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"Animals are the source of some of our most imaginative and persistent fantasies, and these fantasies are the only way most of us ever get to escape from our urbanized and domesticated lives into a larger world," writes Richard Conniff in the introduction to Every Creeping Thing. But Conniff, author of Spineless Wonders, has some rather strange ideas of the kinds of animals we might want to daydream about. Take the little brown bat ... please: "When their mouths are open and their insect-gnashing teeth exposed, they look like the sort of particularly unpleasant lap dog that a Barbie doll would have in her spiteful and neglected old age."
Conniff lovingly describes the habits of grizzlies, mice, cormorants, weasels, sharks, porcupines, moles, snapping turtles, and other underappreciated critters, including the scientists and fanciers who pay attention to these animals. In deadpan prose, Conniff describes the decorative nature of bloodhound slobber ("It hangs down in ropes from the upper lips, or flews, and sometimes gets festooned between the lip and the end of either ear.") and the distinctive mating call of the porcupine ("It is like a baby whimpering from a dream that is bad and getting worse... "). Every Creeping Thing is a delightful, yet far too short, tour of our love-hate relationship with some "faintly repulsive wildlife." --Therese Littleton
Book Description
"Despite the efforts of many earnest and life-affirming people to persuade me that the vampire bat is our friend and that Native Americans enjoyed true harmony with Brother Wolf, I have never quite overcome the gut feeling that fear of nature is normal......It can also be pleasurable......What I really find creepy and wonderful about nature are not its great terrors, but its weird, unsuspected minutiae....for instance, that some sharks practice sibling cannibalism in the womb, or that a mole will paralyze earthworms, ball them up in a knot, and seal them away in individual cells in the walls of its chambered mound, still living, to be eaten at leisure. I am captivated by the sight of a keyhole limpet....[which] carries a sort of vicious pet under its shell, like an old lady's lap dog."--From Every Creeping ThingIn this sequel to Spineless Wonders, Richard Conniff once again explores the tangled connections between human beings and animals (this time mostly vertebrates). His adventures take us from an island in the Gulf Stream, where a man devotes his life to the devilbird, to provincial England, where bloodhounds and riders on horseback hunt down a human being for sport.With his characteristically offbeat approach, Conniff focuses on some of the least huggable members of the animal world-- porcupines, snapping turtles, cormorants, bats, mice, moles. Through their lives, Conniff introduces us to some of the strangest behaviors on earth. We meet sharks that practice sibling cannibalism in their mother's womb, bats that delight in a sybaritic "disco mating strategy," and five-hundred-pound grizzly bears that gorge themselves on moths in August. Every Creeping Thing is a fascinating, comic tour through the far side of the animal kingdom.
Customer Reviews:
More Beach Reading for Geeks.......2003-07-05
Coniff is an easy writer to read and picks engaging subject matter: sloths, bats, sharks, mice, to name a few. This isn't as grim as spineless wonders -- although much of the wildlife contained herein is faintly repulsive -- but it is as interesting. For anyone who can't stomach the latest summer trash novel to read at the beach but can't be bogged down by erudite writers this is perfect.
Great Read.......2000-08-01
Conniff clearly has an affinity for the animal knigdom. This elegantly-written, witty---heck, it's laugh-out-loud funny at times---offbeat book is a must-read for anyone interested in animals, humans and their complicated pas-de-deux.
Conniff's prose clips along and he even gives the reader a few eccentric characters, some violence and a bit of weird sex to carry the whole thing forward. The violence is non-gratuitous---who can blame the shark for an occasional chomp on a surfers leg? The characters who seem (indeed, are) eccentric are the people who help us better understand the nature of the snapping turtle, for example, or the cormorant. And then there's the bat sex (a "disco mating strategy"), sloth sex (really, really slow) and porcupine which ends, a biologist tells Conniff, in "hostile screaming." "The wonder is that it ever began at all," Conniff notes.
This is a terrific read that sent me, happily, to Conniff's other book, Spinelss Wonders. I gave both to my high school age son who's interested in a career in the natural sciences and he loved them. Also, the illustrations by Sally J. Bensusen are wonderful.
