SUMMARY: As interest in environmental issues grows, many writers of fiction have embraced themes that explore the connections between humans and the natural world. Ecologically themed fiction ranges from profound philosophical meditations to action-packed entertainments. Where the Wild Books Are offers an overview of nearly 2,000 works of nature-oriented fiction. The author includes a discussion of the precursors and history of the genre, and of its expansion since the 1970s. He also considers its forms and themes, as well as the subgenres into which it has evolved, such as speculative fiction, ecodefense, animal stories, mysteries, ecofeminist novels, cautionary tales, and others. A brief summary and critical commentary of each title is included. Dwyer’s scope is broad and covers fiction by Native American writers as well as ecofiction from writers around the world. Far more than a mere listing of books, Where the Wild Books Are is a lively introduction to a vast universe of engaging, provocative writing. It can be used to develop book collections or curricula. It also serves as an introduction to one of the most fertile areas of contemporary fiction, presenting books that will offer enjoyable reading and new insights into the vexing environmental questions of our time.
RECOMMENDATION: A good introduction on the subject with most of the literature listed being from the 1970's to the present.
SUMMARY: A comprehensive photographic field guide to the dragonflies and damselflies of Britain and Ireland. This completely revised second edition covers in detail the identification of all 56 species that have been recorded, as well as seven potential vagrants. It aims to help the Dragonfly-watcher – beginner or expert – to identify any species they encounter.
• Stunning colour plates of all species – showing males, females, immatures and colour forms.
• Innovative, beautifully detailed and easy-to-use identification charts summarising the key features of both adults and larvae.• Detailed species profiles covering:
• adult identification
• distribution, with up-to-date maps
• flight periods
• eggs and larvae, behaviour, habitat requirements, status and conservation.
• sections on biology, habitats, tips on how and where to watch Dragonflies, and other useful information.
RECOMMENDATION: For those with an interest in the world's Odonata and/or British/Irish natural history. This title is available here: https://www.wildguides.co.uk/our-titles/britains-wildlife/britains-dragonflies-second-edition You need to scroll down a ways.
3) Tingay, Ruth E. and Todd E. Katzner (editors). The Eagle Watchers: Observing and Conserving Raptors around the World. 2010. Cornell University Press. Hardbound: 234 pages. Price: $29.95 U.S.
SUMMARY:The Eagle Watchers covers twenty-four species on six continents, from well known (bald eagle; golden eagle), to obscure (black-and-chestnut eagle; New Guinea harpy eagle), and from common (African fish eagle) to critically endangered (Philippine eagle; Madagascar fish eagle). The diverse experiences vividly described in this book reveal the passion, dedication, and sense of adventure shared by those who study these majestic birds and strive for their conservation.
Featuring stunning color photographs of the eagles, information on raptor conservation, a global list of all eagle species with ranges and conservation status, and a color map of the sites visited in the book, The Eagle Watchers will appeal to birders, conservationists, and adventure travelers alike. To further support the conservation programs described in this book, all royalties are being donated to two leading nonprofit organizations for raptor conservation training and fieldwork: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Intern Program and the National Birds of Prey Trust.
RECOMMENDATION: For those with an interest in birds of prey.
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