Book reviews N to W
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...the remarkable and often surprising story of one of London's most popular museums...
...reveals the controversies and intrigues behind its progress, and brings alive the succession of gifted, strong minded, and often argumentative men to whom the Natural History Museum owes its being, its public utility and international renown. The book is extremely well illustrated throughout with photographs, and as well as being an authoritative history it makes interesting and entertaining reading."
The Lady, 30 July 1981
A marvellous book to mark the centenary of South Kensington's famous museum...the museum has for a hundred years been home to the world's best in natural history. Professor Stearn tells its story in fascinating style helped by the score of illustrations."
Manchester Evening News, 28 May 1981
...the story of the Museum through the lives and the personalities who created it...we have in this admirable book not only natural history but a fascinating collection of specimen scientists to study as well."
Eastern Daily Press, 3 July 1981
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"The wonder of migration is present on every page of this meticulously researched book…it comes highly recommended"
BBC Wildlife Magazine, February 2007
"A good book for browsing, or for when the kids ask: where does that bird go in winter?"
New Scientist, March 2007
"Attractive, readable book"
Birdwatch Magazine, August 2007
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"There are 68 million specimens in the Natural History Museum in London, including more than 5 million plants, 55 million animals, 9 million fossils and 250,000 bits of mineral and rock. This is a book about how they got there, why they are in there and why this huge, astonishing and much-loved edifice matters more and more...
This book, like a day in a museum, contains a bit of everything. And any of these bits serves as a fizzing intro to the interconnecting possibilities of life, the universe and everything."
Reviewed by Tim Radford for BBC Wildlife Magazine, July 2000
"...Nicola McGirr has attempted to put an entire museum into a book. Her target is London's Natural History Museum, which has its roots deep in the past.
...This succeeds as a lavishly illustrated and very readable account. You'll end up with a far better understanding of what goes on behind the locked doors that separate the public from the scientists and exhibition staff.
...by its support of Nature's Connections, London's Natural History Museum shows clearly that it wants science, and not amusement alone, to attract and engage the visitor. The emphasis that the book places on science and on the scientific process, bodes well for the future. Huxley would have been pleased."
Reviewed by Bernard Wood for New Scientist, 6 May 2000
"Ever since Darwin, and greatly accelerating in recent years, the traditional distinctions between descriptive natural history and fundamental scientific explanation have become increasingly blurred. Nicola McGirr's literally wonderful book traces this process, from earliest times to tomorrow's likely developments...Throughout, the personalities of the researchers and the inspiration provided by natural history collections, come to life in vivid anecdotes and examples.
The Natural History Museum in London is currently in the early stages of a vastly ambitious, and vastly important, project to create a Darwin Centre which seamlessly brings "back of house" - the laboratories and collection-based research enterprises - to the "front of house" that visitors see. McGirr's book is, in a sense, a textual version of this vision of a museum that makes Nature's Connections clearly manifest, in all their wonder and relevance."
Reviewed by Sir Robert May (Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government), 29 February 2000
"...Nicola McGirr is a British science writer who is very actively involved in science publishing and commissioning science books. This profusely illustrated overview of natural science is her first book. In it she successfully manages to handle the broad range and multiplicity of science topics in a concise and very readable way for the general reader...
Nicola McGirr's excellent exploration of natural science and Britain's seminal role in its development ends with a useful selection of further reading, contacts, including web sites and an index."
Reviewed by Douglas Palmer for Amazon, 2000
"A well presented beautifully illustrated account of Natural History, from its origins to the future of this subject. An excellent account covering a vast subject area, bringing it to life with charming anecdotes to make you smile and many interesting examples. We all have a curiosity of the natural world; every reader will find something of interest within these pages. Full of fascinating facts for those who are amazed by the natural world."
Sherkin Comment 2001 - Issue No. 29 (Environmental Quarterly of Sherkin Island Marine Station )
"Who was the first naturalist? What's the history of natural history? You'll these answers and many more in this brilliant book from Nicola McGirr. You don't need any previous scientific knowledge; everything is explained with clarity."
Natural World, the magazine of The Wildlife Trusts, 2001
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"This delightful illustrated history of The Natural History Museum, London, initially the idea of John Thackray has been completed and brought to fruition by Bob Press, who deserves our thanks. Bob notes John's "eye for the more whimsical aspects of Museum life", and there are several engaging, humorous and delightful stories in this small volume. However, there is also a wealth of detail, as the authors identify landmark events in the development of the museum and the key personalities who guided it through various triumphs and crises...