Misleading title, but fairly interesting anyway.......1999-10-24
Based on this book's title and short description, I was expecting "tales" of interesting or unusual animal behaviors or characteristics. Unfortunately, many of the chapters seemed to focus more on the people who study or hunt these animals than on the animals themselves. While many of the chapters were fairly interesting, little unique or fascinating information about the animals was presented. Finally, it was hard to consider some of the animals or their behaviors to be even faintly repulsive (e.g., a bull being used to film a TV commercial).
A delight for both the layperson and experts........1999-02-28
Richard Conniff has done it again! "Spineless Wonders" was fascinating and informative and I am happy to report that his book "Every Creeping Thing" follows in those same footsteps. From the Introduction where he speaks of our ignorance about the natural world to the epilogue where Mr. Coniff admits that perhaps he has been searching for some "larger, mythic connection" with the natural world the reader will find a whole new world opened up to them. A world so new that it could help strengthen our desire to preserve the very planet we live on.
In this book you will meet Bonifacio de Leon or "Boney" as he is known who studies the sloths of Panama, an animal that is slow but not stupid. Spend some time with David Wingate who is attempting to piece together a tropical paradise known as Nonsuch Island turned into a desert after humans discovered it, all for one bird known as the Cahow. Grizzlies, sharks, porcupines, weasles, even animal actors, this diverse volume is easy to read and understand by people who know absolutely nothing about the natural world, but a complete delight for those of us who work with and around animals. A veritable encyclopedia of information that will enlighten and enhance the lives of those who read it.
Where else can you find out that the Bloodhound is not named for its fondness for blood but rather that it is a reference to the fact that it is one of the first purebreds, the first canine blue blood. That snapping turtles "right now are in the biggest population explosion of their history", yet it is still hard to find them. Most of us are aware that bats use echolocation to find their prey but "according to one theory, tiger moths actually produce a high-pitched sound to jam the bat's sonar", still the bat seems to have the advantage.
I have worked with and educated people about animals for almost 20 years now and both "Every Creeping Thing" and "Spineless Wonders" by Mr. Conniff are now invaluable reference resources and highly prized additions to my own library. Please take some time to read one or both of these books, it will change your whole perception about the planet we live on and why it is important to save "Every Creeping Thing".
Book Description
Hike in the stunning Caucasus Mountains, bathe in the Black Sea, explore lush, church-studded hills, laze on the shores of Lake Sevan and enjoy generous local hospitality. Connect with the diverse cultures and wide-ranging landscapes of the South Caucasus in this, the only guide to cover the region.
• UNRAVEL THE PAST - extensive coverage of the region's fascinating history and mosaic of cultures • PLAN YOUR ROUTE with the help of tempting highlights and itineraries and over 40 detailed maps • SLEEP SOUNDLY - wide-ranging listings from welcoming homestays to Soviet sanatoriums • ENJOY fine wines from Georgia and tasty Armenian cognac with our enticing food & drink sections • TALK THE TALK - impress the locals in all three languages using our expert guide
Customer Reviews:
Not perfect, but as good as it gets.......2007-08-28
Writing a guide book for these countries is not an easy job. In this book, information is good and extensive, but don't rely on it as your bible. Maps are not up-to-date, and this might be its biggest weakness; however, you might not find other maps anywhere in the Caucasus which are better, so get this book and use it on the way. You might want to notice that this book is ILLEGAL in Azerbaijan because of pro-Armenia information about Karabakh. At least when crossing by land, the custom control at the border will ask you which books you are bringing in. This is how I lost my book before I even got to use it in the country. But then again, don't blame Lonely Planet, blame the dictatorship.
use it as a very general guide.......2007-06-13
I only used this book for Georgia, but it got so much wrong---including maps!--that it was almost useless.
It was good, however, for a general overview of the history and culture, and what's where. It was also used frequently to try to find the right 'mashtruka' when traveling, since routes are written in Georgian, and I could show the Georgian name to drivers to see if I was in the right van going to the right place.
Let's hope that this book is either updated soon, or a competitor decides to publish a guide to this intriguing part of the planet.
Very Useful ..........2006-07-19
The Caucasian countries probably constitute the last bastion of the enigmatic destinations in the world and are shrouded in rumors & unclear doubts. The time trusted Lonely Planet is your only hope and probably the only guide that'll help you plan and execute your trip. I recently came back from a short trip to Georgia and found the information remarkably accurate and undoubtedly useful. It'll serve as your lifeline whilst in the Caucasus.
