Destroyer of Worlds
The thrilling and terrifying seventy-year story--"kinetic, dramatic, and compulsively readable" (Patchen Barss)--of the physicists that deciphered the atom and created the hydrogen bomb Although Henri Becquerel didn't know it at the time, he changed history in 1896 when he left photographic plates and some uranium rocks in a drawer. The rocks emitted something that exposed the plates: it was the first documented evidence of spontaneous radioactivity. So began one of the most exciting and consequential efforts humans have ever undertaken. As Frank Close recounts in Destroyer of Worlds, scientists confronting Becquerel's discovery had three questions: What was this phenomenon? Could it be a source of unlimited power? And (alas), could it be a weapon? Answering them was an epic journey of discovery, with Ernest Rutherford, Enrico Fermi, Irene Joliot-Curie, and many others jockeying to decipher the dance of particles in a decaying atom. And it was a terrifying journey as well, as Edward Teller and others pressed on from creating atom bombs to hydrogen bombs so powerful that they could destroy all life on earth. The deep history of the nuclear age has never before been recounted so vividly. Centered on an extraordinary cast of characters, Destroyer of Worlds charts the course of nuclear physics from simple curiosity to potential Armageddon.
Beyond Equilibria
Ecologists and evolutionary biologists, especially those with theoretical and mathematical leanings, have tended to dismiss historical approaches as descriptive, smacking of particularities, allowing few generalizations (or even being untestable), and even antithetical to scientific explanation. By contrast, the concept of biological equilibrium pervades every aspect of ecology and evolution, from the popular notion of the 'balance of nature' to sophisticated mathematical analyses of critical points in the state space of scientific models. This novel book explains the problems associated with an over-reliance on equilibrium-centred explanations, creating a persuasive argument that an explicit consideration of history - i.e. looking beyond the equilibrium - will often lead to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of almost every eco-evolutionary system. The author introduces the concept of 'flavours' of history - the variety of ways in which history can play a critical role in biological processes. Like the flavours of our food, these historical flavours may not always be distinct: they may be blended or overlapping and any number may be present. However, distinguishing between historical flavours is of practical use in explicating ecological and evolutionary phenomena. Beyond Equilibria: Historical Approaches to Ecology and Evolution is aimed at a broad audience of graduate students and researchers in ecology and evolution. Although there is extensive discussion of mathematical models, the material is presented in such a way that no detailed knowledge is needed. The book will be particularly suitable for a graduate-level discussion course.
Echoes in the Infinite Forest
Step into a world where nature and philosophy intertwine in a thrilling dance of mystery and discovery.Echoes in the Infinite Forest takes you deep into an ancient woodland where every leaf, shadow, and whisper hides secrets far older than time itself. Follow Arin, a young seeker drawn into the heart of the forest's mysteries, as he battles unseen darkness and uncovers truths that challenge everything he thought he knew about life, existence, and the delicate balance between light and shadow.This isn't just a story about survival-it's a journey through the very soul of nature, where every choice echoes across time and the forest itself seems alive, watching and waiting. As Arin confronts ancient spirits, rootbound darkness, and his own fears, he learns that understanding the forest means understanding the echoes within himself.If you're fascinated by the mysteries of the natural world and the deep questions of philosophy, this suspenseful and beautifully crafted tale will keep you hooked from the first page to the last, inviting you to listen closely to the voices of the infinite forest-and maybe find a part of yourself within its shadows
The Silent Logos
Step into a world where philosophy and nature intertwine in a gripping journey of mystery and discovery.In The Silent Logos, you'll follow Lior, a seeker drawn into the hidden depths of an ancient forest where the very fabric of reality hums with secrets. This isn't just any adventure - it's a quest to uncover the lost covenant known as the Logos, a powerful force that binds existence itself.As Lior ventures deeper into the shadows, he encounters echoes of forgotten pasts, spectral voices, and challenges that test not only his courage but the limits of his understanding. Each step peels back layers of silence and reveals the fragile balance between chaos and order, light and shadow.This story blends suspense with profound philosophical questions about the nature of truth, sacrifice, and the invisible forces that shape our world. If you've ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of nature's beauty, or what it means to truly listen to the silent rhythms of life, The Silent Logos will captivate you from first page to last.Prepare to be drawn into a haunting tale where every whisper could change everything-and the journey to restore the covenant might demand the ultimate price