The book is beautifully illustrated with numerous carefully selected photographs, and is interspersed with concise histories of key collections or objects, such as the Sloane herbarium, Thomas Hawkins's 'Great Sea Dragons', Reeves's drawings and Archaeopteryx. In all, this book s a delightful read. In his preface Neil Chalmers notes that "its serves as a fitting testament to [John Thackray's] great knowledge and love of The Natural History Museum, and its rich history."
Archives of Natural History, 29 (2), 2002
"...This museum really is a unique treasure house that we are lucky to have. Plans for the future ought to make it eve more attractive to the public and to scientists - and force any funders you know to read it."
New Scientist, 15 December 2001
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"Potted Histories is a lovely book-harting the histories of plants as recorded by botanical paintings and essays. A great winter read."
Garden Answers, January 2004
"In this sumptuous book, Sandra Knapp sets out to share with the reader some of the treasures in the vast collection [of] botanical illustrations in the Natural History Museum, London, and to connect the visual art with plant exploration morphology and taxonomy. The introduction, written with Judith Magee, tells the history of the rich collections of original illustrations in the Museum. There are a huge number of stories to tell about plants and here a personal selection is woven into a narrative that is both easy to read and full of information...Each chapter depicts the plants in a range of illustrations from several centuries. Most are in large format and beautifully reproduced, many have not been published before...An entrancing and informative book."
PlantNet Newsletter, November 2003
"In this book botanist Sandra Knapp has compiled 300 images from the botanical art of the Natural History Museum to delight garden lovers and artists, accompanied by histories of species evolution."
The Field, November 2003
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"ARE we alone? Search for Life is another in the Life Series from the Natural History Museum and is something of a bargain considering the prices of popular paperbacks. It is admirably succinct on the explosive origin of the Universe and the formation of the Solar System and our own planet. None of this is new, of course, but it is presented here in a lucid and reader-friendly way.
The main attraction is the range and beauty of the illustrations. Every page has its stunners. Astronomical photographs are seldom less than impressive and here there are examples that are marvels of the art. The standard is maintained in pictures of the tiniest details of terrestrial life forms and in the diagrams.
Grady includes a section on possible sites for life on other planets in the Solar System and beyond. She writes clearly on the subtle techniques that could be used to detect indications of life even over immense distances. After reading Search for Life, terms such as astrobiology and HZ will roll easily off your tongue. It's a paperback to treasure. HZ? Habitable Zone."
New Scientist, 19 May 2001
"Starting with the Big Bang and examining life in its earliest and crudest beginnings on Earth, Search for Life explores the viability of life elsewhere in our solar system, and the reasons leading scientists to believe that the moon could be colonised to support life. Clearly explained with up-to-date information, dramatic photos and clear language, this book provides not only an intelligent and comprehensive introduction to the subject, but also tackles the continuing search for 'Habitable Zones' beyond our solar system."
Geographical, May 2001
" ...The fascinating and richly interdisciplinary story of the search for extraterrestrial life is admirably summarized by Monica Grady...
Whether or not we ever find alien life, astrobiology has landed and established a permanent beachhead in academia. Search for Life is an excellent introductory overview of its current status, covering the origin of known life and its nature and the search for it elsewhere. The book is not intended to cover the field in depth, but is a well-illustrated whirlwind tour of most of the significant areas. Nevertheless, I imagine that even the most experienced astrobiologist will learn something from it. The broad expertise involved in astrobiology is always a challenge, and even 'experts' will benefit from such an informative overview."
Nature, Vol 411, 28 June 2001
"The question of whether we are alone in the Solar System, Galaxy or Universe has fascinated humankind since earliest times. This latest volume in the Natural History Museum's Life Series explores the science of astrobiology, the search for life outside our planet. The book provides an excellent survey of the Big Bang that formed the Universe, and then goes on to examine the origin and evolution of life on Earth, before discussing the potential for life elsewhere. The text is thorough, accurate and easy to follow and is richly illustrated in full colour.
This book would make a valued addition to the sixth-form or college library."
School Science Review, No. 302, Sept 2001
"...organised and written in a way that makes it easy to read, whilst keeping a wealth of detailed, up-to-date information available in separate, well-defined panels.
Astounding photographs and excellent illustrations help to examine the evidence which leads to our current understanding of the structure of the Universe, and investigate the possibility of the existence of other life forms.
I found the book extremely readable and highly informative on this rapidly developing, high profile area of science. With a layout that would not preclude its use as a reference book for younger (KS3) pupils, at the same time it provides enough depth of information to enthrall both myself and older pupils. I will certainly be recommending that both our school and department libraries have a copy, and would unreservedly recommend it to other teachers of Astronomy, Physics or Biology."
