The Life of Insects


Book Description

Set in a crumbling Soviet Black Sea resort, The Life of Insects with its motley cast of characters who exist simultaneously as human beings (racketeers, mystics, drug addicts and prostitutes) and as insects, extended the surreal comic range for which Pelevin's first novel Omon Ra was acclaimed by critics. With consummate literary skill Pelevin creates a satirical bestiary which is as realistic as it is delirious - a bitter parable of contemporary Russia, full of the probing, disenchanted comedy that makes Pelevin a vital and altogether surprising writer.




The Secret Life of Flies


Book Description




The Secret Life of Insects


Book Description

Every science, including the study of insects, may have circumscribed limits, but its deeper principles open up new worlds of possibility. Milward uncovers these hidden principles by examining the daily lives and habits of insects. His studies lead him to fascinating speculations, taking the reader into the realms not only of literature, as suggested by the subtitle, but also of philosophy and theology. When Milward discusses what everybody knows about insects and what he has personally observed, he relates insects to human life in general. His insights help us feel a certain fellowship with the insects, or at least with some of the more familiar insects. He does not let us forget that there is an important diff erence between human beings and insects. Human beings think. It is our ability to think that makes us what we are, but it is thinking that enables us to discover our affi nity with insects. The Secret Life of Insects does not probe into the hidden lives of insects or treat them as individuals. His main interest is the light insects may throw on our human experience, and the assistance they may lend us as we seek to transcend our human experience. Milward aims at the level of common knowledge. In contrast to entomological scientists, Milward finds shadowy glimpses of hidden meaning in the insect world. Th ese intimations or shadowy glimpses reveal thoughts and possibilities that will extend the human imagination. As a consequence, this work will inspire philosophers, as well as general readers interested in refl ecting on the profundity of ordinary life.




The Secret Life of Insects


Book Description

Every science, including the study of insects, may have circumscribed limits, but its deeper principles open up new worlds of possibility. Milward uncovers these hidden principles by examining the daily lives and habits of insects. His studies lead him to fascinating speculations, taking the reader into the realms not only of literature, as suggested by the subtitle, but also of philosophy and theology. When Milward discusses what everybody knows about insects and what he has personally observed, he relates insects to human life in general. His insights help us feel a certain fellowship with the insects, or at least with some of the more familiar insects. He does not let us forget that there is an important difference between human beings and insects. Human beings think. It is our ability to think that makes us what we are, but it is thinking that enables us to discover our affinity with insects. "The Secret Life of Insects" does not probe into the hidden lives of insects or treat them as individuals. His main interest is the light insects may throw on our human experience, and the assistance they may lend us as we seek to transcend our human experience. Milward aims at the level of common knowledge. In contrast to entomological scientists, Milward finds shadowy glimpses of hidden meaning in the insect world. These intimations or shadowy glimpses reveal thoughts and possibilities that will extend the human imagination. As a consequence, this work will inspire philosophers, as well as general readers interested in reflecting on the profundity of ordinary life.




The Secret Lives of Backyard Bugs


Book Description

Provides information about insects commonly found in backyards and explains the many advantages they provide.




Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!


Book Description

Pretty ladybugs, fluttering butterflies, creepy daddy longlegs, and roly-poly bugs are some of the familiar creatures featured in this whimsically illustrated insect album. Complete with an "actual size" chart and bug-o-meter listing fun facts about each bug, Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! will inform and entertain curious little bug lovers everywhere.




Illinois Insects and Spiders


Book Description

Marrying art and entomology, this is a unique introduction to local biodiversity found in Illinois. More than a traditional field guide, it combines lush artwork with the science of natural history.




Secret Lives of Ants


Book Description

In the great naturalist tradition of E. O. Wilson, Jae Choe takes readers into a miniature world dominated by six-legged organisms. This is the world of the ant, an insect that humans, as well as most other life forms, depend upon for their very survival. Easily one of the most important animals on earth, ants seem to mirror the actions, emotions, and industries of the human population, often more effectively than humans do themselves. They developed ranching and farming long before humans, and their division of labor resembles the assembly lines of automobile factories and multinational enterprises. Self-sacrifice and a finely tuned chemical language are the foundations of their monarchical society, which is capable of waging large-scale warfare and taking slaves. Tales of their massacres and atrocities, as well as struggles for power, are all too reminiscent of our own. The reality of ant society is more fascinating than even the most creative minds could imagine. Choe combines expert scientific knowledge with a real passion for these miniscule marvels. His vivid descriptions are paired with captivating illustrations and photographs to introduce readers to the economics, culture, and intrigue of the ant world. All of nature is revealed through the secret lives of the amazing ants. In the words of the author, “Once you get to know them, you’ll love them.”




Encyclopedia of Insects


Book Description

Dive into the world of creepy-crawlies in this Encyclopedia of Insects. Packed with hundreds of bugs, every one is looked at in fascinating detail by natural history expert Jules Howard. From the cutest and most beautiful, to the deadliest and most disgusting, there's something for everyone in this book which highlights the importance of the insect world. Plus, find out what actually makes an insect, an insect - with guest entries from the non-insects: centipedes, spiders, woodlice, and snails. Featuring 300 bugs!




The Book of Brilliant Bugs


Book Description

Enter the kingdom of bugs and their close relatives for a magical journey through the forest floor, down into the deepest caves, and even across the open ocean... Insects, arachnids, worms, and mollusks are crawling across the pages of this colorful bug book, which combines gorgeous illustrations and photos to help young animal enthusiasts spot and learn all the main bug groups. From dancing bees to cartwheeling spiders, from butterfly athletes to the beetles that eat poo, they'll learn all about the incredible secret world of creepy-crawlies. And they'll find out how bugs help to look after our planet too. The Book of Brilliant Bugs, written by insect expert Jess French and illustrated by Claire McElfatrick, takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how amazing creepy-crawlies are, what they do for our planet, and how we can help them. It includes bug relatives such as slimy slugs, web-spinning spiders, and scuttling centipedes, plus amazing facts on how bugs pass on messages, compete for food, seek true love, and fill the air with buzzing wings.