Customer Reviews

The Galápagos: Exploring Darwin's Tapestry

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Going to the Galapagos is a magical experience. You walk in history, science, and a spiritual connection with other species. No book has captured that sense of magic for me--until now. John Hess' photos are breathtaking, and his words are thoughtful, insightful, and whimsical. Even handling the book and feeling the pages makes you feel good.
This is a book for anyone who likes animals, birds, nature, humor, science, and...yes...magic.

John Hess's new book _The Galapagos: Exploring Darwin's Tapestry_ is an amazingly helpful book to anyone interested in the Galapagos Islands, *for any reason*. Having visited the islands myself, I can say that this book is helpful in identifying the animals and remembering their behaviors, thanks both to the large, gorgeous photographs and the author's spot-on and often witty comments. But beyond it's usefulness, this book is an outstanding example of meshing themes often thought to be at odds with each other: the photographs are informative *and* beautiful, the text is scientifically accurate and engaging *and* funny and tender; the book itself is both artistic and technical. Simply magic from a first-time author.

In this wondrous volume Hess, Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Central Missouri, vastly expanded and enriched my understanding of ecosystems and of the subtle ways in which they shape the creatures that inhabit them. In lay-reader-friendly text and more than 150 stunning color photographs we are given intimate glances into the behavior and quirks of dozens of species, some all but unimaginable, including an albatross that takes its egg for a stroll, a seabird that can't swim, and a gull that has learned to fish for squid in the dark. A treasury of enlightenment and a treasure of a book.

Prof. Hess has done a superb job of explaining to the rest of us why biologists find the Galapagos Islands so important and so fascinating. And his clear and understandable explanations are made most memorable and enjoyable by the superb photographs that will keep my memories of the Galapagos fresh and beautiful. Thank you!