As I begin this review a small Common House Spider is scurrying across my desk and it seems serendipitous that s/he and I should meet this morning. Perhaps it is to celebrate another winner in the PUP 'Lives of" series of books, this one being no less spectacular and packed with information, and glorious images, than those that have gone before.
I was not familiar with Ximena Nelson, but following on works by Sarah Rose and Helen Smith, one cannot but applaud the contribution of woman scientists to the literature on spiders.
Nelson has produced a splendid work from every angle. When you have finished this book you will really have a full understanding of arachnids and their world, and you will marvel at the jaw-dropping diversity of species.
There is just so much information packed into these pages. If you have seen spider webs (and who hasn't?) it's reasonable to conclude that web design is geared to the lifestyle of the spider, but it may come as a revelation that different kinds of silk serve different purposes. Myths are dispelled about the severity of spider bites and the effect of venom on humans. While there are a few species that are capable of causing serious injuries, even death on rare occasions, it is a statistically remote possibility that you will ever be injured by a spider. Spider sex is a lesson in cautionary behaviour we might all do well to emulate!
Many spiders are beneficial to humans, consuming insects that eat our crops and pillage our gardens.
And spiders are intelligent - not in a trifling way, but in ways previously not recognized in arthropods, and in some aspects rivalling human capabilities. Permit me to quote (page 202) - "Knowledge of spider behaviour over the past three decades has completely overturned previously held assumptions that spiders are rigid, instinct-driven animals with little cognitive capacity. Spiders are now among the best animals in which to explore topics pertaining to cognition, decision-making, learning, numerical competence, and the associated physiological and phenotypical traits, or other observable implications that these abilities may entail with minute brains, even comprising sleep."
Spiders hold the possibility of phrophylactic intervention in human affairs - in various ways - and while this is significant, it should not override the simple truth that spiders have an inherent right to share the planet with us, and are not here only to serve human needs.
It's a terrific book, readable, a fountain of knowledge, brilliantly illustrated, leaving one thirsting for more.
So get out today and find a spider or two. Take a few pictures and challenge yourself to identify them and get to know their lifestyle. You'll never view spiders the same way again.
The Lives of Spider: A Natural History of the World's Spiders - Princeton University Press
Ximena Nelson
Hardcover - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691255026
288 pages - 7.5 x 9.5 inches (18.75 x 23.75 cm)
150+ colour illustrations
Publication date: 04 June, 2024
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Despite being bitten by spiders (twice) now and reacting not well, I am fascinated by them - and truly admire their architectural skills.
ReplyDeleteYou do have some potentially nasty species in Australia, Sue.
DeleteSpiders are helpful, and I like them. Great review, David.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
...this is one of the areas where my knowledge is mighty weak.
ReplyDeleteo my...spiders are gross and I can't stand them...no, I fear them.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, I admit I do not know much about spiders. I did know they are beneficial to humans. Thanks for the review. Have a great weekend.
A necessary book.
ReplyDeleteI love spiders. They spin and weave, so much better than humans can, even making their own thread.
ReplyDeleteNo, no, no. I could have done without that shock to my system on Saturday morning. Spiders are my kryptonite and can make me run like a little girl. They are fascinating when photographed up close. I shudder and am fascinated all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt's so strange, I didn't want to read your post when I saw the spider, but I did anyway. It seems like a nice book. In autumn, I enjoy photographing orb-weaver spiders with all those threads and droplets. Otherwise, I stay away from spiders. Brrrr.
ReplyDeleteA fall meadow of spider webs is something to behold.
DeleteMuch needed but not my favorite animals :)
ReplyDeleteHave a shinny weekend !
Anna
I always welcome your book reviews, and this one sounds fascinating too. Thanks David!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of spiders’ webs is another remarkable feature of them. It’s hard to appreciate that beauty when the silken threads are hanging from the ceiling and collecting dust, though — better to find them in the woods and fields…
ReplyDeletebest, mae
The webs in the house seem to be more numerous than spiders!
DeleteI have a spider on my balcony, and we have an agreement - it can live there free as long as it doesn't come aside! Hugs xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very good arrangement.
DeletePrefiero no acercarme mucho y que no entren en el interior de mi vivienda....todo es por motivo de seguridad.
ReplyDeleteFeliz domingo.
I love spiders and I love watching them in my garden. This is a fabulous book.
ReplyDeleteMe encantan las arañas, son muy interesantes. Besos.
ReplyDeleteI think I need this book. Spiders have always fascinated me.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting review, looks like an excellent book.
ReplyDeleteThey are useful for nature!
You gave me the idea to photograph a spider.
Have a beautiful week!
Be sure to post the picture on your blog.
DeleteI find spiders fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI once held a tarantula in my hands and had to hold it with both hands.
Greetings Irma
That spider on the cover is cool! I actually like spiders, and in the fall you are apt to find a few a around the house because I always let them be. There was an old NOVA public television show from the 1990's (I think) all about spiders and what I remember most about the show is how complex their lives actually are. And we think we're so smart...ha ha.. not always. I hope you are having a great weekend David. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteSpiders are marvelous creatures. And photos of web's spider are sometimes nice.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteYet another delightful and insightful book review. Your encounter with the Common House Spider sets a perfect tone for this exploration of Ximena Nelson's work. It’s wonderful to see such appreciation for the depth and diversity of arachnid life, and the contribution of women scientists to this fascinating field. Nelson’s book sounds like a must-read for anyone interested in spiders and their intricate world. Thanks, as always, for sharing your thoughts and have a great weekend!
John
Your comments are always a pleasure to read, John.
DeleteBack in the dark ages when I used to get up early, I wrote a post about spiderwebs. They are truly amazing creations. One gets the best pictures early in the morning when they are covered in dew... Until then I did not realize that they were three dimensional. Fascinating for sure... I have been bitten several times by spiders usually at night while I'm sleeping. I had a bad reaction to a couple of them. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI'm always fascinated by spiders webs, they are works of art!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Hi David!
ReplyDeletethat photo of the first moment is awesome, so beautiful. It´s a magnificent green spider, that big eyes; stunning beauty and also intelligents: the world belongs to spiders with their artistic and perfect webs.
Have a nice start to the week ahead!
Interesting book. My classmate was bitten by a spider when it fell on top of her eye as she was trying to brush it off the ceiling. Her eye swelled up and she had to wear an eye patch for weeks.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a beneficial book to read. I've had spiders on me one time or another during my entire experience of gardening, even a black widow during one experience. One just keeps their cool and moves them to a location nearby. The black widow I discovered on my arm when my hands were full, so a strong blow from my mouth and off it fell, luckily.
ReplyDeleteAmazing illustrations. In general, spiders are beautiful. My husband likes macro photography and I have seen photos of spiders. I also have a lot of them in the garden. And at home too. They help me fight home pests.
ReplyDeleteHi David - I must say I'd love to concentrate on one thing ... but my powers of concentration at this time in my life don't seem to want me to do this. An extraordinary book this must be ... especially in the way you've reviewed it - cheers Hilary
ReplyDelete