I've seen some dismal review comments and whilst I respect other people's opinions, I cannot help wonder what (else) were travelers expecting? A street-by-street guide with illustrated pictures will take away all the enigmatic charm and adventure that the Caucasian countries have to offer. A trip that is planned to perfection is usually not much fun. However, the hospitality of the wonderful people and the overwhelming beauty of the country will supersede your dependence on the guide.
Good book, but...........2004-10-30
I used the guidebook in all 3 countries within one month of its publication, and found it to be accurate for the most part. However, the authors seemed to be under orders to write glowing reports on anything considered mildly worthwhile to visit. Many of these places were not particularly noteworthy, and after awhile we took each raving description with a grain of salt. For some of the most spectacular sites (Davit Gareja and Kazbegi, both in Georgia) the book really should have included maps. The descriptions of both struck me as being second or third hand, as if the authors themselves had not taken any of the trails they described.
slightly better than the last book.......2004-08-05
I had been anticipating the new LP guide for Armenia for quite awhile. I must admit
that when I finally got it I was disappointed. It is better than the last one, but that's not saying much. The information is OK, but not extensive. There are barely any photos, so you don't really get a good feel for any of the places. The maps are so small that you need a magnifying glass to read them. And, the 6 pages dedicated
to Karabagh just doesn't cut it!
Average customer rating:
- Review of
- Last Lonely Planet publication I have bought
- Another dent in LP's reputation
- unsuccessful attempt, needs more work, buy Elliott instead!
- Not this one!
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Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan (Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan)
N. Wilson ,
D. Rowson ,
B. Potter , and
Keti Japaridze
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Georgia
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ASIN: 0864426801 |
Book Description
Whether you're trekking in the spectacular Caucasus Mountains or enjoying traditional wine-soaked hospitality, this guide offers essential inside information on a region still refreshingly free of tourist culture.
- 40 detailed maps
- special activities section for trekkers, climbers and skiers
- advice on areas of conflict and other safety issues
- tips on getting visas, crossing borders and changing money
- language guide for Georgian, Armenian and Azeri
Customer Reviews:
Review of .......2004-11-17
I've never seen this edition, but I hope this edition is better than the previous one.
That wouldn't be that hard - the last one was pretty much useless
Last Lonely Planet publication I have bought.......2004-03-25
I purchase travel guides for work and have been regular buyer of Lonely Planet publications and Discovery channel's Insight Guides for virtually all Western European countries. Recent addition to the area of responsibility forced me to start looking for a guide for Azerbaijan and this was one of the items I tested.
As I am quite knowledgeable about this region, having read this guide I was seriously concerned about the inaccuracies in wording, translations, geographic references. Like that sloppiness was not bad enough, the authors go on to "sneak in" some political statements by putting Nagorno Karabakh under Armenia (I assume LP would not be a part of this, had they know). While this is a disputed region, neither party to the conflict believes it is apart of Armenia, so the authors are taking a bit of a political license, by doing what would be similar to listing Taiwan under United States.
This is an eye-opener. Travel guides, by their nature, require that the reader had faith in the publisher's reputation. With this book I have a benefit of an insider knowledge...and if this is the standard, then I have permanently lost all faith...LP failed miserably... my rating is Zero. You are better off picking up a local tourist board publication at the Baku International, at least it will tell you of all the cheap hotels that have mushroomed over the last few years.
Another dent in LP's reputation.......2003-10-25
Very poor from start to finish ! The last 10 years LP has published several very average books. I used to like LP a lot but I now prefer Rough Guide, Trailblazer or Footprint. I think LP's main mistake with this book was that they wanted to publish a guide to this region at all costs, just to fill the blank spots on their world map. How were these authors selected ? Many would do a better job. LP books used to be written by fellow travellers who knew what other travellers were looking for when travelling. Why are there e.g. so few (cheap)hotels listed ? I found an affordable place to stay in every town I visited. With a little bit of effort, the practical information would have been much better. Leave this book at home, better buy Mark Elliot's book for Azerbaijan (and Georgia) or the Bradt guide to Georgia (Burford) or consult Raffi Kojian's excellent website for Armenia.
unsuccessful attempt, needs more work, buy Elliott instead!.......2003-05-25
This is the first guide to represent all three caucasian nations in one book. However it does not take into account the sensitivity of some of the issues among the three nations and could have been much more accurate. Nagorno Karabakh is still de jure a part of Azerbaijan and including it in armenian section contributes even more to widening the gap between the two nations. Nagorno Karabakh indeed is a very sensitive subject and i would urge the unsophisticated visitor to do some extensive research prior to making conclusions. I am not surprised to find the armenian reviewer insulting the Georgian and the Azeri one. What can you do: armenian extreme national chauvinism blinds them. Indeed, if you look at the map of caucasus and do some research you will notice that armenia has problems with each one of its neighbors except for Iran. This is the kind of discussion that LP book leads us towards and to avoid it i urge everyone interested in the region to turn to Elliot book.