Moss and Metaphysics
Dive into a world where philosophy and nature intertwine in the most unexpected ways.Moss and Metaphysics takes you on a thrilling journey deep into an ancient forest that breathes with secrets and challenges the very core of human understanding. Follow Elias, a seeker drawn by whispers beneath the bark, as he confronts haunting memories, shadowy fears, and the mysteries that bind life and existence together.This isn't just a story about trees and moss-it's an exploration of the unseen pulse that connects all living things, where every leaf and root holds a fragment of truth. As Elias faces trials that test his mind, spirit, and soul, you'll find yourself questioning what it means to be part of something greater, and what sacrifices are needed to protect that fragile balance.Filled with suspense, vivid imagery, and philosophical wonder, Moss and Metaphysics invites you to listen closely to the forest's breath and discover the profound truths hidden in its silence. Whether you're a nature lover, a thinker, or someone hungry for a gripping adventure, this book promises a journey unlike any other. Are you ready to uncover the breath beneath the bark
Roots of Reason
What if the earth itself remembered every question ever asked-and waited for someone to ask the right one?In Roots of Reason, journey with Leif, a young seeker drawn into the depths of the ancient Hollow, a mysterious realm beneath the forest floor where nature and philosophy entwine like vine and root. What begins as a simple expedition into forgotten ruins becomes a descent into a living, breathing mind of the earth-one that remembers every philosopher, every whisper of truth, and every mistake.As Leif uncovers strange monoliths, dormant creatures, and fragments of thought embedded in soil and stone, he realizes he's not just discovering lost wisdom-he's becoming a part of it. Haunted by visions, pursued by silent watchers, and tangled in the question of existence itself, Leif must face the most dangerous idea ever planted.A story that pulses with suspense and wonder, Roots of Reason is a philosophical fantasy thriller that explores the tension between knowledge and mystery, reason and instinct, memory and silence.Will Leif bloom into truth-or be buried beneath it?Open the book. The Hollow remembers
The Grove of Thought
Step into The Grove of Thought, where nature and philosophy entwine in a thrilling dance of mystery and discovery.Elena's journey begins in a quiet forest, but it quickly spirals into something far more profound-and dangerous. As she unravels the secrets of an ancient grove pulsing with life, she finds herself caught between the natural world's timeless wisdom and an awakening power that could change everything.This isn't just a story about trees or ideas; it's a suspense-filled exploration of what it means to be connected to the earth and to our deepest thoughts. The grove whispers secrets, tests courage, and challenges Elena to face not only the forest's hidden forces but her own inner fears and sacrifices.With each step deeper into the grove's heart, the lines between philosophy and nature blur, revealing a world where every choice carries weight and every truth has a shadow. The Grove of Thought invites you to question what you know, feel the pulse of the wild, and wonder-what happens when the mind and nature awaken together?Get ready for a gripping, reflective adventure that will stay with you long after the last page
The Einsteinian Revolution
How the Einsteinian revolution can be understood as the result of a long-term evolution of science The revolution that emerged from Albert Einstein's work in the early twentieth century transformed our understanding of space, time, motion, gravity, matter, and radiation. Beginning with Einstein's miracle year of 1905 and continuing through his development of the theory of general relativity, Einstein spurred a revolution that continues to reverberate in modern-day physics. In The Einsteinian Revolution, Hanoch Gutfreund and J羹rgen Renn trace the century-long transformation of classical physics and argue that the revolution begun by Einstein was in fact the result of a long-term evolution. Describing the origins and context of Einstein's innovative research, Gutfreund and Renn work to dispel the popular myth of Einstein as a lone genius who brought about a revolution in physics through the power of his own pure thought. We can only understand the birth of modern physics, they say, if we understand the long history of the evolution of knowledge. Gutfreund and Renn outline the essential structures of the knowledge system of classical physics on which Einstein drew. Examining Einstein's discoveries from 1905 onward, they describe the process by which new concepts arose and the basis of modern physics emerged. These transformations continued, eventually resulting in the establishment of quantum physics and general relativity as the two major conceptual frameworks of modern physics--and its two unreconciled theoretical approaches. Gutfreund and Renn note that Einstein was dissatisfied with this conceptual dichotomy and began a search for a unified understanding of physics--a quest that continued for the rest of his life.
