Best of
Science-Nature

1978

Of Wolves and Men


Barry Lopez - 1978
    Lopez’s classic, careful study has won praise from a wide range of reviewers and improved the way books on wild animals are written. Of Wolves and Men explores the uneasy interaction between wolves and civilization over the centuries, and the wolf's prominence in our thoughts about wild creatures. Drawing upon an impressive array of literature, history, science, and mythology as well as extensive personal experience with captive and free-ranging wolves, Lopez argues for the wolf's preservation and immerses the reader in its sensory world, creating a compelling portrait of the wolf both as a real animal and as imagined by different kinds of men. A scientist might perceive the wolf as defined by research data, while an Eskimo hunter sees a family provider much like himself. For many Native Americans the wolf is also a spiritual symbol, a respected animal that can strengthen the individual and the community. With irresistible charm and elegance, Of Wolves and Men celebrates careful scientific fieldwork, dispels folklore that has enabled the Western mind to demonize wolves, explains myths, and honors indigenous traditions, allowing us to understand how this remarkable animal has become so prominent for so long in the human heart.

The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher


Lewis Thomas - 1978
    

The Value of Learning: The Story of Marie Curie


Ann Donegan Johnson - 1978
    A brief biography emphasizing the importance of learning in the life of the scientist who was awarded the Nobel prize for her work in chemistry.

Roadside Geology of Oregon


Marli B. Miller - 1978
    Back then, the implications of plate tectonic theory were only beginning to shape geologic research and discussion. Geologists hadn't yet learned that Oregon's Klamath and Blue Mountains were pieces of far-traveled island arcs and ocean basins that had been piled against the growing North American continent. Steaming volcanoes, ghost forests, recent landslides, and towns heated with geothermal energy attest to Oregon's still-prominent position at the edge of an active tectonic plate.

Falconry & Hawking


Phillip Glasier - 1978
    In conjunction with raptor specialist Greg Simpson, he presents completely new, fully up-to-date coverage of health and disease, as well as in-depth advice on keeping birds of prey loose in an aviary. Both newcomers and those familiar with the sport will find invaluable knowledge.

Shark Lady: True Adventures of Eugenie Clark


Ann McGovern - 1978
    An introduction to the life and career of the ichthyologist whose interest in fish began at the age of nine during weekly trips to the Aquarium in New York City.

People of the Lake


Richard E. Leakey - 1978
    Leakey is the story of mankind and its beginnings. Mass market paperback has different cover than pictured, same book.

Trees in Britain, Europe and North America


Roger Phillips - 1978
    Each tree is illustrated in full detail - by leaf, flower, fruit, bark, and mature tree shape - and is fully described in the text. A unique leaf index makes the identification of trees simple and accurate. The trees are arranged alphabetically by Latin name and an index of common names concludes the book. An indispensable companion for both the enthusiast and the botanist.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics


Charles Ludwig - 1978
    Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Yosemite National Park: A Complete Hiker's Guide


Jeffrey P. Schaffer - 1978
    View the soaring granite cliffs and waterfalls of Yosemite Valley, or take in the breathtaking vista from Glacier Point. Explore the impressive groves of giant sequoias and hike the spectacular, glacier-carved backcountry. The major trails leading into the park are also described in equal detail—trails in the Emigrant, Hoover, and Ansel Adams wildernesses. Also included is the most up-to-date, topographic map available of Yosemite and vicinity, showing over 1000 miles of trails, all of them personally hiked by the author or his assistant.

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Trees


Paola Lanzara - 1978
    The 300 entries cover conifers, palms, broadleafs, fruits, flowering trees, and trees of economic importance.Each entry supplies the botanical name with its etymology, the common name, and the family name of the tree, along with a full description of size, color, shape, leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds. Concise information is given on habitat, propagation, and conditions for growth. Also included are a detailed introduction with valuable background information, a hardiness zone map for North America, a glossary, and an index for easy reference.Whether you are interested in identifying the Staghorn sumac or in growing the tallest redwood, this handsome, comprehensive, and authoritative guide tells you everything you need to know about the wonderful and majestic world of trees.

Joe Kaufman's About the Big Sky, About the High Hills, About the Rich Earth ... and the Deep Sea


Joe Kaufman - 1978
    An illustrated introduction to the earth sciences, including the stars and planets, weather, rocks and minerals, and water.