The Anatomy of Insects & Spiders: Over 600 Exquisite Forms [Paperback]

Claire Beverley (Author), David Ponsonby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

The gossamer wings of a dragonfly, the scarlet carapace of the lady beetle, the spectacular shape of the hawkmoth. The insect world teems with exotic forms and inspired renowned devotion in illustrators of the late 19th century. In a volume as jewel-like as its subject, The Anatomy of Insects & Spiders presents page after page of select engravings, woodcuts, and drawings from the Victorian era, the golden age of insect illustration. Meticulously rendered, they are paired with observations from early naturalists. The notes may describe the classification of the insect, how its body is constructed, its behavior and preferences, or its habitat. Arranged by insect type and covering all the families from bees and moths to ants and flies, The Anatomy of Insects & Spiders reveals detail that is normally seen only under a microscope. A natural for admirers of insect society, this charming volume is both a distinctive introduction and lively armchair companion.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Claire Beverley is an entomologist currently working on her PhD at Christ Church University College in Canterbury, UK. She is a member of the Royal Entomological Society.

Dr. David Ponsonby is a senior lecturer in biology at Canterbury Christ Church University College. He is also an honorary fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811839834
• ISBN-13: 978-0811839839
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars authoritative without being overly scientific, July 19, 2003

By 

doc peterson (Portland, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Anatomy of Insects & Spiders: Over 600 Exquisite Forms (Paperback)

The Anatomy of Insects admitedly only scratches the surface of entomology, but what it covers is done in exquisite detail. The book begins with a primer on insect anatomy before broadly covering the taxonomy of the major insect orders of beatles, wasps (including bees and ants) termites (including dragonflies and mayflies), butterflies, moths, fleas (and flies), grasshoppers (and crickets), stick insects (including mantises and cockroaches), and spiders.

There is little specific information about each species, but plenty of general information about the order, and enough detail to give the lay reader (such as myself) a good "feel" for the critters. However, the diagrams and plates of the insects are what drew me to the book.

Many of the pictures are from Victorian era prints, some are more recent etchings, but all are remarkable and beautiful in their own right. (I know, who would have thought of "bugs" as beautiful?) It really is an interesting read, with an excellent biliography for further reading if a specific order or genus strikes your fancy; but the depiction of theses small animals is what makes this book such a treasure.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty to Look At, September 16, 2003

By 

Massachusetts Reader "displaced1" (MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Anatomy of Insects & Spiders: Over 600 Exquisite Forms (Paperback)

As a biologist, I get my fill of technical language and new terminology. This book is a welcome blend of art, history, and bugs. The reproductions are very well done and I was suprised at the number and variety of sketch-like prints that were included.

Would make a nice gift for a friend who is curious about the natural world.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice overview, August 30, 2003

By 

merrymousies (Waterford, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Anatomy of Insects & Spiders: Over 600 Exquisite Forms (Paperback)

Great drawings throughout the book. Its technical (as expected from the title being anatomy) but not so technical that you feel like its a lecture. One thing I especially like is that in the descriptions of the insects there is interesting "trivia" that makes this a fun read. Here's a quick excerpt: "the bombardier beetle emits a puff of a volatile chemical, followed by a popping sound, thereby giving it its name. Early naturalists likened this form of defense to humans' use of gunfire."