Showing results for "Nature and Life" in Politics & Social Sciences

Dive into the fascinating world of natures wonders as the author explores the extraordinary oddities of the animal kingdom. From the whimsical bookworm to the majestic rhinoceros, and from the industrious mole to the mythical unicorn, this collection of chapters unveils the captivating stories of these remarkable creatures. (Summary by mleigh)

Imagine a deep blue lake, embraced by lush green hills, dotted with islets—some revealing bare rock and others cloaked in vibrant shrubs. From these islets, steam rises from numerous openings, all while the foliage maintains its lushness. On the opposite shore, grand steps of white marble with a rosy hue lead down to a cascade of boiling water that spills into the lake below. This vivid scene captures Ernest Dieffenbach’s first encounter with the stunning White Terraces of Lake Rotomahana. Between 1839 and 1841, Dieffenbach journeyed through New Zealand as a naturalist for the New Zealand ...

Natalie Angier knows all that scientists know—and sometimes more—about the power of symmetry in sexual relations, about the brutal courting habits of dolphins, about the grand deceit of orchids, about the impact of female and male preferences on evolution. She knows how scientists go about their work, and she describes their ways, their visions, and their arguments. Perhaps most poignantly, she understands the complexities and the sad necessity of death.

Often regarded as Fieldings first novel, History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great was likely penned before his more well-known works like Shamela and Joseph Andrews. This sharp satire targets Robert Walpole, drawing an intriguing parallel between the notorious gang leader and highwayman Jonathan Wild. Fielding cleverly likens the Whig party in Parliament to a band of thieves led by Walpole, whose relentless ambition to be seen as a Great Man—a title he often claimed—ultimately leads to his ironic downfall being hanged. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Discover the rich legacy of beekeeping with The American Bee Journal, the oldest bee publication in the United States, founded in 1861. This issue delves into fascinating topics such as the benefits of Alsike Clover for bee pasturage, the challenges of syrup adulteration, the intricacies of fertilization in confinement, and the intriguing world of stingless bees in South America. Join Larry Wilson as he guides you through these essential aspects of scientific bee culture and honey production.

Discover the art of falconry through Our Vanishing Wild Life, an insightful treatise by Edmund Bert, Gentleman. This comprehensive work is divided into three sections the first reveals how to train a short-winged hawk to possess excellent qualities; the second offers strategies to reclaim a hawk from undesirable behaviors; and the third provides remedies for known ailments and afflictions. Bert, who resided in Collier Row near Romford, Essex, shares his remarkable experiences training the Goshawk, having achieved great success in the field. He recounts thrilling hunts across the downs of ...

Step into the turbulent world of Jonathan Jefferson Whitlaw, where the harsh realities of life in the black delta of the Deep South unfold. The story begins with a family claiming their piece of land, led by the brutish Whitlaw who mercilessly bullies his wife, Portia, into exhaustion until her tragic death after giving birth to a strong son. Portias sister-in-law, Clio, steps in to raise the young Jonathan while catering to his fathers whims. As Jonathan matures, he becomes a cunning and ambitious figure, driven by a relentless desire for wealth. Together with his father, he builds a thriving...

Set in 1812, this captivating tale unfolds in Portugal amidst the backdrop of war. The story primarily follows British officers, with Lord Strathern summoning his daughter, Lady Mabel Stewart, from Scotland to join him in Elvas, where his brigade is wintering. Enter the charming Colonel lLisle, the hero of our narrative. The author masterfully paints a vivid picture of the landscape, history, and the vibrant characters of this era, often weaving in discussions of liturgy—sometimes sparking controversy among the cast. While rich in historical detail, this narrative leans more towards a ...

Theres no better time to start exploring the wonders of the natural world than today! Begin your journey right where you are, ideally with a nearby tree. Engaging with nature firsthand makes learning about trees—and the life they support—an exciting adventure filled with questions and discoveries. (Julia Rogers)

In this captivating tale, the main character embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he leaves his parental home in search of independence. Along the way, he falls for the enchanting Aurelie, only to believe she belongs to someone else. Stricken by despair, he sets off for Italy, yet the memory of Aurelie lingers in his heart. Through a series of unexpected adventures and encounters, he ultimately returns to her home, where he uncovers a shocking truth that changes everything. - Summary by Antipode

Dive into a captivating exploration of agricultural education as envisioned by early 20th-century authors. They passionately argue that agriculture is as teachable as subjects like arithmetic, geography, or grammar. This insightful textbook emphasizes the importance of training youth for farming with the same dedication afforded to any profession, making a compelling case for the value of agricultural knowledge in a childs education. Discover the rich connection between plant life and the principles of farming that shaped a generation.

This podcast delves into the fascinating history of the Tower Menagerie, exploring the variety of animals it housed during the summer of 1828. Through vivid descriptions, intriguing anecdotes, and insightful narratives, we will uncover the stories of both the living creatures and those that recently passed, bringing to life the rich tapestry of this unique establishment.

Dive into G.A. Hentys insightful and humorous exploration of the animal kingdom, where he sheds light on often-overlooked species and challenges the unfair perceptions humans hold about them. While the narrative reflects the era it was penned, it invites listeners to engage thoughtfully with its themes. Please be mindful that the content may not align with contemporary sensibilities, as LibriVox presents works unedited. - Summary by Silas Jackson

In this podcast episode we dive deep in conversation on what being a men is to us in middle of a forest on vacation.

„Wilde Winkel“ nimmt Dich mit auf Entdeckungstour in Bayerns wertvollste Natur. Du bist mit im Boot, wenn die Fischerin bei Sonnenaufgang auf dem Starnberger See ihre Netze setzt und wenn der Fährmann im Abendblau über die glitzernde Regnitz gleitet. Du pirschst mit durchs Unterholz zu schillernden Käfern im Urwald von Bamberg. Du tauchst ein in das Gesumm auf duftenden Apfelbaumwiesen am Main. Und hinterher brauchst Du Dir nicht mal Erde aus Schuhen zu klopfen! Jeden Monat geht’s in einen anderen wilden Winkel Bayerns zwischen den Alpen und der Rhön, dem Nördlinger Ries und dem ...

In How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life, Roberts examines Smith’s forgotten masterpiece, and finds a treasure trove of timeless, practical wisdom. Smith’s insights into human nature are just as relevant today as they were 300 years ago. What does it take to be truly happy? Should we pursue fame and fortune or the respect of our friends and family? How can we make the world a better place?

An engrossing and revealing study of why we deem certain animals “pests” and others not—from cats to rats, elephants to pigeons—and what this tells us about our own perceptions, beliefs, and actions, as well as our place in the natural world A squirrel in the garden. A rat in the wall. A...

Professor David Wilson has spent his professional life working with violent men - especially men who have committed murder. Aged 29 he became, at that time, the UK's youngest ever prison governor in charge of a jail, and his career since then has seen him sat across a table with all sorts of killers: sometimes in a tense interview; sometimes sharing a cup of tea (or something a little stronger); sometimes looking them in the eye to tell them that they are psychopaths.

An iconoclast and best-selling author of both nonfiction and fiction, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas has spent a lifetime observing, thinking, and writing about the cultures of animals such as lions, wolves, dogs, deer, and humans. In this engrossing book, she provides a plainspoken, big-picture look at the commonality of life on our planet, from the littlest microbes to the largest lizards.

For readers of On Trails, this is an incisive, utterly engaging exploration of walking: how it is fundamental to our being human, how we've designed it out of our lives, and how it is essential that we reembrace it. "I'm going for a walk." How often has this phrase been uttered by someone with a...