Customer Reviews

Extreme Nature (Smithsonian Institution)

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Well-titled is Mark Carwardine's delectable book of natural phenomena: EXTREME NATURE is a kaleidoscope of natural outer limits of normal facts. The presentation is so fine that returning to this well-written book will always result in increased appreciation not only for the information it offers, but also for the splendid photography and well-designed presentation.

In it's 320 pages there are over 150 entries organized into four sections: Extreme Growth, Extreme Abilities, Extreme Movement and Extreme Families. And scattered among these headings are photographs and humorously written mini-essays that introduce such items as the world's hungriest animal, the fattest carnivore, the heaviest flying animal, the shark with 300 rows of teeth, the sexiest beast, the most dangerous love life, the most fertile insect, the smelliest plant among them.

Written in a style that will satisfy both the casual reader and the professional biologist, EXTREME NATURE is much more than a beautiful coffee table book (though is surely is that!). This is an introduction to some fine conversation and thought about just how creative and extraordinary is the natural world we too often take for granted. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 06

Extreme Nature is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages who like nature. The outstanding photos and fascinating descriptions of extreme examples in nature are compelling and especially interesting to early teens who like science. My grandson read it cover to cover in one sitting.

I bought this book for my nephew who is 8. He loved it, but he had a hard time getting his hands on it because all the adults in the house couldn't put it down.