The Hidden Beauty of the Microscopic World
What the tiniest forms of life can tells us about existence and our place in the universe
by James Weiss
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Pub Date 8 Jun 2021 | Archive Date 1 Jun 2021
Watkins | Watkins Publishing
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Description
James Weiss was feeling lost in life when he first discovered his interest in the microscopic world. With his own microscope and a little homespun ingenuity, he began to capture thousands of hours of stunning footage of the creatures that he found around him: the local pond, at the beach, in a puddle. What he found astounded him, and it became his mission to reveal the beauty of the microcosmos to everyone.
In his fun and accessible style, interspersed with otherworldly photographs, James presents this beginner's guide to the invisible life that surrounds us. From the most simple single-celled life, to complex micro-animals, James reveals the secrets of a world that we rarely consider. Navigating the births, feasts, tragedies, idiosyncracies and deaths of a cast of tiny characters, learn how these lifeforms work and what lessons they can teach us about our own existence. Mixing scientific detail with thoughtful musings that betray the fascination at the heart of his topic, James has created a way of looking at microorganisms in an empathetic and engaging style.
You'll discover fascinating absurdities: that a cell can be both its own daughter and its own mother. That immortality really does exist, and it comes in the form of a teeny, tentacled medusa. And that seeing the wonder of nature from a new perspective can literally save your life.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781786784490 |
| PRICE | US$29.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 256 |
Featured Reviews
Stephen G, Reviewer
I loved this book. James Weiss writes in a conversational and friendly tone. So friendly, in fact, that he is the type of writer I would love to sit down with over coffee or a beer. Weiss weaves the story of the microscopic world around his own story, and he does this in a touching way and where appropriate, with a great sense of humor. Another part of the book I love is Weiss’s contagious enthusiasm. Adding to my enjoyment are the wonderful photographs. Overall this is an amazing book which would also make a great coffee-table book. Thank you to Netgalley and Watkins Publishing for the advance reader copy.
Kelly K, Reviewer
The Hidden Beauty of the Microscopic World is a gem of a book about the author's journey into discovering microscopic life. It is broken down into brief paragraphs about different life forms. Easy to read by the layperson. Makes science fun! Great photography of what Weiss has found under the microscope. This book would be great for anyone interested in science. Any reader will probably learn something new.
Marie R, Reviewer
--Introducing the Small and Beautiful--
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and here are my thoughts.
Although this book, with its copious, beautiful photographs, could be a wonderful "coffee table" book, it is hard to imagine that anyone could pick it up and ever put it down again like a piece of decor. The book is part memoir and 100% about introducing those of us who live without a microscope, to a magnificent world that is literally...right under (and of course, IN...) our noses.
An obvious choice for the budding scientist, no matter what their age is.
However, you don't need to be into science to appreciate the reverence this author has given to the microscopic world that escapes the attention of most of us.
I found it hard to put (the ARC ebook) down...which means I'm starting at phone, inches away from my face.
It will be much better enjoyed as a physical book.
Love this book!
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