Bugs In The System: Insects And Their Impact On Human Affairs (Helix Book) [Paperback]

May R. Berenbaum (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201408244 | ISBN-13: 978-0201408249 | Publication Date: June 18, 1996

An introduction to insect physiology, genetics and behaviour which looks at the interaction between humans and insects, and explores both the positive and negative aspects of the relationship.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Berenbaum, a professor of entomology at the University of Illinois, here presents extraordinary information on how insects affect our lives and society. In wars, these creatures caused more deaths than bombs or bullets, according to the author; for example, the louse, carrier of typhus, defeated Napoleon's troops. Fleas (plague) and mosquitos (malaria) have taken a heavy toll on human populations. A gall nearly wiped out the French wine industry in 1860; scale insects have been the source of varnish and dye. And Berenbaum also reminds us that about a third of our food is the direct result of insect pollination. A captivating book of popular science.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA-A layman's introduction to the insect world. The book is full of well-written and fascinating descriptions of these creatures and their effects on humans. The section on coprophagy, for example, illustrates the economic importance of the right type of dung beetle to Australian cattle ranchers. A book written with imagination, humor, and skill, and one that will be excellent for assignments.
Clodagh Lee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 16 and up
  
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (June 18, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201408244
• ISBN-13: 978-0201408249
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Biology > Entomology
  • #58 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Insects & Spiders

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Source of Insect Facts, July 19, 2003

By 

David B Richman (Mesilla Park, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bugs In The System: Insects And Their Impact On Human Affairs (Helix Book) (Paperback)

This book is the best source of insect trivia that I have ever seen! I have used it as a source for questions for the Entomological Society of America Linnaean Games for several years, while I served on one of the ESA branch Linnaean Games committees. It is simply great!

May Berenbaum has a very informal and humorous style that appeals to both the public and students. If, after reading her book, you still think insects are icky or uninteresting you are certainly made of stone. The number of little known facts in this book is simply huge. If you use just one book for reference on insects, Dr. Berenbaum's book would be a very good candidate. She treats everything from the invasion of the cotton boll weevil and the mysterious extinction of the Rocky Mountain locust to insects in movies and as human food.

If you do not like insects or are afraid of them, you really should read this book. It will go a long way toward desensitizing you and make you fascinated with insects instead.

I recommend this book highly to everybody from elementary school to retirement.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read, August 11, 2008

By 

Ip (Davis, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bugs In The System: Insects And Their Impact On Human Affairs (Helix Book) (Paperback)

Who knew that you could pack in a book SO MUCH information- in nearly every paragraph there is a 'wow' fact- and still make it stimulating and readable throughout. This book is great for professional entomologist and curious, broadly-educated layperson alike. There's actually a surprising amount of history and politics involved in the telling of the role insects have had on earth. Of course, the world of insects is so varied and vast, it alone provides for fascinating exploration. Dr. Berenbaum is an able and entertaining guide. I heartily recommend!

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I Didn't Know That, December 18, 2000

By 

GIL BLOOM - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bugs In The System: Insects And Their Impact On Human Affairs (Helix Book) (Paperback)

So you've been asked to make a presentation on pest control to your local school,Elk Lodge , or Chamber of Commerce. You want to make a good knowledgeable presentation but where can you go to get good yet digestible information with a bit of humor? I recommend "Bugs In The System" from Perseus Publishing by May R. Berenbaum. This book time and time again has proved an invaluable resource for many projects. May Berenbaum is head of the Entomology Department at the University of Illinois so the scientific aspects are quite sound. What makes this book unique is the portrayal of various insects and their march through time along with us. Classification or "A Rose-chaffer by any other name...." is the first chapter which is then followed by sex , bugs and rock and roll. Each chapter is scientifically accurate but is written with the intelligent general populace in mind. The book is further enlivened with insect quotes , such as "More courtship lives in carrion flies than Romeo" William Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet and interesting as well as humorous photos. As the book progresses the chapters on Parasites and Hosts as well as History of Pest Control offer a real sense of purpose and perspective to our mission in the management of those insects which society has deemed pests. On insects such as mosquitoes a wonderful historical perspective is given on these vectors effect on history and disease. On the other hand we are reminded of the majesty and importance of insects throughout the book especially in the final chapters , Appreciating Insects and Equal Time. Upon concluding the book one truly gains some insight into the various systems that make up our environment as well as the evolution of knowledge in the field of Entomology and Pest Control. The book is excellently laid out in terms of progression from biology to human interaction to pest potential finally concluding with a sound and ecologically balanced view. Each chapter carries plenty of references and the appendix is an excellent key to insect orders. As a resource as well as a requirement I heartily recommend this book.