Every Living Thing
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER - An epic, extraordinary account of scientific rivalry and obsession in the quest to survey all of life on Earth "[An] engaging and thought-provoking book, one focused on the theatrical politics and often deeply troubling science that shape our definitions of life on Earth."--The New York Times "A fluent and engaging account of the eighteenth-century origins of Darwinism before Darwin."--The Wall Street Journal WINNER OF THE PEN/E.O. WILSON LITERARY SCIENCE WRITING AWARD - A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR In the eighteenth century, two men--exact contemporaries and polar opposites--dedicated their lives to the same daunting task: identifying and describing all life on Earth. Carl Linnaeus, a pious Swedish doctor with a huckster's flair, believed that life belonged in tidy, static categories. Georges-Louis de Buffon, an aristocratic polymath and keeper of France's royal garden, viewed life as a dynamic swirl of complexities. Each began his task believing it to be difficult but not impossible: How could the planet possibly hold more than a few thousand species--or as many could fit on Noah's Ark? Both fell far short of their goal, but in the process they articulated starkly divergent views on nature, the future of the Earth, and humanity itself. Linnaeus gave the world such concepts as mammal, primate, and Homo sapiens, but he also denied that species change and he promulgated racist pseudoscience. Buffon formulated early prototypes of evolution and genetics, warned of global climate change, and argued passionately against prejudice. The clash of their conflicting worldviews continued well after their deaths, as their successors contended for dominance in the emerging science that came to be called biology. In Every Living Thing, Jason Roberts weaves a sweeping, unforgettable narrative spell, exploring the intertwined lives and legacies of Linnaeus and Buffon--as well as the groundbreaking, often fatal adventures of their acolytes--to trace an arc of insight and discovery that extends across three centuries into the present day.
My First Summer in the Sierra Illustrated
A Classic of American Nature Writing - Beautifully Illustrated for a New GenerationMy First Summer in the Sierra is the lyrical and awe-filled account of naturalist John Muir's 1869 journey through the Yosemite wilderness. Written with spiritual reverence and scientific precision, it captures the landscape, wildlife, and ecological wonder of the Sierra Nevada as few works ever have.This illustrated edition brings Muir's words to life with stunning imagery and clean, modern formatting.Includes dozens of illustrations and sketches that reflect Muir's love of creationModernized layout for enjoyable readingPerfect for hikers, homeschoolers, environmentalists, and literary collectorsA thoughtful gift for nature lovers and outdoor readers"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir
Accidental
Nominated for the best popular science book of 2024 by Smart Book. 'Who said science was dry? Certainly not Tim James'New York Post 'James writes with infectious enthusiasm and optimism'Kirkus Reviews 'A science teacher by profession, Mr. James knows how to get his audience's attention' Wall Street Journal 'Humorous, yet deep' Professor Charles Antoine A rip-roaring adventure through science gone wrong, and accidentally changing humanity (mostly) for the better. We may imagine that science is a process of breakthroughs and light bulb moments. But in reality, science goes wrong 99% of the time. Almost every idea a scientist comes up with is quickly disproved by a failed experiment or rival research. Science moves at a rate of inches per decade and we often like it that way. But occasionally, just occasionally, a complete fluke happens and changes everything as we know it. From an untimely sneeze in a petri dish leading to the groundbreaking creation of antibiotics, to the incredible discovery of microwaves via melted chocolate, Accidental is a rip-roaring adventure through science gone wrong, and accidentally changing humanity for the better.
Up North in Michigan
Northern Michigan is a place, like all places, in change. Over the past half century, its landscape has been bulldozed, subdivided, and built upon. Climate change warms the water of the Great Lakes at an alarming rate--Lake Superior is now the fastest-warming large body of freshwater on the planet--creating increasingly frequent and severe storm events, altering aquatic and shoreline ecosystems, and contributing to further invasions by non-native plants and animals. And yet the essence of this region, known to many as simply "Up North," has proved remarkably perennial. Millions of acres of state and national forests and other public lands remain intact. Small towns peppered across the rural countryside have changed little over the decades, pushing back the machinery of progress with the help of dedicated land conservancies, conservation organizations, and other advocacy groups. Up North in Michigan, the new collection from celebrated nature writer Jerry Dennis, captures its author's lifelong journey to better know this place he calls home by exploring it in every season, in every kind of weather, on foot, on bicycle, in canoes and cars. The essays in this book are more than an homage to a particular region, its people, and its natural wonders. They are a reflection on the Up North that can only be experienced through your feet and fingertips, through your ears, mouth, and nose--the Up North that makes its way into your bones as surely as sand makes its way into wood grain. The paperback contains a new chapter by Jerry Dennis that has been written since the publication of the hardcover.
