reaktion books london 2009 (3 resultados)

Condición: new. ALL UK PARCELS SENT TRACKED! ALL OVERSEAS PARCELS SENT AIRMAIL, TRACKED! (New, Paperback, 2009). (2009) 2013 reprint. Small 8vo paperback (135 x 190mm). Pp216. Colour & b/w photographs, illustrations, bibliography. Fine new copy. Another title in this fascinating and readable series discussing the natural history of the owl. An exploration of the natural and cultural history of one of nature's most popular creatures. Describing the evolution, the many species and distribution of owls around the world. .

100 illus. (40 col.) Ilustrador. Octavo,224 pp.,colour photographs, other illustrations, bookplate, softcover. Reaktion Animal Series. Relates the situation of the non-human great apes (bonobos, chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas and orangutans), discussing how humans have imagined them historically and in modern times. We are both fascinated and unnerved by these creatures who are so like ourselves, and the book considers how we are committed to maintaining our difference from and superiority over the apes. John Sorensen examines how apes serve as models for humans: scientists use their behaviour to explain our fundamental nature, use them as tools in biomedical research, and devise various experiments to see to what degree they can emulate our own behaviour.He also looks at challenges to the division between the other apes and ourselves, describing ape language experiments and efforts to cross-foster apes by raising them as human children, as well as the ethical challenges presented by the Great Ape Project, which seeks to extend rights to these animals. The book also considers representations of apes in popular culture, discussing films, advertising and zoos, considering how apes have been portrayed as caricatures of humans, demonic monsters and as clowns. It also looks at the precarious future of the apes, many of whom are on the brink of extinction, focusing on the 'bush-meat' crisis in Africa, palm oil production in Indonesia and the illegal pet trade, and also includes a discussion of sanctuaries that may offer some hope for their survival. Other titles in this animal series are available.

Octavo,224 pp.,illustrations, bookplate, softcover. Reaktion Animal Series. An exploration of the natural and cultural history of the pigeon, and the evolution of its relationship with humanity through the ages. Written out of love and fascination with a humble yet important bird, "Pigeon" relates its cultural significance, as well as its similarities and differences to its close counterpart, the dove. While the dove is seen as a symbol of love, peace, and goodwill, the pigeon is commonly perceived as filthy and ill-mannered, a 'rat with wings'. To say the least, the pigeon has a bad reputation, but Barbara Allen offers several examples of the bird's importance - from a source of food and fertilizer, and a bearer of messages during times of war; to a pollution monitor and an aid to Charles Darwin in his pivotal research on evolutionary theory. She goes on to connect pigeons and doves with writers and poets from Shakespeare, Dickens, and Browning, to Beatrix Potter, Proust and I. B. Singer, who she shows have all celebrated the birds' beauty and attributes.