Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle

Hanson, Thor

ISBN 10 : 0465028780 ISBN 13 : 9780465028788

Editeur : Basic Books, 2012

Synopsis

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.

A propos du livre

Revue de presse :

"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

Présentation de l'éditeur :

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.

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: Basic Books
• Date d'édition: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0465028780
• ISBN 13: 9780465028788
• Reliure: Livre broché
• Nombre de pages: 352