My Lupus Journey Journal
Through the Storm: My Journey with Lupus and Invisible Illness"Living with lupus, Gitelman's Syndrome, and Pyoderma Gangrenosum has been a battle fought mostly in silence-because my pain is invisible, but my resilience is not. In this raw and empowering memoir, I share my deeply personal journey through misdiagnoses, debilitating flares, and the emotional toll of chronic illness. But this is more than just my story-it's a lifeline for others navigating similar storms.You'll find: Brutally honest accounts of medication trials (including hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants, and biologics) and their life-altering side effectsPractical strategies to advocate for yourself in a medical system that often dismisses "invisible" symptomsThe emotional toolkit I've built to cope with grief, isolation, and the fluctuating identity of being a patientUnexpected gifts discovered in the struggle-how illness reshaped my purpose
Newgrange and the New Science
Subtitle: Exploring the subtle energies of Ireland's ancient neolithic monument. Kieran Comerford, engineer and research and development manager spent eight years investigating the purpose for which Newgrange was built. He concluded that this Neolithic World Heritage Site in County Meath, Ireland represented the culmination of a huge project which began in County Sligo and progressed south-eastwards through a series of developments. Each of these intermediate monuments became more sophisticated and Newgrange represented the perfection of an ancient technology which has been lost. Newgrange was not built just to tell the time of the winter solstice. It functioned throughout the year and the science and technology behind its main purpose is revealed in this book. Bringing together knowledge from a wide range of sources Kieran explains how we can understand and benefit from this "New Science", but science itself, as we know it, must change to accommodate these old, and now rediscovered ideas.
Common Science
Unlock the wonders of the universe with "Common Science" by Carleton Washburne, a timeless masterpiece that has captivated minds for generations. After being out of print for decades, this essential work is now beautifully restored and republished by Alpha Editions, offering a rare glimpse into the marvels of everyday science. This edition is not just a reprint; it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously preserved for today's and future generations. Dive into Washburne's engaging exploration of the natural world, where complex scientific concepts are transformed into fascinating, easy-to-understand insights. From the mysteries of the cosmos to the intricacies of the human body, "Common Science" bridges the gap between curiosity and knowledge, making it an invaluable resource for both casual readers and classic literature enthusiasts. Experience the magic of discovery and the joy of learning with this beautifully restored edition, a testament to the enduring power of science to inspire and enlighten. Whether you're a lifelong learner or a collector of literary gems, "Common Science" is a must-have addition to your library, promising to ignite your imagination and enrich your understanding of the world.
Elements Of Physiophilosophy
Unlock the secrets of the universe with "Elements of Physiophilosophy" by Lorenz Oken, a masterpiece that bridges the gap between science and philosophy. Once lost to time, this groundbreaking work has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully restored and republished by Alpha Editions. This edition is not just a reprint; it s a collector s item and a cultural treasure, meticulously crafted for today s and future generations. Dive into Oken s visionary exploration of nature s interconnectedness, where he weaves a tapestry of knowledge that challenges and inspires. With profound insights into the natural world, this timeless classic offers a unique perspective that remains as relevant today as it was in the 19th century. Whether you re a casual reader or a collector of classic literature, this book promises to captivate your mind and stir your soul. Experience the wonder of a work that has shaped scientific thought and philosophical inquiry. "Elements of Physiophilosophy" is more than a book; it s an invitation to explore the mysteries of life and the cosmos. Don t miss the chance to own a piece of intellectual history, lovingly restored for the curious minds of today.
