Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle
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Book Overview
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.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0465028780
ISBN13:9780465028788
Release Date:July 2012
Publisher:Basic Books
Length:352 Pages
Weight:0.81 lbs.
Dimensions:1.0" x 5.4" x 8.0"
Age Range:18 years and up
Grade Range:Postsecondary and higher
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Wow
Published by C.Rex517 , 1 year ago
Anyone who wants to know practically anything about feathers should read this book. You will get to know SO MANY interesting facts and history. The author keeps you engaged while sharing all the information too. If you are into birds this is the book for you.
Feathers is an amazing read !!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 6 years ago
Anyone would love this book is interested natural history but especially birders!!! My husband and I both loved it.
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