The God Delusion 10th Anniversary Edition

Jennifer Freeman

Ecology

The Ultimate Illustrated Guide for Nonscientists Science 101: Ecology shows how every living and nonliving thing has a unique role to play on Earth. Learn why most plants and animals would die if insects became extinct. Discover the surprising value of large predators in the world's ecosystems. Experience Earth's extremes, from the sweltering rain forest of Costa Rica to the frozen tundra of Siberia. Clear, engaging text details ecology's past, present, and future Comprehensive information on the world's animal and plant populations, and the unique and varied habitats in which they live More than 250 full-color photographs and illustrations Ready Reference section with at-a-glance charts and diagrams featuring endangered species and famous ecologists

Janine M. Benyus

Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature

Repackaged with a new afterword, this "valuable and entertaining" ( New York Times Book Review ) book explores how scientists are adapting nature's best ideas to solve tough 21st century problems. Biomimicry is rapidly transforming life on earth. Biomimics study nature's most successful ideas over the past 3.5 million years, and adapt them for human use. The results are revolutionizing how materials are invented and how we compute, heal ourselves, repair the environment, and feed the world. Janine Benyus takes readers into the lab and in the field with maverick thinkers as they: discover miracle drugs by watching what chimps eat when they're sick; learn how to create by watching spiders weave fibers; harness energy by examining how a leaf converts sunlight into fuel in trillionths of a second; and many more examples. Composed of stories of vision and invention, personalities and pipe dreams, Biomimicry is must reading for anyone interested in the shape of our future.

Timothy Ferris

Coming of Age in the Milky Way

From the second-century celestial models of Ptolemy to modern-day research institutes and quantum theory, this classic book offers a breathtaking tour of astronomy and the brilliant, eccentric personalities who have shaped it. From the first time mankind had an inkling of the vast space that surrounds us, those who study the universe have had to struggle against political and religious preconceptions. They have included some of the most charismatic, courageous, and idiosyncratic thinkers of all time. In Coming of Age in the Milky Way, Timothy Ferris uses his unique blend of rigorous research and captivating narrative skill to draw us into the lives and minds of these extraordinary figures, creating a landmark work of scientific history.