Elementary Physics
The book covers a wide range of topics in physics, including mechanics, simple harmonic motion, work, energy, power, linear momentum, heat, crystal, sound, electric current, and light.The book provides clear and concise explanations of complex physics concepts, making it easy for readers to understand even the most challenging topics.The book is well-organized, with each chapter covering a specific topic and building upon the knowledge gained in the previous chapters.The book includes a variety of exercises and problems at the end of each chapter, allowing readers to test their understanding and apply what they have learned.The book is an excellent resource for students of physics and educators who are looking for a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand textbook.
Little Brother to the Bear
The description for the title will be added shortly, well before publishing. This is a placeholder so that we can set the title up and get a cover template ready for the final text. This text will be fixed before uploading of the interior and cover.
Galileo And His Judges
Galileo And His Judges is a historical account that explores the conflict between scientific discovery and religious authority. The book delves into the life of an influential astronomer and physicist whose revolutionary ideas challenged deeply held beliefs. Central to the narrative is the clash between Galileo's heliocentric theory and the dominant geocentric worldview upheld by the Church and academia. The work discusses the broader implications of Galileo's discoveries, emphasizing the tension between faith and reason. As the narrative unfolds, it examines how his ideas disrupted traditional beliefs and brought him into conflict with ecclesiastical authorities, culminating in his infamous trial. The book provides a critical look at the interplay between religion and science, highlighting the power of established doctrines in suppressing new ideas. Through Galileo's journey, it explores the broader philosophical and societal challenges that arise when knowledge challenges established norms. The account captures the personal and intellectual struggles faced by Galileo, revealing how his groundbreaking contributions reshaped the scientific landscape while clashing with entrenched religious views.
Lives of the Hunted
Ernest Thompson Seton is considered the father of modern nature writing. He went to great lengths to explore, observe, study and interact with wildlife before chronicling it in his writing. In fact, he was one of the founding pioneers of the Boy Scouts in America! His love for nature comes through beautifully in this collection of short stories that focuses on the often overlooked animals that tend to become fodder for the popular ones. His writing is keenly empathetic as well as educational - giving us the ins and outs of the difficulties that come with being under constant threat of a hunt. With each story, he explores the life of a different animal giving us an extensive understanding of the entire ecosystem in the wild. The book comes to life with sketches of these animals and events drawn by the author. The sensitivity with which the stories are told are bound not just to engage us, but also make us more thoughtful in the way we interact with nature and each other. It's a book you'll keep coming back to and find something new each time! It's definitely a refreshing, much needed take on wildlife.
Going to Ground, an Anthology of Nature and Place
In 2013, Little Toller Books set up The Clearing, an online journal for new writing about nature and place by both new and established writers. The aim was to create a dedicated space for writers to explore and celebrate landscapes, finding distinctive and sometimes startling visions of place: rural, urban, suburban, industrial, post-industrial, fantastical and natural.Since then The Clearing has grown an international audience, garnered enthusiastic reviews, supported writing projects and has helped emerging writers at the beginning of their careers.In Going to Ground is some of the best and most distinctive writing from The Clearing's archive of hundreds of essays and poetry. Its themes are natural, political, historical, archaeological, ecological, scientific, personal, urgent and true, from more than thirty extraordinary writers.Contributors include: Tim Dee, Nancy Campbell, Tim Hannigan, Ann Lingard, Kathleen Jamie, Eleanor Anstruther, Kerri ni Dochartaigh, Nic Wilson, Alex Woodcock.
