Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle
Thor Hanson
(Author)
21,000+ Reviews
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Description
As seen on PBS's American Spring Live, one of America's great nature-writers explores the magic and science of feathers Feathers are an evolutionary marvel: aerodynamic, insulating, beguiling. They date back more than 100 million years. Yet their story has never been fully told. In Feathers, biologist Thor Hanson details a sweeping natural history, as feathers have been used to fly, protect, attract, and adorn through time and place. Applying the research of paleontologists, ornithologists, biologists, engineers, and even art historians, Hanson asks: What are feathers? How did they evolve? What do they mean to us? Engineers call feathers the most efficient insulating material ever discovered, and they are at the root of biology's most enduring debate. They silence the flight of owls and keep penguins dry below the ice. They have decorated queens, jesters, and priests. And they have inked documents from the Constitution to the novels of Jane Austen. Feathers is a captivating and beautiful exploration of this most enchanting object.
Product Details
Price
$18.99
$17.66
Publisher
Basic Books
Publish Date
July 31, 2012
Pages
352
Dimensions
5.4 X 8.0 X 1.0 inches | 0.7 pounds
Language
English
Type
Paperback
EAN/UPC
9780465028788
BISAC Categories:
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About the Author
Thor Hanson is a conservation biologist, Guggenheim Fellow, and author of award-winning books including Buzz, Feathers, The Impenetrable Forest, and The Triumph of Seeds. He lives with his wife and son on an island in Washington State. www.thorhanson.net
Reviews
Thor Hanson's Feathers is a sparkling history...popular natural history at its best.--New Scientist
An illuminating study of an evolutionary marvel.--Economist
A winning book about the extraordinary place of feathers in animal and human history.--Wall Street Journal
Feathers is an impressive blend of beauty, form, and function.--Natural History
Thor Hanson's storytelling is enhanced by his infectious excitement.... Feathers is a compelling introduction to one of nature's wonders.--Nature
A readable introduction to feathers and what they mean for birds and mankind.--Science
[Feathers] is gracious, funny, persuasive and wide ranging.--Amanda Katz, New York Times
[D]elightful.... [A] fascinating inquiry into one of those common things that are easy to overlook until someone shows what a miracle it is.--Seattle Times
[Hanson] gives unexpected substance to his nearly weightless subject.--Discover
[C]aptivating.... Beginning with the evolution of birds, Hanson...unfolds the human fascination with feathers in terms of science, commerce, tools, folklore, art, and aerodynamics with panache.--Audubon
There are many feathery gems to be discovered in this book.... Feathers is a book designed to be read, not skimmed, with every page revealing new layers of understanding.--Examiner
To read Feathers is to meet up with an enthusiastic old friend who simply cannot wait to tell you about something he just discovered...a must-read by bird watchers and naturalists of all levels of interest or experience.--Bird Watcher's Digest
A fascinating book...unusually well-written. Highly recommended.--Peter Matthiessen, National Book Award-winningauthor of The Snow Leopard and Shadow Country
Absolutely fascinating history, and a terrific read.--Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing inthe Rain
This is rich and engaging ornithology at its best.--Frank B. Gill, author of Ornithology
This is science written in clear and entertaining prose; a great read.--Bernd Heinrich, EmeritusProfessor of Biology, University of Vermont; author ofWinter World and Mind of the Raven
Feathers is simply a splendid book!--Robert Michael Pyle, authorof Wintergreen and Mariposa Road
[A] fascinating and eminently readable exploration.--Booklist
An illuminating study of an evolutionary marvel.--Economist
A winning book about the extraordinary place of feathers in animal and human history.--Wall Street Journal
Feathers is an impressive blend of beauty, form, and function.--Natural History
Thor Hanson's storytelling is enhanced by his infectious excitement.... Feathers is a compelling introduction to one of nature's wonders.--Nature
A readable introduction to feathers and what they mean for birds and mankind.--Science
[Feathers] is gracious, funny, persuasive and wide ranging.--Amanda Katz, New York Times
[D]elightful.... [A] fascinating inquiry into one of those common things that are easy to overlook until someone shows what a miracle it is.--Seattle Times
[Hanson] gives unexpected substance to his nearly weightless subject.--Discover
[C]aptivating.... Beginning with the evolution of birds, Hanson...unfolds the human fascination with feathers in terms of science, commerce, tools, folklore, art, and aerodynamics with panache.--Audubon
There are many feathery gems to be discovered in this book.... Feathers is a book designed to be read, not skimmed, with every page revealing new layers of understanding.--Examiner
To read Feathers is to meet up with an enthusiastic old friend who simply cannot wait to tell you about something he just discovered...a must-read by bird watchers and naturalists of all levels of interest or experience.--Bird Watcher's Digest
A fascinating book...unusually well-written. Highly recommended.--Peter Matthiessen, National Book Award-winningauthor of The Snow Leopard and Shadow Country
Absolutely fascinating history, and a terrific read.--Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing inthe Rain
This is rich and engaging ornithology at its best.--Frank B. Gill, author of Ornithology
This is science written in clear and entertaining prose; a great read.--Bernd Heinrich, EmeritusProfessor of Biology, University of Vermont; author ofWinter World and Mind of the Raven
Feathers is simply a splendid book!--Robert Michael Pyle, authorof Wintergreen and Mariposa Road
[A] fascinating and eminently readable exploration.--Booklist
