Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle

About this book

One of America's great nature-writers explores the magic and science of feathers. “An illuminating study of an evolutionary marvel.” ―Economist Winner of the John Burroughs Medal Feathers are an evolutionary marvel: aerodynamic, insulating, beguiling. From flying dinosaurs to showgirls on the Las Vegas Strip, their story spans hundreds of millions of years—yet has never been fully told. In Feathers, biologist Thor Hanson details a sweeping natural history of how feathers have been used to soar, attract, and adorn through time. Applying the research of paleontologists, ornithologists, biologists, engineers, and even art historians, he asks: What are feathers? How did they evolve? What do they mean to us? Enlivened by Hanson’s field experiences and wide-ranging research, Feathers is a captivating account of the human fascination with this most enchanting natural wonder.

Details

Format

Paperback

ISBN-13

9780465028788

Publisher

Basic Books

Published

July 31, 2012

Pages

352

Weight

11.2 oz

Subject

Science