Spirit Calls Nature
A scientific, philosophical, and spiritual overview of the relationship between science and spirituality, neuroscience and the mystery of consciousness, mind and the nature of reality, evolution and life. A plaidoyer for a science that goes beyond the curve of reason and embraces a new synthesis of knowledge. The overcoming of the limitations of the intellect into an extended vision of ourselves and Nature. A critique of physicalism, the still-dominant doctrine that believes that all reality can be reduced to matter and the laws of physics alone. A review and reassessment of the old and new philosophical and metaphysical ideas which attempts to bring closer Western and Eastern traditions where science, philosophy, consciousness, Spirit and Nature are united in a grand vision that transcends the limited conventional scientific and philosophical paradigm. A possible answer to the questions of purpose and meaning and the future evolution of humankind beyond a conception that posits a priori a purposeless and meaningless universe. A report of the new scientific discoveries of a basal intelligence in cells and plants, on the question if mind is computational, the issue of free will, the mind-body problem, and the so called 'hard problem of consciousness'. An essay on ancient as modern philosophical conceptions, from the One of Plotinus, the God of Spinoza until the recent revival of panpsychism or the universal consciousness. A journey into quantum physics from the perspective of philosophical idealism and an invitation to adopt new ways of seeing that might help us to transform our present understanding, expanding it into an integral cosmology, with a special emphasis on the spiritual and evolutionary cosmology of the Indian seer Sri Aurobindo.Not just a philosophical and metaphysical meditation but, rather, an appeal to work towards a change of consciousness, a widening of our perspective towards a new way of seeing beyond a purely mechanistic worldview to avoid a social, environmental and economic collapse. Humans are transitional beings that will have to make a choice: relapse into a pre-rational state or evolve towards a new trans-rational species supported by an ideal of human unity in diversity as the expression of a spiritual evolutionary process, the call of the Spirit on Nature.This is a technical treatise for scientists and philosophers that wonder if and how they can expand their intellectual horizons beyond the straitjacket of materialism. It is dedicated to those who feel there is something more but struggle with connecting the dots into a more comprehensive and coherent picture supported by a way of seeing that allows us to overcome the present paradigm while maintaining scientific and conceptual rigor. Most of the topics discussed are unknown even to neuroscientists, biologists, philosophers, and yet are based on the findings published in their own mainstream peer-reviewed literature or on deep insights of the scientific, philosophical and spiritual giants of the past.
The Hills And The Vale
The Hills And The Vale is a collection of essays centered around nature, rural life, and reflections on the English landscape, showcasing a deep appreciation for the countryside. Through vivid descriptions and personal insights, the essays explore the author's connection to the natural world, highlighting his experiences in Wiltshire. The work opens with a reflective and humorous piece on the process of choosing a gun for shooting, blending excitement and anxiety while emphasizing the deeper connection to nature. Each essay captures moments of wandering, with Jefferies' prose offering a thoughtful, conversational tone that invites readers into the author's world. The collection presents a nuanced perspective of rural life, capturing the beauty and intricacies of the natural environment. Jefferies' writing celebrates the rhythms of the countryside, revealing the significance of both the mundane and the extraordinary moments encountered in the great outdoors. The essays offer an intimate glimpse into the life of a man deeply connected to his surroundings, making this work an invitation to slow down and appreciate the quiet details of rural existence.
Midnight's Machines
Named among "The Best Books of 2020" by BloombergShortlisted for New India Foundation's Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Book Prize 2020Every Prime Minister of Independent India has guided, if not personally overseen, one prized portfolio: technology. If, in the early years, Nehru and his scientist-advisors retained an iron grip on it, subsequent governments created a bureaucracy that managed everything from the country's crown jewels - its nuclear and space programmes - to solar stoves and mechanized bullock carts. But a lesser-known political project began on 15 August 1947: the Indian state's undertaking to influence what the citizens thought about technology and its place in society. Beneath its soaring rhetoric on the virtues or vices of technology, the state buried a grim reality: India's inability to develop it at home. The political class sent contradictory signals to the general public. On the one hand, they were asked to develop a scientific temper, on the other, to be wary of becoming enslaved to technology; to be thrilled by the spectacle of a space launch while embracing jugaad, frugal innovation, and the art of 'thinking small'. To mask its failure at building computers, the Indian state decried them in the seventies as expensive, job-guzzling machines. When it urged citizens to welcome them the next decade, the government was, unsurprisingly, met with fierce resistance. From Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, India's political leadership has tried its best to modernize the nation through technology, but on its own terms and with little success. In this engaging and panoramic history spanning the arc of modern India from the post-War years to present day, Arun Mohan Sukumar gives us the long view with a reasoned, occasionally provocative standpoint, using a lens that's wide enough for the frame it encompasses. With compelling arguments drawn from archival public records and open-source reportage, he unearths the reasons why India embraced or rejected new technologies, giving us a new way to understand and appreciate the individual moments that brought the country into the twenty-first century.
