Nature Books

If you relish stories where the lines between a boisterous family and the wild nature around them blur, "My Family & Other Animals" will charm you. Gerald Durrell whisks you away to the island of Corfu, where daily life is a menagerie of absurdities and natural wonder. It's a memoir that combines the warmth of family quirks with a boy's wide-eyed engagement with nature, all painted across the canvas of a picturesque Greek isle.

Like a Tree, Walking could be a good read for someone who enjoys poetic explorations of nature and self. It offers a unique and fresh perspective on ecopoetics and silence, and takes the reader on journeys that invite new kinds of address, declaration, and relation. The book is also guided by vernacular traditions of sensitivity, making it accessible to a diverse range of readers. Overall, readers may appreciate the book's lyrical style and emotional depth that delves into questions of identity and love.

In pursuit of the wild, solitary, predatory octopus, popular naturalist Sy Montgomery has practiced true immersion journalism. From New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, she has befriended octopuses with strikingly different personalities—gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma. Each creature shows her cleverness in myriad ways: escaping enclosures like an orangutan; jetting water to bounce balls; and endlessly tricking companions with multiple “sleights of hand” to get food.Scientists have only recently accepted the intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees but now are watching octopuses solve problems and are trying to decipher the meaning of the animal’s color-changing techniques. With her “joyful passion for these intelligent and fascinating creatures” (Library Journal Editors’ Spring Pick), Montgomery chronicles the growing appreciation of this mollusk as she tells a unique love story. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what octopuses can teach us about the meeting of two very different minds.

In order to stave off the mass extinction of species, including our own, we must move swiftly to preserve the biodiversity of our planet, says Edward O. Wilson in his most impassioned book to date. Half-Earth argues that the situation facing us is too large to be solved piecemeal and proposes a solution commensurate with the magnitude of the problem: dedicate fully half the surface of the Earth to nature.If we are to undertake such an ambitious endeavor, we first must understand just what the biosphere is, why it's essential to our survival, and the manifold threats now facing it. In doing so, Wilson describes how our species, in only a mere blink of geological time, became the architects and rulers of this epoch and outlines the consequences of this that will affect all of life, both ours and the natural world, far into the future.Half-Earth provides an enormously moving and naturalistic portrait of just what is being lost when we clip "twigs and eventually whole braches of life's family tree." In elegiac prose, Wilson documents the many ongoing extinctions that are imminent, paying tribute to creatures great and small, not the least of them the two Sumatran rhinos whom he encounters in captivity. Uniquely, Half-Earth considers not only the large animals and star species of plants but also the millions of invertebrate animals and microorganisms that, despite being overlooked, form the foundations of Earth's ecosystems.In stinging language, he avers that the biosphere does not belong to us and addresses many fallacious notions such as the idea that ongoing extinctions can be balanced out by the introduction of alien species into new ecosystems or that extinct species might be brought back through cloning. This includes a critique of the "anthropocenists," a fashionable collection of revisionist environmentalists who believe that the human species alone can be saved through engineering and technology.Despite the Earth's parlous condition, Wilson is no doomsayer, resigned to fatalism. Defying prevailing conventional wisdom, he suggests that we still have time to put aside half the Earth and identifies actual spots where Earth's biodiversity can still be reclaimed. Suffused with a profound Darwinian understanding of our planet's fragility, Half-Earth reverberates with an urgency like few other books, but it offers an attainable goal that we can strive for on behalf of all life.

SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERFrom the internationally bestselling, prize-winning author of Landmarks, The Lost Words and The Old Ways 'Dazzling' Guardian'Heart-stopping' Daily Telegraph'Mesmerizing' Observer'Epic' Financial Times 'You'd be crazy not to read this book' The Sunday Times Underland is an epic exploration of the Earth's underworlds as they exist in myth, literature, memory and the land itself. At once ancient and urgent, this is a book that will change the way you see the world.'Marvellous... Neverending curiosity, generosity of spirit, erudition, bravery and clarity... This is a book well worth reading' The Times 'Extraordinary... at once learned and readable, thrilling and beautifully written' Observer'Attentive, thoughtful, finely honed... I turned the last page with the unusual conviction of having been in the company of a fine writer who is - who must surely be - a good man' Telegraph 'Poetry, science, a healthy sense of the uncanny and a touch of the shamanic are the hallmarks of his writing... This is a journey that tells the story not just of nature but of human nature. And there is noone I would more gladly follow on it' i'Startling and memorable, charting invisible and vanishing worlds. Macfarlane has made himself Orpheus, the poet who ventures down to the darkest depths and returns - frighteningly alone-to sing of what he has seen' New Statesman

