by Thor Hanson (Author)
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.
Author Biography
Thor Hanson is a conservation biologist, Guggenheim Fellow, and author of award-winning books including Buzz, Feathers, The Impenetrable Forest, and The Triumph of Seeds. He lives with his wife and son on an island in Washington State.
www.thorhanson.net
Number of Pages: 352
Dimensions: 1 x 8 x 5.4 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: July 31, 2012
Award: John Burroughs Medal for Outstanding Natural History Writing (2013)