A fascinating investigation into the miraculous world of birds and the powerful—and surprising—ways they enrich our lives and sustain the planetOur relationship to birds is different from our relationship to any other wild creatures. They are found virtually everywhere and we love to watch them, listen to them, keep them as pets, wear their feathers, even converse with them. Birds, Jim Robbins posits, are our most vital connection to nature. They compel us to look to the skies, both literally and metaphorically; draw us out into nature to seek their beauty; and let us experience vicariously what it is like to be weightless. Birds have helped us in so many of our human endeavors: learning to fly, providing clothing and food, and helping us better understand the human brain and body. And they even have much to teach us about being human in the natural world. This book illuminates qualities unique to birds that demonstrate just how invaluable they are to humankind—both ecologically and spiritually. The wings of turkey buzzards influenced the Wright brothers’ flight design; the chickadee’s song is considered by scientists to be the most sophisticated language in the animal world and a “window into the evolution of our own language and our society”; and the quietly powerful presence of eagles in the disadvantaged neighborhood of Anacostia, in Washington, D.C., proved to be an effective method for rehabilitating the troubled young people placed in charge of their care. Exploring both cutting-edge scientific research and our oldest cultural beliefs, Robbins moves these astonishing creatures from the background of our lives to the foreground, from the quotidian to the miraculous, showing us that we must fight to save imperiled bird populations and the places they live, for the sake of both the planet and humankind.Praise for The Wonder of Birds“A must-read, conveying much necessary information in easily accessible form and awakening one’s consciousness to what might otherwise be taken for granted . . . The Wonder of Birds reads like the story of a kid let loose in a candy store and given free rein to sample. That is one of its strengths: the convert’s view gives wide appeal to those who might never have known birds well.”—Bernd Heinrich, The Wall Street Journal“Engaging, thoughtful . . . worthy of a place alongside David Attenborough’s documentary The Life of Birds or Graeme Gibson’s The Bedside Book of Birds . . . This offering will appeal to naturalists, anthropologists, linguists, and even philosophers as well as to lay readers.”—Library Journal“In this deeply felt and well-supported argument for avians’ value to humankind, science writer Robbins hits the full trifecta for engrossing and satisfying nature writing.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Using enchanting stories and rich historical references, Jim Robbins explores the role of birds on the evolution of human self-awareness.”—Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “It’s one for the birds—what a wonderful book! It will give you wings.”—Rita Mae Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Rubyfruit Jungle “The Wonder of Birds provides a great and well-timed gift: a portrait of the quiet miracles around us on each day of our ordinary lives.”—Michael Punke, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Revenant “Jim Robbins writes masterfully, with lucid prose and deep insight into the human psyche and natural world.”—Peter Stark, author of Astoria
Details e-book The Wonder of Birds: What They Tell Us About Ourselves, the World, and a Better Future
🗸 Author(s): Jim Robbins
🗸 Title: The Wonder of Birds: What They Tell Us About Ourselves, the World, and a Better Future
🗸 Rating : 4.5 from 5 stars (153 reviews)
🗸 ISBN-10: 0812983769
🗸 ISBN-13: 9780812983760
🗸 Languange: English
🗸 Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
🗸 Supported Devices: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
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Readers' opinions about The Wonder of Birds: What They Tell Us About Ourselves, the World, and a Better Future by Jim Robbins
Bluebell Whittaker
This thought-provoking work of non-fiction explores the mysteries of the human mind, delving into the complexities of consciousness and perception. Drawing on the latest scientific research, the author sheds light on the inner workings of the brain, offering fascinating insights into what makes us who we are. Engaging and accessible, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the workings of the human mind.
Imogen Williams
Delve into the pages of this thought-provoking philosophical treatise, where the author grapples with some of life's most profound questions. From the nature of existence to the meaning of morality, each chapter offers a fresh perspective on the human condition. With its rigorous logic and elegant prose, this book is sure to spark lively debate and introspection.
Sarah Spencer
This captivating science fiction novel transports readers to a distant future where humanity has colonized the stars and forged new alliances among the cosmos. Against the backdrop of interstellar conflict, the story follows a group of intrepid explorers as they journey to the far reaches of space in search of a lost civilization. With its gripping plot twists and richly imagined world-building, this book is a thrilling adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
