Overview

From one of the finest naturalist/writers of our time, a fascinating investigation of Nature's inspiring death-to-life cycle When a good friend with a severe illness wrote, asking if he might have his green burial at Bernd Heinrich's hunting camp in Maine, it inspired the acclaimed biologist to investigate a subject that had long fascinated him. How exactly does the animal world deal with the flip side of the life cycle? And what are the lessons, ecological to spiritual, raised by a close look at how the animal world renews itself? Heinrich focuses his wholly original gaze on the fascinating doings of creatures most of us would otherwise turn away from--field mouse burials conducted by carrion beetles; the communication strategies of ravens, the premier northern undertakers ; and the inadvertent teamwork among wolves and large cats, foxes and weasels, bald eagles and nuthatches in cold-weather dispersal of prey. Heinrich reveals, too, how and where humans still play our ancient and important role as scavengers, thereby turning--not dust to dust--but life to life.

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9780358306863

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Reviews

'The metaphor that we are part of the earth ecosystem is not a belief; it is a reality, ' Heinrich writes. This engaging and thoughtful book makes the case that this truth is not only scientifically relevant but personally, and spiritually, too: by looking to nature, humans can 'transcend individual deaths' and find a deeper meaning in our earthly existence. -- Publishers Weekly Eexplores the taboos and relevance of scavengers, the 'life-giving links that keep nature's systems humming along smoothly.' -- Kirkus Reviews Through his specific examples and situations, Heinrich weaves the concept of how humans are a part of this great recycling but also how humans often short-circuit the process...A thought-provoking book reminding us that we are all part of life everlasting. -- Booklist (starred review) An enlightening look at animal behavior and the cycle of life and death, from one of the finest naturalists of our time. -- Edward O. Wilson, New York Times bestselling author Heinrich writes with insight in entertaining prose that still manages to be scientific. Highly recommended. -- Library Journal

Heinrich writes with insight in entertaining prose that still manages to be scientific. Highly recommended. -- Library Journal

Author Information

BERND HEINRICH is an acclaimed scientist and the author of numerous award-winning books, including the best-selling The Mind of the Raven, Why We Run, and Winter World. He is a frequent contributor to national media, and professor emeritus of biology at the University of Vermont.

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