enjoy identifying the underwater life they have seen, this well researched and impeccably documented book will be an invaluable resource.-- (04/05/2013) [Review of previous edition: ] Brandon Cole is one of the world's most accomplished underwater photographers and certainly one of the most prolific.... He has put a collection of his pictures together to form a useful guide to tropical marine life. The text is by Scott Michael, a sometime scientific consultant to National Geographic Explorer and Discovery Channel. Six hundred pages make up a weighty volume measuring 16 x 18cm, and half of that is reproduced in the conventional form of a fish-identification book, with a photograph and details of an example of each species. However, much of this book contains chapters on such issues as parental care in reef fish, schooling and shoaling, venom and poison, and cleaner-fish ecology. It even has an appropriately small section on algae. A major section details the different coral reef communities found around the world... There are chapters on elasmobranches, invertebrates, marine reptiles and marine mammals and all are illustrated, almost without exception, with beautiful pictures by Brandon Cole, although Scott Michael and a few others have filled in the inevitable holes. The text is informative and well sourced without being too wordy.-- (06/01/2013) [Review of previous edition: ] Identifies hundreds of the most commonly encountered species in tropical marine environments all over the world... Reef Life features more than 1,000 color photographs of 800 species. The ID guide includes the most likely encountered fishes and features name, species, habitat, range and a description particular to the animal covered. Readers will find information on feeding, mimicry and symbiosis. There is also a chapter on conservation.-- (06/01/2013) [Review of previous edition: ] This colorful, eye-catching title provides the reader with in-depth text on tropical marine ecosystems accompanied by brilliant photography.... The book centers around the coral belt..... Along with information on the marine life in these areas the authors provide users with what they are likely to see while diving in these areas... Useful as an identification guide as well as for those who want to browse the incredible photographs.-- (08/15/2014)

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Book SynopsisThe Lochaber and Glencoe area is rich in historical associations. It was at Glenfinnan that Bonnie Prince Charlie started his long march southwards to lay claim to the British throne, and Glencoe was the scene of one of the most vicious massacres in Scottish history. But a longer and even more turbulent history is played out geologically. Ancient volcanoes erupted in massive explosions, causing shock waves that reverberated around the planet. Their eroded remains form some of the breathtaking scenery for which Glen Coe is famous, as well as the highest mountain in Britain – Ben Nevis. Ice too played its part as glaciers scraped their passage across the landscape, carving deep glens and shaving the tops off the highest mountains. This book is fascinating introduction to the geology of the area, which features some of Scotland’s oldest rocks and some of its most stunning and dramatic scenery.Trade Review'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland' * West Highland Free Press *'Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change' * Dundee Courier *

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Book Synopsis'Blissfully funny, staggeringly informative, a joyful companion' Caroline Quentin 'Tells the endlessly fascinating tale of Britain's natural history in a way that makes every delicate detail sparkle with life' Charlie Corbett, author of 12 Birds to Save Your Life When we go for a walk, whether in the countryside or city, we pass through landscapes full of natural beauty and curiosities both visible and invisible - but though we might admire the view, or wonder idly about the name of a flower, we rarely have the knowledge to fully engage with what we see. When we do, our sense of place is expanded, our understanding deepened and we can discover richness in even the most everyday stroll. John Wright has been leading forays around Britain for decades. As an expert forager, he shows people how to identify the edible species that abound - but he also reveals the natural history, stories and science behind our surroundings. Here, he takes us with him on eight walks: from verdant forests to wild coastlines, via city pavements, fields and rolling hills, he illuminates what can be found on a walk across any British terrain, and how you might observe and truly understand them, for yourself. Warm, wise and endlessly informative, with helpful illustrations and suggested routes, this book will help you to see the world around you with new eyes: no walk will be the same again.Trade ReviewJohn's passion for the natural world is infectious. His knowledge and understanding of the flora and fauna that surrounds us all makes this book an essential read for ramblers. When you see things others miss, every walk is fascinating. -- Jo Brown, author * Secrets of a Devon Wood *Blissfully funny, staggeringly informative, a joyful companion for those of us who are learning to value the natural world. Urban, coastal or rural nature lovers ... It's all here. -- Caroline QuentinSimply revelatory * Saga *Witty, informative, and beautifully illustrated * Reader’s Digest *Praise for The Forager's Calendar: 'He writes so engagingly ... [This book] is a treasure. It is beautifully produced, designed and illustrated. -- John Carey * The Sunday Times *John Wright writes as though he's talking directly to you, a good friend in the same room. His harvest of fascinating information is worn lightly, with funny, whimsical observations * BBC Countryfile *A hugely useful, well-illustrated and often funny book * The Times *

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Book SynopsisA writer's travels along the legendary yet contested Jordan Riverexploring the long conflict over water supplyTrade Review“James Fergusson gives the reader a vivid understanding of the intricacies of occupation in Israel-Palestine by showing how the issue of water has been weaponised. The book describes the strange geography of the River Jordan and the vanishing Dead Sea, and gives lively descriptions of people and places along the way.”—Raja Shehadeh, author of We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir“In this beautifully descriptive, scrupulously objective, and profoundly important book, James Fergusson exposes the shamefully unequal allocation of vital water resources between Israelis and Palestinians – while daring to dream that righting this wrong could be a first step towards a just peace.”—Donald Macintyre, author of Gaza: Preparing for Dawn“Presents a vivid and enlightening new angle on the Middle East’s most intractable conflict. Fergusson’s book is both a highly readable and engaging travelogue and a nuanced political analysis of the balance of power in contemporary Israel-Palestine.”—William Sutcliffe, author of The Wall “A beautifully conceived and written book. That contemporary Israel-Palestine is a land of both environmental destruction and hydro-apartheid is not news. But in Fergusson’s hands, these brute realities are revealed in the most sensitive, compelling and accessible of styles.”—Jan Selby, author of Water, Power and Politics in the Middle East“James Fergusson’s meticulous search for each rivulet, stream, mountain aquifer, sewage pipe and desalination plant concludes with a crystal-clear vision of an ecological reconciliation. Anyone interested in peace should read this book.”—Nick Thorpe, author of The Road Before Me Weeps

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