Physics Education, Vol. 36, Issue 6, Nov. 2001
" An attractively written and well illustrated slim book...
From the deepest depths of the ocean floor to the outermost edges of the Galaxy, Monica Grady explores the potential for life. Starting with the key stages that lead to the emergence of life on Earth, she then considers Mars, Europa - the water-rich satellite of Jupiter - and Saturn's enigmatic moon Titan as possible niches for life. Finishing with possible future exploration beyond the Solar System. Search for Life is richly illustrated with images, from microscopic bacteria to panoramic starscape of clusters of galaxies, providing a comprehensive introduction to the science of astrobiology.
A good brief overview, recommended."
Spaceflight, vol 44, March 2002
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"...David Thomas, a senior lecturer at Bangor University, has presented the world of seaweeds in an easily accessible and fascinating way. He explains what seaweeds are, what they look like and their adaptations to the marine environment, concentrating on mainly fully marine species, big enough to clearly be seen...
This is an excellent book, beautifully illustrated with clear diagrams and quality photographs. The author has interspersed the text with tales related to seaweeds embedded in folklore. A very readable book that would appeal to anyone with an interest in natural history, and a really good addition to any school or college library."
Journal of Biological Education, 37(4) 2003
" This lavishly illustrated book provides a superb introduction to the study of these plants, once a major feature of British shorelines, but increasingly under pressure from tourism, marine pollution and coastal development. The once popular fieldwork undertaken by schoolchildren and students in sensitive rocky shore areas has to be discouraged these days, so books which can portray the diversity and ecological importance of these fundamental plants, such as the one under review are therefore to be applauded."
The Naturalist, October 2003
"This book explains about seaweeds, their life cycle, variety, nutrition and commercial exploitation. Could you want more?
The book is well written, well illustrated, and at an appropriate level for all divers who want to understand the seas. David Thomas has produced a masterpiece in clarity and a quality publication."
SubSea , Spring 2003
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This book brings together the latest findings from world-wide research to dispel the myth of the shark as a mindless killing machine.
It presents a vivid overview of these fascinating and often misrepresented animals. With chapters covering shark biology, behaviour and ancestry, as well as sections on individual groups, Sharks shows how 450 million years of evolution have created the sea's most sophisticated and awe inspiring predators.
The final chapters, looking at threats to sharks, conservation and shark attacks, put into perspective the danger sharks and humans pose to each other.
Spectacular colour photography, including the work of award winning photographer Tom Campbell and easy-to-follow diagrams make Sharks a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for anyone with a keen interest in these intriguing animals. It will be particularly useful for school project work."
Education Today, March 2002
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"... this book is one to recommend. What a fine book! It begins with a stylish cover. Your initial positive impression of the book is confirmed by leafing through the book: the good layout, the nice letter type, the clear drawings and wonderful photos...subjects are concisely explained in a vivid no-nonsense manner of writing. What makes it more enjoyable for the more well read reader, are his descriptions of the 'exceptions' to the general rule...
In his selection of the covered species he still knew how to express the large diversities and complexities amongst snakes. This was only reinforced by the wonderful photos of species that you do not see every day...
I found the articles outlined in the book very enjoyable...The chosen subjects are diverse and original. Again it seems that the choice of subjects are inspired with the wish to present the snakes in all their diversity...
All in all this is a good buy for beginners and for the more advanced because next to a thorough introduction to the snake world, it covers the large diversity of this world."
Litteratura Serpentium (European Snake Society), volume 21, no. 2, 2001
"This is a lovely title from the Natural History Museum's new Life Series. It explores all areas of a snake's world from biology to history, feeding and breeding, documenting the many different species, their habitats, and unique and unusual behaviour.
Included throughout the text is some stunning photography of some of the most interesting species alive, making this great general reading with some amazing facts to shock and surprise."
Pet Reptile, December 2001
"... I must admit I was expecting another simplistic book about snakes regurgitating the same information and photographs seen in many publications these days. However author Peter Stafford (editor of the British Herpetological Society Bulletin) has succeeded in putting together a very well thought out and researched guide to the different snake groups.
The book is well laid out featuring colour plates and/or diagrams on every page...
Many books of this type tend to focus on the better known groups such as the colubrids and pythons, but this is not the case with Snakes...The smaller groups such as the Burrowing Asps (Atractaspididae) and Dwarf Boas (Tropidophiidae) are treated with a similar level of detail as the larger groups, and it was indeed some of the information on these lesser known groups that I personally found particularly interesting...
