Featured Book Review
Newly Noted Books
Introducing Medieval Animal Names
Ben Parsons’ “Introducing Medieval Animal Names,” the most recent addition to the superb Medieval Animals series from Gwasc Prifysgol Cymru / University of Wales Press is now available in both the UK and the US.
Goats in America
Tami Parr’s newly published “Goats in America; A Cultural History” presents the long and multi-faceted relationship of these remarkable animals in America from the beginning of the colonial period right up to the present day.
The Almanac; A Seasonal Guide To 2026
Of all the many joys of Autumn, one I’ve recently come to welcome with particular enthusiasm is the publication of the new edition of Lia Leendertz‘s very handy as well as superbly edifying little book “The Alamanac; A Seasonal Guide.”
A History of Transgender Medicine in the United States
If those of us in the United States are to hold an intelligent and mature public discussion (yes, I know… a person can hope though) about transgender matters, it is of the most high importance to our fellow citizens and ourselves that we become informed about the history and the science pertaining to the subject.
Biographies
Life Science Books
The Lives of Bats
Through overviews of their general life history, biology, and particular abilities such as echolocation, enhanced with profiles of representative as well as particularly interesting bat species, “The Lives of Bats” offers all interested in these remarkable mammals a very useful way to develop their understanding of them.
The Mystery in the Rye
In “The Mystery in the Rye; Ergot and LSD – A Cultural-Historical Quest,” Prof. Dr. Frank Petersen presents a lively and eye-opening history of the ergot fungus and its relationship to medical research and pharmacology as well as to human – particularly popular – culture.
Physical Science Books
Interdisciplinary Natural Science Books
History (of Natural History, of Science, of Medicine) Books
The Humanistic Background of Science
Philipp Frank’s “The Humanistic Background of Science” was left unfinished at the time of Frank’s death in 1966, however having now been edited by George A. Reisch and Adam Tamas Tuboly for SUNY University Press, it is now available to be read by any and all interested in the history of science.
The Marvelously Multifaceted Mr. Newton
Most of us likely first heard the name Isaac Newton when we were in primary school. For some, it may have been in a classroom; for others it may have been while viewing a television program – most likely a cartoon. However, in most all instances, I’d be willing to wager that the name was […]
Natural History Books
Churchill’s Examplary Animals
Sir Winston Churchill once famously remarked “Dogs look up to you, cats look down on you. Give me a pig! He looks you in the eye and treats you as an equal.” At least so said Sir Anthony Montague Browne, Sir Winston’s private secretary. And for my part, I very much hope he did – […]
Delicate and Subtle Illumination
Many years ago, when I was just a boy, the night sky seemed much blacker than it does today, but the stars seemed much brighter as well. Camping one long past night at Ft. Stevens State Park, I vividly recall lying on my back with my head outside the tent, looking up at a sky […]