Science & Nature

As a huge fan of James Lovelock’s Gaia theory, I was certain I’d find his name in the reviews for Stewart Brand’s latest and sure-to-be-controversial environmental book, and I was right. Both authors embrace a philosophy that theory and modeling for global solutions to environmental issues are time consuming and non- practical. As an ENVS major it was difficult for me to read that the most earth-friendly energy source may be nuclear but I began to feel differently after reading their arguments. An important addition to the environmental-issues dialogue. —Adrienne Mages

America’s national parks spring from an idea as radical as the Declaration of Independence: that the nation’s most magnificent and sacred places should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. In this evocative and lavishly illustrated narrative (the companion volume to the PBS series), Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan delve into the history of the park idea, from 1851 through the most recent additions to a system that now encompasses nearly 400 sites and 84 million acres. With preservation and access to our treasured parks at the forefront of our minds these days (particularly here in California), this beautiful book could not come at a better time.

This stunning collection of photographs showcases over 200 birds, captured with startling detail, precision, and personality. Zuckerman has the unique ability to take even ordinary creatures and expose their true magnificence, giving them the grace and dignity we usually associate with portraits of humans. This is a very special book for animal lovers of all ages. —M.M.