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Natural History

Large 9781782395508

Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole: Extraordinary Journeys into the Human Brain by Allan ROPPER & B.D. BURRELL

$25.00 NZD

Available Stock:
2

Category: Natural History

"What is it like to try to heal the body when the mind is under attack? In this gripping and illuminating book, Dr Allan Ropper reveals the extraordinary stories behind some of the life-altering afflictions that he and his staff are confronted with at the Neurology Unit of Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital. Neurologists diagnose and treat serious illnesses of the brain by combining the hard science of medical knowledge with the art of intuitive reasoning. The unique challenge they face is that their primary sources of information - the patients' brains - are quite often altered, sometimes bizarrely, as a result of disease. Like Alice in Wonderland, Dr Ropper inhabits a place where absurdities abound: a sportsman who starts spouting gibberish; an undergraduate who suddenly becomes psychotic; a salesman who drives around and around a roundabout, unable to get off; a mother who has to decide whether a life locked inside her own head is worth living. How does one begin to treat such cases, to counsel people whose lives may be changed forever? How does one train the next generation of clinicians to deal with the moral and medical aspects of brain disease? Dr Ropper answers these questions by taking the reader into a world where lives and minds hang in the balance." ...Show more

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Large 9780316417679

Opium - How an Ancient Flower Shaped and Poisoned Our World by David Blistein; John H. Halpern

$28.00 NZD

Available Stock:
1

Category: Natural History

Opioid addiction is fast becoming the most deadly crisis in American history. In 2018, it claimed nearly fifty thousand lives -- more than gunshots and car crashes combined, and almost as many Americans as were killed in the entire Vietnam War. But even as the overdose crisis ravages our nation -- strai ning our prison system, dividing families, and defying virtually every legislative solution to treat it -- few understand how it came to be. Opium tells the "fascinating" (Lit Hub) and at times harrowing tale of how we arrived at today's crisis, "mak[ing] timely and startling connections among painkillers, politics, finance, and society" (Laurence Bergreen). The story begins with the discovery of poppy artefacts in ancient Mesopotamia, and goes on to explore how Greek physicians and obscure chemists discovered opium's effects and refined its power, how colonial empires marketed it around the world, and eventually how international drug companies developed a range of powerful synthetic opioids that led to an epidemic of addiction. Throughout, Dr. John Halpern and David Blistein reveal the fascinating role that opium has played in building our modern world, from trade networks to medical protocols to drug enforcement policies. Most importantly, they disentangle how crucial misjudgements, patterns of greed, and racial stereotypes served to transform one of nature's most effective painkillers into a source of unspeakable pain -- and how, using the insights of history, state-of-the-art science, and a compassionate approach to the illness of addiction, we can overcome today's overdose epidemic. This urgent and masterfully woven narrative tells an epic story of how one beautiful flower became the fascination of leaders, tycoons, and nations through the centuries and in their hands exposed the fragility of our civilisation. ...Show more

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Large 9780099590088

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

$30.00 NZD

Available Stock:
1

Category: Natural History | Reading Level: near fine

#1 New York Times Bestseller From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity's creation and evolution--a #1 international bestseller--that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human." One hundred thou sand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one--homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us? Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas. Dr. Harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where is this leading us, and what do we want to become? Featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of Jared Diamond, James Gleick, Matt Ridley, Robert Wright, and Sharon Moalem. ...Show more

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Large nicolas dillon high reso cover

Drawn to the Wild - Paintings of New Zealand Birds by Nicolas Dillon

$60.00 NZD

Available Stock:
1

Category: Natural History | Reading Level: near fine

Nicolas Dillon is one of New Zealand's leading wildlife painters, who has built a reputation over the last 30 years for his masterful portraits of our wildlife, in particular birds. His evocative, moody paintings are deeply considered observations of nature and the environment. At the heart of his pract ice is drawing in the field. Using a high-powered spotting scope, he works quickly to capture the living character of the birds he is observing. This book beautifully illustrates his working process by combining many of the drawings and watercolour sketches done directly from life, with finished paintings completed in his studio. Nicolas Dillon is motivated by a deep yearning to connect with something beyond what he sees. 'It's about an intimacy or a closeness, a feeling for nature that I am trying to put across in the paintings.' With drawings, sketches and paintings of most of our bird species, as well as text from the author to capture something of his experience of painting the featured birds, this book is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to New Zealand's birdlife. ...Show more

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Large 9781988550176  98065.1596415148

An Exquisite Legacy: The Work and Art of New Zealand Naturalist G.V. Hudson by George Gibbs

