2007-09-03 Mind-boggling

Put briefly this is an amazing book! Whether its the vast amount of research carried out, the fantastic photography or the accessibility of writing, Extreme Nature is masterly in almost every way.

It is written in the from of about 150 'record breakers' each taking up a double page spread. On one side is an invariably brilliant photograph featuring the organism in question and taking up the whole page, while on the other are a few short paragraphs explaining the record the animal sets and how & why it does it. The records range from the usual (largest egg) to the more obscure (most imaginative use of dung) and the humorous (sexiest beast)!

One of the best things about this book is the simplicity of writing. Carwardine resists the temptation to write reams about each animal, and condenses the facts down to a couple of well written paragraphs which are easily understood. There are many statistics but he only mentions those that are necessary and they do not stifle the fluidity of the reading.

The wealth of experience and knowledge that Carwardine has brought together in the creation of Extreme Nature is extraordinary. The acknowledgements section covers two pages and contains well over 100 names - world leaders in their various fields of science and photography which accounts for the undeniable quality of the photos as well as the information.

I read Extreme Nature cover to cover but it can also be used as a 'dip in' book to be used now and then. The book shows off evolution and the natural world in all her glory and hopefully will play a part in persuading more people to hep conserve these fantastic animals and plants. Buy, read, enjoy, and be amazed.