Not this one!.......2003-03-15
I normally like LP books. But for this region you should instead buy the Bradt Guide (for Georgia) or the one from Trailblazer (for Azerbaijan & Georgia). The reasons are clear from all the other reviews here!
Book Description
This read-aloud series is designed for parents to share with elementary-school children. Enjoy it together and introduce your child to the marvelous story of the world's civilizations.
Now more than ever, other cultures are affecting our everyday lives—and our children need to learn about the other countries of the world and their history.
Susan Wise Bauer has provided a captivating guide to the history of other lands. Written in an engaging, straightforward manner, The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child; Volume 3: Early Modern Times weaves world history into a story book format. Who was the Sun King? Why did the Luddites go around England smashing machines? And how did samurai become sumo wrestlers?
The Story of the World covers the sweep of human history from ancient times until the present. Africa, China, Europe, the Americas—find out what happened all around the world in long-ago times. Designed as a read-aloud project for parents and children to share together, The Story of the World includes each continent and major people group. Volume 3: Early Modern Times is the third of a four volume series and covers the major historical events in the years 1600 to 1850, as well as including maps, illustrations, and tales from each culture.
Customer Reviews:
An Excellent World History Primer.......2007-09-21
There is no doubt that this series is well written. My son read each of the four books in the span of less than a week. They really piqued his interest. These books will let you know what really turns on your child, but you'll need to go on for further, more in-depth review.
Can't recommend this series enough for the pre-teen set!
Engaging and Informative!.......2007-08-27
This is our second purchase of the Story of the World series. All three of my school age kids (6,8,10 yrs.) just love to listen to these tapes. It is giving all of us (mom included) a much more comprehensive picture of all the parts of history we have learned with other books. We highly recommend this product for your family as a history program or just for listening to in the car for fun. The acitvity book is also full of great ideas for making this as involved or as simple as you would like it to be.
Superb service.......2007-03-27
I got what I wanted, at a fair price, exactly as described. Perfect.
Wonderful Product.......2006-11-04
The history is in a story format that kids can relate to and understand. I homeschool 3 children and absolutely love this curriculum. The story pages to color help my youngest follow along as the older ones read. We have the activity book and there are supplementary books that we get from the library. The quizes also help alot!
Everyone liked this but me..........2006-08-15
I think I kinda jumped the gun, I bought this for a first grader and I think it is for older kids.. it seems um, like a nice book. I'm used to KONOS and well, this didn't seem to make any history information fun... so, it depends on your teaching style.
Book Description
History has been taught in a boring way for far too long.
A subject as moving and powerful as humanity's past should be inviting, and when it is told well, it is. Susan Wise Bauer succeeds in telling the captivating story of history with her best-selling history series. Parents and young readers have fallen in love with her narrative history, The Story of the World, and its accompanying Activity Book.
Now teachers and home educators can take advantage of a new and valuable learning tool.
These easy-to-use tests and answer keys, successfully used by hundreds of parents and teachers, provide an objective method for measuring retention of key facts, figures, and events from history. A combination of sequencing, matching, short-answer, and essay-style questions gives students a chance to show what they've learned.
Used with the Activity Book and The Story of the World, the tests give educators a complete history curriculum for their elementary school students.
Average customer rating:
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The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 3, Early Modern Times Audiobook, Second Edition (10 CDs)
Susan Wise Bauer
Manufacturer: Peace Hill Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1933339179 |
Book Description
A spirited reading of the third volume in this history series that brings to life the stories and records of the peoples of the past. This audio edition may be used along with the print book, as a supplement to a traditional history curriculum, or independently. 10 audio CDs.
Book Description
76 royalty-free motifs — each in 3 sizes — include Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, pyramids, Niagara Falls, etc. For ads, articles, etc. No statting needed.
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