Overall I found the book very informative and pitched at about the right level to appeal to pretty much anyone with an interest in snakes. It is not packed with scientific jargon but presents detailed factual information in a very readable manner. It's relatively small size and reasonable price make it a worthy addition to any collection."
The Herptile (Journal of the International Herpetological Society), March 2001
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"This book by the editor of the Bulletin of the British Herpetological Society highlights the variety and complexity of an often misunderstood group of vertebrates which worldwide includes almost 3,000 living species. The evolution, biology and natural history of snakes is fascinatingly and comprehensively dealt with and the quality of the numerous colour photographs is justification enough to acquire this book. The Natural History Museum's Life Series forms an authoritative, attractive and highly accessible introduction to a range of natural history subjects written by some of the world's leading specialists. A standard and particularly useful feature is a good glossary, up-to-date bibliography, contact with relevant specialist societies and of great value is the range of addresses for internet resources."
The Naturalist, 126, 2001
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"This is a delightful little book. Its content is very well illustrated, and its short text describes briefly the history of, workings of, need of and use of, scientific collections. It is not an academic text but is designed for the lay readership, and I suspect it will sell thousands in the bookshop of the Natural History Museum and elsewhere - deservedly so.
...most visitors to a large museum probably have no idea at all that behind the doors marked 'Staff Only' lie collections that far exceed in quantity that on display to the public. It has long been known that taxonomy is a subject that is under resourced generally. If this book helps to tell the public about it, then it will do a good service also for the biological sciences generally. Every reader of this review should b[u]y a copy of this inexpensive little book as a gift for a non-scientifically minded relative!"
Reviewed by C R C Sheppard for Marine Pollution Bulletin, 49 (2004) 878
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"A fascinating book…with sumptuous photographs. A book that people of all ages will enjoy."
Good Book Guide, April 2007
"A very personal look at a land of terrifying winds and fearful cold…also superb photographs."
Manchester Evening News, May 2007
"If you are one of the increasing numbers of people planning to visit the Antarctic, this book might come in handy. Informative and digestible."
New Scientist, April 2007
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"A valuable and long overdue contribution to our knowledge of this marsupial…a book that deserves to become the chief work of reference."
The Times Literary Supplement, July 2006
"The authors have succeeded in demystifying the Tasmanian devil and reveal a fascinating creature."
Nature: International Journal of Science, April 2006
"Excellent reading"
New Scientist, June 2006
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"This is a beautiful book. At first glance it looks like a rather glossy coffee table book, but when you stop looking at the numerous spectacular colour photographs and start to read the fascinating accounts of twelve British palaeontologists working in remote areas of the globe, you realise that it is much more than that! The accounts of the hardship and vicissitudes endured by field geologists in the frozen wastes of Antarctica and Tibet or the deserts of Arabia and Africa are truly fascinating...Armchair travellers will delight in the glimpses of other cultures and far flung places. As for me, I couldn't decide whether I wanted to go 'Digging for Dragons in China' or 'Across Tibet by jeep, pony and foot', but get it from your library or ask for it for Christmas and decide for yourself."
Reviewed by Mary Howie for OUGS Journal, 22(2), 2001
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"The
human preferred habitat from our prehistoric past is woodland;
we all have a place for trees in our lives and as Roland
Ennos points out, scientists like them because they are
easy to study - because they don't run away!
Written as a popular science book and richly illustrated, Trees aims to help the reader understand the rich and diverse world of the largest organism that ever lived.
At first sight the book appears to be a general text but close examination reveals a great deal of detail from the author about trees and their lives, which is written in a rich and non-technical way."
Journal of Biological Education(2002) 36 (4)
"Most of us have a love of trees that has been kindled since childhood, from the simple delight of decorating trees for festivals, to marvelling at the size of giant redwoods or the resilience of cacti, to complimenting or coveting a neighbour's magnolia, and which lasts until we ultimately become a nitrogen source for these successful organisms. Ennos has produced a most readable account of how trees have evolved a complex variety of physiologies that have led to their dominance, through succession, in a wide range of ecosystems.
...Written as a popular science book, [it] provides excellent explanations of transpiration, secondary thickening and the evolution of angiosperms, for example. The text is supported by lavish illustrations such as the roots of a kapong tree fingering their way through archaeological remains in an Indonesian rainforest.
...Trees is a clear account that links the anatomy of trees with the niches they have filled for 300 million years across terra firma - and beyond..."
