Released on 15th June
Here be Dragons:
How the study of animal and plant distributions revolutionized our views of life and Earth
By Dennis McCarthy
978-0-19-959566-2 | £8.99 | 9th June 2011 | paperback
Written captivatingly by a leading and innovative researcher, this book offers a fascinating insight into the history of biogeography. The field of biogeography has drastically altered our view of the planet allowing for a deeper understanding of the connected systems of life, physical forces, and how they interact in space and time. This book tells the tale of the development of the field from its roots in the nineteenth century, with Darwin and Wallace, right up to how it is developing in the present day.
Praise for the hardback edition:
‘I would advise anyone to read this informative, silkily written book.’ - Jonathan Wright, Geographical
‘McCarthy's instinct to blend areas of scientific study traditionally divided by academic specialization is as refreshing as it is insightful.’ - Christopher Lloyd, Times Literary Supplement
The book offers:
- An explanation of how the two major theories of evolution and plate tectonics combine to explain the patterns of life on earth
- Explanations for spatial distribution of animals and plants
- How the earth has responded to the stresses of life
- The story of how an interdisciplinary, ever developing, field has become of major importance in the present day.
- Individually fascinating stores such as those of the changing landscape and radical ideas of young scientists.
Dennis McCarthy is a research associate in the Buffalo Museum of Science who has been credited among geophysicists as the first person to offer a correct explanation for the unequal distribution of continents and oceans over the world. McCarthy’s style is journalistic and easily accessible making it an interesting and useful resource for readers interested in popular science, geography and natural history.
The move into paperback offers another way to access this wonderful resource that has been praised as revealing ‘fascinating facts’ (Adrian Barnett, New Scientist).
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For any more information, or to review a copy, please contact chloe.foster@oup.com