$60.00 NZD

Available Stock:
3

Category: Natural History

The biography of one of New Zealand's greatest naturalist-artists, G. V.Hudson. George Hudson, 1867-1946, was one of New Zealand's pioneer naturalists, who devoted his life to collecting and describing the New Zealand insect fauna. He amassed what is probably the largest collection of New Zealand insec ts, now housed at Te Papa. Hudson also wrote seven books on insect fauna between 1898 and 1946, each illustrated in colour with immaculate paintings of the specimens, a total of over 3100 paintings, mainly focused on months and butterflies. An Exquisite Legacy is a biography of Hudson, written by his grandson Dr George Gibbs, himself a prominent entomologist. Gibbs outlines the life of this naturalist and artist, whose dedication and output was truly remarkable. Hudson remained an amateur naturalist his whole life, but his contribution to our knowledge about the New Zealand insect world is of enduring significance, while his artistic legacy, built up over nearly seven decades, is truly remarkable. This extensive collection of exquisite illustrations is without parallel in New Zealand. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this biography of George Hudson is the first chance for most people to see his exquisite artwork. Up until now, his books have been valuable collectors' items unavailable to most people. A foreword by Courtney Johnston, Chief Executive of Te Papa Tongarewa, provided in recognition of the importance of this book, and the significance of the Hudson Collection at Te Papa. ...Show more

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Large 9781877385711

Whales and Dolphins of Aotearoa New Zealand by Barbara Todd

$45.00 NZD

Available Stock:
1

Category: Natural History

Richly illustrated, entertaining and highly educational, Whales | Tohora brings the fascinating underwater world of cetaceans to life with a special focus on the whales and dolphins of the South Pacific. For centuries whales have captured our imaginations and ignited our emotions. We have revered and my thologised them, hunted them to the brink of extinction and passionately protected them. But how much do we really know about whales? Based on the hugely popular, internationally touring Te Papa exhibition ‘Whales | Tohora’ (a.k.a. ‘Whales: Giants of the Deep’), this all-new book brings these majestic marine mammals and their underwater world to life, with a special focus on the whales and dolphins of the South Pacific. From the first richly illustrated, entertaining chapter, readers are immersed in the salty sea – the home of the whales – to explore their amazing diversity, biology and adaption to life in the oceans. Throughout the book, hundreds of breath-taking photographs, historical pictures, astonishing facts and figures and informative illustrations and diagrams bring the whale world to life. Here, too, are stories from people whose lives have been inextricably linked with whales – from legendary South Pacific whale riders to international whale scientists to conservationists to former whalers and their families. A powerful combination of storytelling, science and culture reveals the relationship between whales and humans, now and into the future. ...Show more

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Large 9781786078834

Survival of the Friendliest - Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity by Brian Hare; Vanessa Woods

$43.00 NZD

Available Stock:
6

Category: Natural History

A powerful new theory of human nature suggests that our secret to success as a species is our unique friendliness "Brilliant, eye-opening, and absolutely inspiring--and a riveting read. Hare and Woods have written the perfect book for our time."--Cass R. Sunstein, author of How Change Happens and co-aut hor of Nudge For most of the approximately 300,000 years that Homo sapiens have existed, we have shared the planet with at least four other types of humans. All of these were smart, strong, and inventive. But around 50,000 years ago, Homo sapiens made a cognitive leap that gave us an edge over other species. What happened? Since Charles Darwin wrote about "evolutionary fitness," the idea of fitness has been confused with physical strength, tactical brilliance, and aggression. In fact, what made us evolutionarily fit was a remarkable kind of friendliness, a virtuosic ability to coordinate and communicate with others that allowed us to achieve all the cultural and technical marvels in human history. Advancing what they call the "self-domestication theory," Brian Hare, professor in the department of evolutionary anthropology and the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University and his wife, Vanessa Woods, a research scientist and award-winning journalist, shed light on the mysterious leap in human cognition that allowed Homo sapiens to thrive. But this gift for friendliness came at a cost. Just as a mother bear is most dangerous around her cubs, we are at our most dangerous when someone we love is threatened by an "outsider." The threatening outsider is demoted to sub-human, fair game for our worst instincts. Hare's groundbreaking research, developed in close coordination with Richard Wrangham and Michael Tomasello, giants in the field of cognitive evolution, reveals that the same traits that make us the most tolerant species on the planet also make us the cruelest. Survival of the Friendliest offers us a new way to look at our cultural as well as cognitive evolution and sends a clear message: In order to survive and even to flourish, we need to expand our definition of who belongs. ...Show more

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Large 9781472964601

Dark Skies - A Journey into the Wild Night by Tiffany Francis-Baker (Illustrator)

$25.00 NZD

Available Stock:
2

Category: Natural History

Darkness has shaped the lives of humans for millennia, and in Dark Skies, Tiffany Francis travels around Britain and Europe to learn more about nocturnal landscapes and humanity's connection to the night sky. For a year, Tiffany travels through different nightscapes across the UK and beyond. She experie nces 24-hour daylight while swimming in the Gulf of Finland and visits Norway to witness the Northern Lights and speak to people who live in darkness for three months each year. She hikes through the haunted yew forests of Kingley Vale and embarks on a nocturnal sail down the River Dart. As she travels, Tiffany explores how our relationship with darkness and the night sky has changed over time. In this personal and beautifully written nature memoir, Tiffany Francis investigates how our experiences of the night-time world have permeated our history, folklore, science, geography, art and literature. ...Show more

