A biologist reveals the secret world hidden in a single square meter of old-growth forest--a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the Pen/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award Look out for David Haskell's new book; The Songs of Trees: Stories From Nature's Great Connectors; coming in April of 2017 In this wholly original book; biologist David Haskell uses a one- square-meter patch of old-growth Tennessee forest as a window onto the entire natural world. Visiting it almost daily for one year to trace nature's path through the seasons; he brings the forest and its inhabitants to vivid life. Each of this book's short chapters begins with a simple observation: a salamander scuttling across the leaf litter; the first blossom of spring wildflowers. From these; Haskell spins a brilliant web of biology and ecology; explaining the science that binds together the tiniest microbes and the largest mammals and describing the ecosystems that have cycled for thousands- sometimes millions-of years. Each visit to the forest presents a nature story in miniature as Haskell elegantly teases out the intricate relationships that order the creatures and plants that call it home. Written with remarkable grace and empathy; The Forest Unseen is a grand tour of nature in all its profundity. Haskell is a perfect guide into the world that exists beneath our feet and beyond our backyards.
#305282 in Books Penguin Books 2012-08-28 2012-08-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.33 x .52 x 4.21l; .34 #File Name: 0143121979208 pagesPenguin Books
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Limited Collection of EssaysBy RenaissanceManI ordered this without giving it much thought because it was from Penguin; which usually has very high production values and it's usually exactly what I want. I perhaps should've given the preview more attention before I placed my order. In all; the Federalist Papers were comprised of 85 Essays. Unfortunately; this set contains barely 19; which is less than 1/4 of all the Federalist papers. Here are the ones included in this book: 1;6;9;10;14;23;39;45;46;47;48;51;62;63;64;70;78;84;85Granted; many of the ones presented are important papers but I would much prefer to have a comprehensive collection and to let the reader decide what is important and what is not. For example; where is Federalist #29 or #30? Those are important; as are all the rest.Don't get me wrong; the Federalist papers that are included are important ones like 10 and 51 but; it should be more clear that you are not getting the entire collection.The book starts out with an introduction that most Americans suffer from an inadequate education in civics which supposedly this document seeks to correct. Well; the problem is that selectively picking and choosing what elements of history to share with us is just as dangerous as the really bad versions of the Federalist papers where supposed scholars have "translated" the works from English to English....which is very revisionist.Please; just give me all 85 Federalist papers; unadulterated; and unedited and let me decide what to read and what to take away from it. I wish I could give it more stars but I can't. The title is misleading; It should be "Select Federalist Papers;" not "THE Federalist Papers." Granted there is a preview and if the buyer goes through table of contents; you'll find what is included but the title is somewhat deceptive.Good luck trying to find a good comprehensive copy of the Federalist Papers out there.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy MatthewWant to truly understand the constitution then here you go! Must read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great!!By PerhapsLove that it is pocket size a important document in the history of United States.
