R. Scot Duncan is associate professor of biology and urban environmental studies at Birmingham-Southern College.
"Southern Wonder is an amazing and eye-opening book, comprehensive
enough to be a field guide as well as a doorway to the natural
world."
--Rick Montague, in awarding the 2014 Philip D. Reed Environmental
Writing Award from the Southern Environmental Law Center
"In this 'surprising' book (to quote the subtitle), Duncan
(Birmingham-Southern College) tells stories to 'excite the
10-year-old in all of us.' He lapses into jargon infrequently but
only because of the ubiquity of some terms (e.g., r-selected) at
the college level. The surprise comes from the high-quality
photographs (134 in full color), the easy, breezy writing style,
and the rigor of this volume. Somehow Duncan incorporates 665
citations and website links (many of them from Alabama) into
accessible flowing prose. He covers all habitats, many fish and
mammals (plus a few birds), but sadly no insects. Readers will
truly realize the book's scope when they encounter the extensive
index with 1,700 entries, 8 pages of chapter notes, and a 46-page
reference section at the end. This extensive scholarly apparatus
makes it a valuable academic work. Southern Wonder is a must buy
for libraries in Alabama and a should buy for any library serving
students in North American natural history courses. Summing Up:
Highly recommended. All readership levels."
--CHOICE
"Scot Duncan has delivered one of the most important books ever
written about Alabama. Beautifully composed, it is a revelation
about one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America
and a call to Alabama's people to treasure and protect the state's
living heritage."
--Edward O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Social
Conquest of Earth "This book covers almost every nook of
biodiversity in the state. It is well-thought-out and delivered.
The organization makes it easy for both lay and experienced readers
of scientific knowledge to become enthralled in the subject
matter."
--T . Wayne Barger, State Botanist, Alabama Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
