Sherri Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Just finished this book and wanted to pass on a recommendation for it to anyone looking for an interesting nature-based read to fill the long hours of darkness. The author, Lyall Watson, is a botanist, zoologist, biologist, anthropologist, and ethologist. He presents some fascinating interpretations of natural patterns, mysteries, and "miracles" from both anthropological history and our everyday existence.(ie--why do most people, from those today back to our earliest ancestors, become right-handed? Why do the cherries cluster in one part of a cake? Why would a plant "react" to an animal's death?) The last chapter, about the "perfect ecology" of a Papuan cannibalist society is worth the price of the book, but every chapter is a gem in itself. Publisher's blurb: "Prowling the edges of science with insight and sensitivity, Lyall Watson maintains that there is a truth to be found behind every seemingly impossible legend. The best-selling author of Supernature and Gifts of Unknown Things, Watson takes us on a journey through prehistoric burial sites on the beaches of South Africa, ancient ritual iron mines in Swaziland, and present-day villages in Indonesia and New Guinea inhabited by man-eating dragons and headhunters. In these and other extraordinary travels we encounter phenomenon that defy traditional scientific explanation. Watson looks beyond the scientific "facts" and helps us--through his own remarkable discoveries--to see the poetry and wonder of the natural world." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dechristo Posted December 15, 2007 Share Posted December 15, 2007 thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirp Posted December 16, 2007 Share Posted December 16, 2007 Bingo! Perfect timing on this! Thanks, gonna scope it out tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherri Posted December 16, 2007 Author Share Posted December 16, 2007 No worries. I just happened to pick it up at the bookstore in Leavenworth this fall. It's not "scientific literature" so much as it is "literary science"--in other words, Watson draws a lot of his own conclusions that are not necessarily scientifically verifiable-- but I found it to be a fun, thought-provoking read. And who's to say that rocks don't cry? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike1 Posted December 16, 2007 Share Posted December 16, 2007 That is perfect timing! I'm going to search this out today. It’ll make a perfect stalking stuffer for my wife. She absolutely loves that kind of reading. I’ve got so many books lined up it’ll be months before I get to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sobo Posted December 17, 2007 Share Posted December 17, 2007 That is perfect timing! I'm going to search this out today. It’ll make a perfect stalking stuffer for my wife. She absolutely loves that kind of reading. I’ve got so many books lined up it’ll be months before I get to it. We'll be "keeping an eye on you" there, Mikester... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike1 Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 That is perfect timing! I'm going to search this out today. It’ll make a perfect stalking stuffer for my wife. She absolutely loves that kind of reading. I’ve got so many books lined up it’ll be months before I get to it. We'll be "keeping an eye on you" there, Mikester... Right back at ya, if you know what I mean... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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