Half-Earth is an urgent call-to-action to save our planet before it's too late. Edward O. Wilson proposes that the only solution to prevent the impending "Sixth Extinction" is to increase the area of natural reserves to half the surface of the earth. This book is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about preserving our planet and its diverse inhabitants.

The Brilliant Abyss is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the unseen world of the deep ocean. With vivid descriptions and passionate writing, Helen Scales brings to life the majesty and mystery of this alien realm, while also highlighting the urgent need to protect it. Through her book, readers can gain a better understanding of the interconnected ecosystem of the deep, its impact on our daily lives, and the potential consequences if it is further exploited.

The Voyage of the Beagle is a must-read for those who want to experience the excitement of discovery, as Darwin travels the world and documents his observations of the natural world. Darwin's descriptive powers are impressive, and his insightful questioning about the Earth's structure, animal forms, anthropology and the origins of life itself will make readers think long after they finish the book. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the world we live in and the scientific discoveries that continue to shape our understanding of it.

"The Sixth Extinction" is a wake-up call wrapped in compelling storytelling. Elizabeth Kolbert doesn't just state facts; she takes you on a journey through the annals of natural history and the front lines of extinction. Reading it, you'll gain an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and our profound impact on it—perhaps, it'll inspire thought on the kind of legacy we want to leave.

Imagine swinging high amongst the leaves, feeling the exhilaration of both danger and discovery—that's the essence of "The Man Who Climbs Trees". James Aldred doesn't just tell stories; he places you among the branches, offering breathtaking views and heart-racing encounters with wildlife. This book is a perfect companion for adventurers and armchair explorers alike, offering an intimate glimpse into the intersection of nature and the human spirit.

This book is a must-read for history and nature enthusiasts alike. Alfred Russel Wallace's firsthand accounts give readers a deep understanding of Malaysian culture, history, and the rich diversity of its wildlife. His parallel conclusions with Darwin on evolution make this book a remarkable contribution to the field. With a wealth of detail and captivating narrative, it transports readers to the Indonesian archipelago, unveiling the wonders of its exotic people, flora, and fauna. The Malay Archipelago is a treasure trove of knowledge and a testament to Wallace's enduring legacy.

"The Invention of Nature" could be a good read for anyone interested in the history of science and environmentalism. This book presents an in-depth account of Alexander von Humboldt’s life, his expeditions, and his discoveries, highlighting his revolutionary ideas of a complex interconnected global force called nature. The author presents a compelling case of how Humboldt influenced other naturalists and writers, and how his work shaped environmental thinking. The book has won several awards and is highly recommended for those who want to learn about the history of modern environmentalism.

Ecological Literacy is an essential book for those seeking to understand the need for sustainability and education in our changing world. The author, David W. Orr, explores the limits of the earth and how they will affect human evolution. Orr poses the question of how the discovery of finiteness affects the content and substance of education. The book gives essential insights into what people should know and how they should learn it to help transition to sustainability.

This book can be a good read for anyone who loves dinosaurs as it provides a wealth of information on various species, backed by impressive illustrations. Users will appreciate the comprehensive exploration of the dinosaur kingdom.

If you are interested in knowing about the ecological and environmental significance of coasts and oceans, and the global challenges related to the conservation of marine resources, then "The Atlas of Coasts and Oceans" is an ideal read for you. The book offers a comprehensive assessment of major global waterways, including the impact of climate change, industrial growth, tourism, pollution, and over-fishing. The unique feature of the book is its portrayal of global and regional maps that gives a clear picture of the challenges faced by common waters. It is a must-read for conservation enthusiasts and geographers alike.