Princeton University Press has recently introduced a series of little books like the one shown above. Having now received four of them, I can tell you that I am mightily impressed. I have read this volume thoroughly and have glanced at the others. Reviews of those works will follow in due course when I have read them.
These books are pocket-sized, yet contain a veritable wealth of information, making them ideal to keep in the car as a ready source of reference. It is really quite astounding just how much can be compressed into a small work of this nature, without sacrificing scholarship. Simon D. Pollard does an excellent job.
This work on spiders is captivating from page to page, filled with information, easy to read, and illustrated with superior artwork by Tugce Okay.
One learns effortlessly as one progresses through the book. A new appreciation will no doubt be gained by many as the fascinating lifestyles of spiders are revealed in all their glorious - and highly diverse - details.
Nothing is sacrificed in this process of miniaturization and there is even a good glossary and suggestions for further reading.
Did you know that spiders can count? How about trap-jaw spiders and pelican spiders? Spiders that mimic bird droppings? Spiders that pack enough venom to kill a human?
On and on it goes. So much to learn, so much to appreciate, so much to embrace.
Make it your resolution to love a spider today. You'll be glad you did!
The Little Book of Spiders - Princeton University Press
Simon D. Pollard; illustrated by Tugce Okay
Hardcover - US$14.95 - ISBN: 9780691251820
160 pages - 3.75 x 6 inches (9.375 x 15 cm) - 140 colour illustrations
Publication date: 02 April, 2024
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...all I know about them, is that they have 8 legs,
ReplyDeleteThen you definitely need this book so that you will know more!
DeleteDavid!
ReplyDeleteAnother very interesting review. I admit it. Spiders are extremely interesting creatures.
Have a nice and lovely weekend :)
Now this does look like one for me, David, and probably the volumes on Butterflies and Beetles too, but possibly not Trees - we'll see!
ReplyDeleteEasy just to slip into your pocket, Richard.
DeleteHello David, Facinating cratures spiders. That book (serie) is amazing with the artwork by Tugce Okay.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Roos
Nice review. The illustrations looks great. I know very little about spiders, David. I see a lot of them in my garden, and that's ok. Hugs and kisses, Marit
ReplyDeleteThey will help to control the insects that you don’t like to see on your flowers, Marit.
DeleteThat is fun! I am hoping my buddy, Charlotte, comes back this year.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for more happy times with Charlotte.
DeleteI must confess I am scared of spiders, hard to love them, but I know they do a good job and if I find one inside I remove it carefully. Hope you have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteWell done, Valerie.
DeleteThese look really interesting! That's how I prefer to see and learn about most insects, to be honest--in a book or film or video--lol!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not a spider fan....:-//
ReplyDeleteYou don’t need to be a fan to understand and respect them.
Deletethe artwork is beautiful. spiders make me crazy. Florida is full of them and I try to leave the small ones alone to eat bugs but the big jumping ones I can not abide in the house. I do not kill them, I scream for bob to do it because I am afraid it will jump on me when I swing the swatter. these books do sound really good for all the info and so easy to take with you. for me the trees would be good, but I don't go anywhere so will use my phone/tablet to figure out info about the ones I can see.
ReplyDeletePocket size books like these can be so helpful.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
No había léido ningún libro sobre ellas y este es muy bueno, para llegar a conocerlas.
ReplyDeleteFeliz fin de semana.
This is a great recommendation. They sound like an advanced version of Little Golden Books which I still find amazingly useful. I'll look out for these.
ReplyDeleteHello, what's up friend!
ReplyDeletewhat beautiful illustrations, i'm not afraid to see them in images, on the contrary love them, but seeing one in person, all the reflexes of fear are present, alarms go off and nerves run through my body. I run away just like I do with cockroaches 🕷️☣️ 🕷️☣️
Wishing you a nice weekend, i say goodbye with a big kiss.
I need to look into getting these little books, especially this one about spiders. They would appear to be very useful.
ReplyDeleteAlways handy to have a pocket sized book, had one years ago on birds but lost it, oh dear!
ReplyDeleteWe have the trap door spider was one in our front lawn once it disappeared never to be seen again, the 'white tail' like indoors on this Island, and of course the redback spider we do find every now and then outside, but of course we have many types of spiders.
Spiders are fascinating to watch and amazing to watch as they create their webs to catch other insects.
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid of spiders, I once had a tarantula in my hands, I had to hold her with both hands, she was so big.
Greetings Irma
One of the most fascinating aspects of nature that I have ever encountered was to experience tarantulas in their natural environment. Truly amazing!
DeleteNot a fan ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a shinny weekend !
Anna
You don’t have to be a fan to appreciate their role, Anna.
DeleteHi David - I'm always drawn to those little pocket sized books - especially the ones that draw me in ... helpful as starter insights ... I've a few here on various subjects. It'll be interesting to read your reviews ... animals are 'so inventive' ... evolution beats us always!
ReplyDeletecheers Hilary
Fantastic book of the Spiders, they are precious to look at. Thanks David.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review.
ReplyDeleteSpiders are great artists, I love watching their intricate webs.
It seems to be a very interesting book.
I already love spiders and tread carefully when I know one is around in the house. When the weather is nice I will gently take them outside, but in the winter I live with them and am careful not to injure one. I will get this book and learn more about them ... that can only increase my respect for them. Thank you, Dave, once again for my library is starting to gleam with the books you have recommended.
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Thanks for taking care of spiders, Andrea.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThe pocket sized book on Spiders look handy! Nice illustrations and a great review.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Creepy crawlies are not my thing! I know that spiders provide a necessary service and I appreciate them for that...... Fortunately the deadly ones are elsewhere, I hope! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
ReplyDeleteEste libro también sería interesante para mí, me gusta ver las arañas en mí jardín y intento siempre no hacerles daño. Un abrazo querido amigo David.
ReplyDelete