Integrating Planning with Nature
Climate change and development pressures are creating an urgent need to build more resilience into the ecosystems we live in and rely upon. To create such resilience, planners need to couple rural and urban areas, because they are generally part of the same landscape system in which decisions made in one area affect outcomes in another. Silicon Valley exemplifies this situation, where land-use planning in Coyote Valley, higher in the watershed, affects outcomes in the city of San Jos矇, lower in the watershed, and vice versa. This project and report is a demonstration of how planning across the urban-to-rural gradient can create positive outcomes in both areas. This novel partnership brings together urban planning, from SPUR; rural planning, from OSA; and the best available science, from SFEI, to quantify the benefits that could be gained from integrated planning. This demonstration was placed in a realistic context by creating future scenarios with the input of stakeholders from San Jos矇 and Coyote Valley through a series of planning workshops. Development pressure was included by assuming a more densely populated city in the future. The types of landscapes analyzed were drawn from San Jos矇 and Coyote Valley.The interventions that are recommended to improve the future landscape emphasize nature-based solutions. This focus is based on new research showing that natural infrastructure, like trees and wetlands, provides multiple benefits, is adaptive and resilient, and generally has low maintenance costs over time compared to traditional engineered approaches. For example, trees provide shade, carbon sequestration and storage, biodiversity support, and human health and well-being benefits. This project bridges the urban-to-rural divide to develop an approach that treats nature-based solutions as critical infrastructure central to adapting to the climate crisis and accommodating ongoing development.
All the Love
Bookwrights House proudly presents All the Love: Kel al-Hab, a profound and poetic offering from world traveler, environmentalist, tradesman and scholar Douglas B. Schaper. With his multidimensional path converges in this extraordinary work that challenges readers to reconsider the true power of love-not just as romance, but as a universal force that binds us to each other, to animals, and to the Earth itself.In All the Love: Kel al-Hab, Schaper blends vivid travel memoir with insightful social commentary and breathtaking nature photography. From close encounters with polar bears in the Arctic to moments of awe beside giraffes in Kenya, he reminds us that the emotional lives of animals are rich, profound, and not unlike our own. This book transcends borders, politics, and species, gently urging readers to replace destructive passions with a love that builds, heals, and unites. With poignant reflections on war, inequality, and environmental collapse, Schaper's message is as timely as it is timeless: love is not weakness-it is our only strength.If you've ever wondered whether a single book could make you see the world differently, All the Love: Kel al-Hab is your answer. A must-read for lovers of nature, philosophy, and social justice, it's a luminous meditation on what it truly means to be human in a world desperate for connection. This is not just a book-it's a wake-up call, a love letter, and a blueprint for a more compassionate tomorrow. Now available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and other retailers who sold this book. Bring home the journey. Share the love.
Geniuses, Heroes, and Saints
A rich account of the world's leading science prize told through the lives it has changed, the controversies it has generated, and the impact it has made on the public. In a world where the work of science largely remains inscrutable to the general public, the Nobel Prize confers a degree of intelligibility like no other honor. Our best-known and most prestigious award for individual scientific achievement, the Nobel attaches a brilliant face to a story of profound discovery, making moving headlines. In Geniuses, Heroes, and Saints, Massimiano Bucchi tells an equally compelling story of the Nobel's transformation of science into an epic pursuit legible both to the field and to the public, bound up with the currents of historical change. Three main narratives characterize the Nobel. The scientist as genius, portrayed as a creative visionary, an exceptional intellect reflecting a solitary and romantic ideal of great communicative impact. The scientist as national hero acts as a surrogate of competition among nations in a peaceful, rational contest. The scientist as saint shines with moral exceptionality, a figure worthy of celebration and worship, known for virtues such as modesty, humility, and total dedication, body and soul, to the scientific enterprise. Whether the recipient was Albert Einstein or a countryside doctor toiling for years in obscurity, whether the prize was worthily given or awarded to work later disproved, or whether we even remember the honorees today, the Nobel defined the image of science in the twentieth century, Bucchi shows, an image that still lives in all sorts of fascinating ways today.
50 Plants That Changed the World
The world as we know it would not exist without plants. Have you ever stopped to think about how your morning cappuccino came to be? From the coffee bush that yielded the beans to the grass for the cattle, or perhaps the soya, that produced the milk, plants are an indispensable part of our everyday life. Beginning with some of the earliest uses of plants, Stephen A. Harris takes us on an exciting journey through history, identifying fifty plants that have been key to the development of the Western world, while also discussing trade, imperialism, politics, medicine, travel, and chemistry along the way. There are plants here that have changed landscapes, fomented wars, and fueled slavery. Others have been the trigger for technological advances, expanded medical knowledge, or simply made our lives more pleasant. Plants have provided paper and ink, chemicals that could kill or cure, and vital sustenance and stimulants. Some, such as barley, have been staples from the earliest times; others, such as oil palm, are newcomers to Western industry. We remain dependent on plants for our food, fuel, and medicines. As the wide-ranging and engaging stories in this beautifully illustrated book demonstrate, their effects on our lives continue to be profound and often unpredictable.
