Birdbooker Report 44

tags: Birdbooker Report, bird books, animal books, natural history books, ecology books

The Birdbooker Report is a special weekly report of a wide variety of science, nature and behavior books that currently are, or soon will be available for purchase. This report is written by one of my Seattle birding pals and book collector, Ian "Birdbooker" Paulsen, and is edited by me and published here for your information and enjoyment. Below the fold is this week's issue of The Birdbooker Report which lists ecology, environment, natural history and bird books that are (or will soon be) available for purchase.

FEATURED TITLE:

1. Watson, Adam and Robert Moss. Grouse: The Natural History of British and Irish Species. 2008. Collins U.K. Paperback: 531 pages. Price: $49.95 U.S. [Amazon: $37.96]. SUMMARY: This title in the The New Naturalist Library (a popular series of titles on British natural history, well known for their cover art) covers government policies and controversies, the natural history and biology of four species of British and Irish grouse: Red Grouse (Willow Ptarmigan), (Rock) Ptarmigan, Black Grouse and Capercaillie. My overseas friends as well as those in America who are interested in grouse or British/Irish natural history will want this extremely well-balanced and scholarly book.

New and Recent Titles:

1. Clark, Constance Areson. God -- Or Gorilla: Images of Evolution in the Jazz Age. 2008. Johns Hopkins University Press. Hardbound: 289 pages. Price: $35.00 U.S. [Amazon $28.63]. SUMMARY: This book explores the efforts of biologists to explain evolution to a confused and conflicted public during the 1920s (the Scopes "Monkey" Trail decade). This book offers original insights into the role of images in communicating -- and miscommunicating -- scientific ideas to the general public. This topic is especially relevant today! GrrlScientist comment: I'd sure enjoy reading and reviewing this book on my blog.
2. Lopez, Barry and Debra Gwartney (editors). Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape. 2006. Trinity University Press. Hardbound: 449 pages. Price: $29.95 U.S. [Amazon: $19.77]. SUMMARY: A dictionary that defines more than 850 words related to American geography and geology. Unlike your typical dictionary, the definitions are detailed and often give a historical overview of the the term being defined.
3. Savage, Candace. Bees: Nature's Little Wonders. 2008. Greystone Books. Hardbound: 127 pages. Price: $26.00 U.S. [Amazon: $16.65]. SUMMARY: A readable and well illustrated account of the natural and Human history of bees. This book invites its readers to take a new look at insects that are both familiar and wondrously odd. It explores the diversity and biology of bees, including their peculiar sociosexual arrangements, their quirky relationships with flowers, and their startling mental abilities. The book also discusses colony collapse disorder and identifies opportunities for the conservation of pollinators. Filled with stunning images, this is a must-read for conservationists, gardeners, and everyone else who cares about the world around them. GrrlScientist comment: Since I almost did my dissertation research on bees, I think this sounds like an incredibly fascinating book to read!

Children's Titles:

The following three titles are by Jay Hosler and are published by Active Synapse:

1. Clan Apis. 2000. Paperback: 160 pages. Price: $20.00 U.S. [Amazon: $13.50].
2. The Sandwalk Adventures. 2003. Paperback: 160 pages. Price: $20.00 U.S. [Amazon: $13.60].
3. Optical Allusions. 2008. Paperback: 128 pages. Price: $20.00 U.S. [Amazon: $15.00].



4. Wechsler, Doug. Frog Heaven: Ecology of a Vernal Pool. 2006. Hardbound: 48 pages. Price: $17.95 U.S. For ages 8-12. [Amazon: $14.00].
5. Hirschi, Ron. Our Three Bears. 2008. Hardbound: 32 pages. Price: $16.95 U.S. For ages 7 and up. About black, grizzly and polar bears. [Amazon: $13.22].
6. Wechsler, Doug. Marvels in the Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes. 2008. Hardbound: 48 pages. Price: $17.95 U.S. For ages 9-12 [Amazon: $14.00].



7. The Pop-Up Dinosaur Calendar: 2009. 2008. Smithsonian Institution/ Universe Publishing. Paperbound: 12 pages. Price: $14.99 U.S. [Amazon: $10.19]. SUMMARY: The dinosaur artwork by Gregory Paul is very nice!