BUGS BRITANNICA

2010, 512 pages, 400+ color photos. A comprehensive look at invertebrates that proves it’s the little things that count, this essential and accessible work on bugs is not a biological guide but a richly illustrated cultural one, seen through the eyes of writers, musicians, artists, and naturalists—from the great Tudor naturalist Thomas Muffet, father of Little Miss Muffet, to Irvine Welsh’s talking tapeworm in Filth—as well as contributions by ordinary men and women who are fascinated by creepy crawlies of all kinds.

Structured along a roughly evolving path, the book ranges from simple cell life-forms to spiders, butterflies, and bees, and then back into the water to meet mollusks and “almost-fish.” In addition to the fascinating habits of the bug world, the eccentric behavior of the bug obsessives themselves is also included. But of course, the true heroes of the book are the bugs themselves—the nimble-dicks, clock ladies, and coffin-cutters.

This is a highly readable book, generously and beautifully illustrated. Hardcover; 8-1/2 x 11″.

About the authors –
Peter Marren is a wildlife writer, journalist, and authority on invertebrate folklore and names.
Richard Mabey is called “Britain’s great living nature writer” by the Times and is the author of several books.