Beetles that spray boiling liquid as a defense, a walking stick called the “devil’s rider,” millipedes that use microscopic grappling hooks to entangle attackers. For Love of Insects by ecologist Thomas Eisner is an electrifying book about the huge world of small creatures.
Eisner is the author of countless instances of pioneering work in his field. In addition to being an entomologist and chemical ecologist of the highest caliber, he is also an engaging storyteller, meaning For Love of Insects is not only a highly informative read but a fun read as well. Follow Eisner’s younger self as he studies six-legged wonders across the world (initially while his Jewish family evaded Hitler in the 1930s and later as part of his research interests), collects whip scorpions in the Arizona desert, unlocks the mysteries behind that funny white pattern in the middle of spider webs (called a “stabilimentum”), and collaborates with other premier scientists of his day.
Eisner has a talent of writing in such a way that the reader feels as though they are on an adventure with him. Many of his discoveries start with a road trip, hike, or similar, and Eisner has a remarkably charming way of describing other people. The excitement of discovery practically oozes off the page, somehow communicating Eisner and his colleagues’ brilliant experimental design without falling into the drab language some might associate with scientific writing. The many large photographs and illustrations on almost every page help. Eisner explains that he has been fascinated with macro nature photography since the early days of his scientific career. “The truth is that I spend a fair amount of time looking around,” the ecologist writes of his own process of discovery in the book’s epilogue. “I already knew as a boy that if I wanted to see things happen—if I wanted to win the revelatory lottery of nature—I had to buy a lot of tickets.”
Especially recommended for:
Those wanting to learn more about “the little things that run the world” (a phrase attributed to the late great naturalist E. O. Wilson, who wrote the foreword of this volume), readers who would like to ponder an often-overlooked aspect of Creation, those with an interest in chemistry who would like to see that discipline applied in a new way, and anyone with an appetite for exhilarating scientific discovery!
For Love of Insects can be found in the “QL” section of the library.
Darius Mullin’s reviews reflect his personal opinions and not necessarily those of the library or university.
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