Every morning,ecologist Tim Blackburn is inspired by the diversity contained within the moth trap he runs on the roof of his London flat. Beautiful,ineffably mysterious organisms,these moths offer a glimpse into a larger order,one that extends beyond individual species of moth,beyond lepidoptera or insects,and into a hidden landscape.Just as Michael Faraday's iron filings arrange themselves to articulate a magnetic field that would otherwise be invisible,Tim shows us that when we pay proper attention to these tiny animals,their relationships with one another,and their connections to the wider web of life,a greater truth about the world gradually emerges into focus. In The Jewel Box,Tim reflects on what he has learned in the last thirty years of work as a scientist studying ecosystems and demonstrates how the contents of one small box can illuminate the workings of all nature.
Publisher: Orion Publishing CoISBN: 9781474624527Number of pages: 384Weight: 618 gDimensions: 240 x 162 x 40 mm
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Interesting,informative and well-structured...an excellent book...brilliant. The author has taken a subject and tackled it with zealEngrossing...(An) enchanting book,which not only celebrates moths but provides an introduction to the basic ideas of ecology and the study of the natural worldFabulous. A lucid introductory course in ecology...(Blackburn) deftly reveals some fundamental mechanisms of life on earthA delightful peek into the treasures of the moth trap. The Jewel Box is a manifesto to care for the individuals of our local ecologies,a heartfelt plea to see those creatures around us that share our air,our gardens and roof terraces. Passionately written,Blackburn shows just how our lives can be lit up by noticing theirsThe moths in Blackburn's jewel box are like Blake's grain of sand: gems to be treasured not only for their beauty,but for the way their brilliance,captured during the dark of night,casts light on the complex whole of living nature...Nature lovers in search of a new hobby may be inspired to invest in a moth trap of their ownWhat more could we ask for A dextrous and clear-eyed unveiling of the dizzying jigsaw of life. This is how the world goes round. The moth trap as snapshot of the global panorama. The stupendous spectacular stupefying 4 billion year miracle. Take noticeBeautifully written,accessible and essential reading for anyone curious about the workings of the natural world(An) excellent primer on ecology...a book that will appeal to those who have a fascination with moths and want to understand the world in which they live. Blackburn's passion for the subject makes this a digestible entrée into nature's workingsNot only is this a wonderful hands-on introduction to a diverse and enigmatic group of insects (moths),it is also an excellent primer on the basic principles of ecology,and crucially,the urgent need for humankind to live more gently on the EarthTim Blackburn shows us that moths are more than bugs that invade outdoor lights and bathroom drains. Through Blackburn's scientific passion and insight,these relatives of butterflies teach us a lot about evolution,nature and the ecological consequences of our species,the real pests in the woollen chest of Earth
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