Naming Nature

A cabinet of natural curiosities for word lovers: discover the fascinating stories behind the common names of 79 global creatures of the air, land and sea, plus plants, algae, insects, reptiles, and more. From the koala, elephant and axolotl; to wonderfully evocative creature-names such as the vampire squid, the leafy sea dragon and the resplendent quetzal. Each profile explores the Latin, cultural and folkloric derivation of the names we gave to these species as well as fascinating insight into habitats and notable behaviours. Many of the profiles include exquisite reproductions of illustrations by great names of botanical, ornithological and zoological art, including images by John Gould (1804-81), Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935), John James Audubon (1785-1851), Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919), and more.

Hardback
22 x 14.5cm
255 pages
With 62 colour and 3 black-and-white illustrations
FSC accredited paper