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Large 9781631065705

Joy of Forest Bathing by Melanie Choukas-Bradley

$30.00 NZD

Available Stock:
2

Category: Natural History

A simple antidote to our nature-starved lives, The Joy of Forest Bathing is an enticing and comprehensive introduction to forest bathing--or Shinrin-yoku, in Japan--the meditative practice of connecting with nature and disconnecting from the distractions of daily life.   Full sensory immersion in the be auty and wonder of nature and trees can produce mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. Research has shown that forest bathing lowers blood pressure, pulse rate, and cortisol levels; improves mood; and may even boost our immunity to cancer and other diseases.   The Joy of Forest Bathing invites you to experience the benefits of this healing practice for yourself. Learn the history and background of forest bathing, followed by detailed instructions for establishing a forest bathing practice in your own adopted "wild home," encompassed in three steps: Disengagement from your daily routine Deep breathing and nature connection through a series of quiet activities or "invitations" Transitioning back to your daily life This restorative activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities: children, teenagers, and even senior citizens with limited mobility and people recovering from illness and surgery. And you don't need to travel to the Japanese alps to experience the benefits of forest bathing. All you need is a small patch of untouched (or lightly touched) nature to adopt as your "wild home."   Within, find practical tips and inspiration for forest bathing through the seasons: in the winter, when the leafless trees open up new vistas; in the spring, when you can hear the melodious serenade of song birds as they nest in the newly formed green canopy; in the summer, watching the butterflies nectaring on wildflowers; and in the autumn, when you can catch glimpses of hurried squirrels storing food for the winter.   The Joy of Forest Bathing introduces a variety of activities that can be enhanced with forest bathing elements, such as mindfulness practices, exercise, art and writing, and outdoor celebrations. Learn, too, how surrendering to the mysteries of nature can provide guidance through difficult times.   As you find nourishment in nature, you will instinctively begin to wonder how you can preserve and protect this healing resource. This guide includes suggestions for tending to your "wild home."   Illustrated throughout with enchanting artwork by Dutch illustrator Lieke van der Vorst and stunning nature photography, The Joy of Forest Bathing is the perfect guide to enhancing your life with the wondrous world of nature. ...Show more

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Large outofthewoods

Out of the Woods by Luke Turner

$28.00 NZD

Available Stock:
1

Category: Natural History

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2019 WAINWRIGHT BOOK PRIZELONGLISTED FOR THE 2019 POLARI FIRST BOOK AWARD At a crossroads in his life, the demons Luke Turner has been battling since childhood are quick to return - depression and guilt surrounding his identity as a bisexual man, experiences of sexual abuse, and the religious upbringing that was the cause of so much confusion. It is among the trees of London's Epping Forest where he seeks refuge. Away from a society that struggles to cope with the complexities of masculinity and sexuality, Luke begins to accept the duality that has provoked so much unrest in his life - and reconcile the expectations of others with his own way of being. ...Show more

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Large 9781783528981

Bird Therapy by Joe Harkness

$35.00 NZD

Available Stock:
2

Category: Natural History

When Joe Harkness suffered a breakdown in 2013, he tried all the things his doctor recommended: medication helped, counselling was enlightening, and mindfulness grounded him. But nothing came close to nature, particularly birds. How had he never noticed such beauty before? Soon, every avian encounter to ok him one step closer to accepting who he is. The positive change in Joe's wellbeing was so profound that he started a blog to record his experience. Three years later he has become a spokesperson for the benefits of birdwatching, spreading the word everywhere from Radio 4 to Downing Street. In this groundbreaking book filled with practical advice, Joe explains the impact that birdwatching had on his life, and invites the reader to discover these extraordinary effects for themselves. ...Show more

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Large 9780241979495

Irreplaceable The Fight to save our Wild Places by Julian Hoffman

$30.00 NZD

Available Stock:
1

Category: Natural History

All across the world, irreplaceable habitats are under threat. Unique ecosystems of plants and animals are being destroyed by human intervention. From the tiny to the vast, from marshland to meadow, and from America to England, Greece, and India, they are disappearing.   Irreplaceable is not only a lo ve letter to the haunting beauty of these landscapes and the wild species that call them home, including prairie chickens, nightingales, lynxes, hornbills, redwoods, and elephant seals, it is also a timely reminder of the vital connections between humans and nature, and all that we stand to lose in terms of wonder and well-being. This is a book about the power of resistance in an age of loss; a testament to the transformative possibilities that emerge when people come together to defend our most special places and wildlife from extinction.   Exploring treasured coral reefs and remote mountains, tropical jungle and ancient woodland, urban gardens and tallgrass prairie, Julian Hoffman traces the stories of threatened places around the globe through the voices of local communities and grassroots campaigners as well as professional ecologists and academics. And in the process, he asks what a deep emotional relationship with place offers us--culturally, socially, and psychologically. In this rigorous, intimate, and impassioned account, he presents a powerful call to arms in the face of unconscionable natural destruction. ...Show more

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