Wild Life In A Southern County
Wild Life In A Southern County explores the deep connection between wildlife and the rural landscape, capturing the beauty and complexity of nature. The narrative invites readers to journey into untouched parts of the countryside, where modern progress has not yet intruded. The author's keen observations of various species, from birds to mammals, offer rich, detailed descriptions of their behaviors and habitats. The work emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural world as it exists, untouched by the changes sweeping through society. Through vivid portrayals of animals such as larks, hares, and starlings, the author reflects on the intricate balance of ecosystems and the tranquility found in the wild. The book serves as a celebration of nature, urging readers to appreciate the subtle rhythms and wonders of the natural world, while also considering the challenges posed by industrialization and societal progress. Ultimately, the work highlights the need to protect and preserve the wildlife that continues to thrive in the rural landscape, offering a poignant reminder of nature s enduring beauty.
Gary Snyder: Essential Prose (Loa #391)
In one volume, the indispensable prose of our "poet laureate of deep ecology" Here is Gary Snyder's own selection of his pathbreaking environmental essays, Buddhist journals, poetic notebooks, and more, including previously uncollected material Gathered for the first time in a single volume and completing the definitive Library of America edition of his works, here is the essential prose of our "poet laureate of deep ecology" philosophical essays, travel journals, poetic notebooks, reflections on Buddhism, environmental polemics, memoirs, speeches, interviews, letters, and other writings spanning the entire arc of Snyder's lauded, seventy-year career. All of Snyder's published prose collections are represented, omitting only items he feels are repetitious or merely occasional, followed by a selection of from his private journals. The volume includes: Earth House Hold describing his life as a fire lookout in Washington State in the early 1950s, and his experiences as an initiate in a Kyoto monastery"Poetry and the Primitive," a kind of "ecological survival technique""Buddhism and the Coming Revolution," which imagines the "nation-shaking implications" of spiritual discoveryHe Who Hunted Birds in His Father's Village, charting Snyder's deep engagements with Native American mythologyPassage Through India about a six-month pilgrimage with his wife and the poet Allen Ginsberg, culminating in a meeting with the Dalai Lama. The Practice of the Wild a classic of American environmental writing in the tradition of Thoreau, Aldo Leopold, and Annie DillardThe essays in A Place in Space and Back on the Fire exploring bioregionalism, forestry practices, sustainability, and the ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada, where Snyder has lived since 1970The Great Clod a mediation on the intersections of nature and culture in Asian history and literature. It's all here, the profound reflections and inspiring meditations of our greatest living guide to the nature of meaning and the meaning of nature.
Novel Superconductors
-Covers all aspects of superconductivity, including theoretical foundations and introduces the history and current state of superconductivity research and discusses the potential applications of superconductivity, including in energy storage and transportation.-Introduces the concept of novel superconductors and their unique properties and examines the use of superconductors in microwave technology, including in filters, delay lines, and detectors-Discusses the advantages of using superconductors in microwave applications, and explores the simulation of electromagnetic properties.-Discusses the properties and potential applications of bulk high-temperature superconductors and examines the use of simulation techniques to study the electromagnetic properties of these materials.-This book especially useful as a reference work for researchers, students and teachers.
Nicolaus Copernicus in the Culture of Memory
The volume explores Nicolaus Copernicus's cultural legacy, spanning from the 16th century to the commemorative events of 2023. It innovatively examines the reception of Copernicus's research and ideas, tracing his cultural impact across various historical epochs. Contributions within delve into the scientific reception of his theories as well as diverse forms of cultural remembrance, including monuments and commemorations, political memory, visual arts, iconography, street names, postage stamps, and tourism promotion. Emphasizing Copernicus's significance within both Polish and German cultural spheres (including local cultural wars), the volume also considers his broader global influence.
