British Isles: A Natural History [Hardcover]

Alan Titchmarsh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2007

British Isles: A Natural History takes the reader on a journey through time, from the explosive birth of the islands to the rich and varied landscape of today. It chronicles the evolution of this unique land, exploring everything from geology and geography to flora and fauna. The story begins 3 billion years ago, when primeval forces created the foundations of the islands, and ends in the modern era, with the landscape utterly transformed by human activity. Along the way, we encounter gigantic ice sheets, ancient forests, early human settlers, and an astonishing variety of plants and animals. At the start of the 21st century, as we look to the future, the author investigates the many fresh challenges and responsibilities Britons face if they are to live in harmony with nature.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A companion to the BBC series of the same title, this fascinating volume is a unique view of the formation, evolution and current and future use of the land and sea that comprise the British Isles. Titchmarsh hosts the program, adding this book to his lengthy list of gardening titles, some based on previous BBC series. Motivated by "a love of the landscape in which I have grown up," the author's fondness for his homeland shows in the beautiful photographs as well as Titchmarsh's understandable explanation of evolution and plate tectonics. Beginning at the dawn of Earth, Titchmarsh weaves a host of factoids-England and Scotland were once as far apart as the U.K. and U.S. are today; crocodile and lion skeletons have been found under London's Trafalgar Square; Scotland was once a desert-into his history of the U.K. Written for a British audience, Titchmarsh pleads with his fellow Britons to help slow global warming "so that our children and grandchildren can also boast that our land is best." Definitely a title for Anglophiles, those with a casual interest in natural history will also find much to appreciate in the book's easy-reading history, bold photographs and informative charts. Photos.
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From the Publisher

British Isles: A Natural History takes the reader on a journey through time, from the explosive birth of the islands to the rich and varied landscape of today. Written in Alan Titchmarsh's typically engaging style, the book chronicles the evolution of this unique land, exploring everything from geology and geography to flora and fauna. The story begins in the mists of time, 3 billion years ago, when primeval forces created the foundations of the islands, and ends in the modern era, with the landscape utterly transformed by human activity. Along the way, we encounter gigantic ice sheets, ancient forests, early human settlers, and an astonishing variety of plants and animals. At the start of the 21st century, as we look to the future, the author investigates the many fresh challenges and responsibilities Britons face if they are to live in harmony with nature. Filled with fascinating information, including a Places to Visit section, this is a book that will! appeal to natural history lovers everywhere.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: BBC Books (August 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0563521627
• ISBN-13: 978-0563521624
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.9 x 11.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,817,548 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on the history of Britain's natural resources!, January 30, 2008

By 

volcanologist (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: British Isles: A Natural History (Hardcover)

This is a great book on the history of Britain's natural resources, terrain, and natural historical sites!