Biologist, 2002, 49, 2
" ...This accessible new paperback is part of the Natural History Museum's Life Series and takes a fresh look at trees through the eyes of an interested amateur. It poses a variety of simple but thought-provoking questions, shedding light on issues that are all too easily taken for granted...
An
educational read without being too dry, and enhanced with
good illustrations, its 112 pages make for an engrossing
read. The succinct but comprehensive glossary means that
those with scant knowledge need not be daunted! This book
is an accessible introduction to one of the wonders of
the natural world - an intelligent, inspiring read for
all nature enthusiasts."
Roebuck - The Magazine of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, issue 96, 2002
"No,
this is not yet another guide to tree recognition. It
is a marvellously informative look at trees as plants,
how they developed and how they live. The first section's
title, "Advantages of being a tree", sets the tone and
it is not long until some statement drops the jaw. The
largest organisms that have ever lived are trees: a giant
redwood can be ten times heavier than a full-grown blue
whale.
The
explanations of such mysteries as how trees raise water
up to their topmost leaves, why they have single leaves,
why they have single trunks and how they are structured
to withstand wind pressures and weather combine clarity
and style in a way that makes the book a rare pleasure
to read. The pleasure is somewhat marred by the facts
about worldwide deforestation and its contribution to
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but Ennos sees at least
some grounds for hope in reforestation schemes, perhaps
propelled by people's delight in trees. If only this could
be a bestseller..."
New Scientist, 1 December 2001
"...Roland Ennos sets out to explain why they win the race for survival. By asking deceptively simple questions and by incorporating the results of the latest research, he describes how trees evolved, how they feed, and how they adapt in their own lifetime to their surroundings.
His book reveals many fascinating aspects of trees and how they influence their environment...Roland Ennos's research in the science of biomechanics enables him to combine his interest in natural history and structural engineering.The book closes by analysing the relationship between trees and people, and examining why wood is such a useful material drawing together the issues of sustainability of forests and the ecological and environmental ramifications of the current methods of harvesting them. Trees is aimed at the enquiring adult, but its open and colourfully illustrated format also makes it accessible to younger enthusiasts."
Timber Grower, 1 December 2001
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"Deeply interesting and refreshing"
Guardian, February 2007
"It is an incisive, tender and ultimately uplifting book."
Good Book Guide, January 2006
"An accessible and informative read that never feels dry or academic."
Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society Magazine, September 2006
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"...This delightful book is the second edition...It presents a concise and intelligent summary of the major aspects of volcanism in a highly attractive format. The text is clear, well written and probably aimed at an audience from sixth-form upwards. An excellent balance has been struck between keeping the text at an approachable level, and yet presenting up-to-date and factually correct science...
...This book deserves to brighten the shelves of anyone with even a passing interest in the natural history igneous rocks."
Reviewed by D M Pyle for Geological Magazine, vol 128 part 6
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"This
tiny book is a jewel - much as the Wildlife Garden itself,
in the heart of London, must be. In just one acre, there
are five habitats including a meadow, woodland and a pond
that are open to the public in summer. The book is full
of beautiful seasonal photographs of the garden and many
of the more than 100 species that visit or live in it.
An inspiration for anyone wanting to create a wildlife
garden at home.
Membership magazine of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust,
Autumn 2005
"Go
to a museum and what you see is mostly done and dusted.
There are exceptions: the San Francisco Exploratorium
runs live experiments to the delight of visitors. As Roy
Vickery shows in Wildlife Garden, London's Natural History
Museum is joining the living science club with a garden
to inspire anyone who wants to encourage wildlife. Great
idea."
New Scientist
"...charts
the
successful building of an educational wildlife garden
in the museum's grounds. The garden contains five major
habitats found in southern England; a hay meadow, ponds
and wetland, woodlands including coppice, hedgerow, and
chalk grassland! Despite its small size, the garden now
boasts a list of more than 350 species of beetle, 462
species of Lepidoptera and hundreds of other invertebrate
species, though many are tourists just like the human
visitors pouring through the museum's front door....well-written
and intended to encourage the reader to investigate wildlife
in more detail: we cannot ask for more."
Reviewed by John S Badmin for Br J Ent Nat
Hist, 17, 2004
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‘This glossy Natual History Museum book provides plenty of inspiration and useful whale facts…with stunning action photography.’
Traveller Magazine, October 2007
"It covers everything you will need to know in order to grasp the basics of cetaceans."
Birding World, October 2006
"When you hear of a new book being published by the NHM you expect a certain quality and this does not disappoint."
Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, November 2006
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