Peter H. Raven (1936–2026)

i don't remember how I obtained this book, but it was one of the few texts I owned during the years when I was associated with the Mothership of Hippie Communes known simply as The Farm (1974-'81). Although exposed to high school biology, dissecting frogs and worms turned me off and I didn't really look into this branch of science until I was actually farming and had a practical interest in learning more about the physical structure and life cycles of the flowering plants I was working with. show more This was essentially my introduction to biology but ingested so much easier when not force-fed. In combination with my new-found enthusiasm for the topic , this 'wide' book with its pithy quotes, micro-photography and detailed illustrations, presented the topic in a way that was informative, exciting and often bordered on psychedelic. Is there a better way to learn? You know, this is one of those books where you are continually coming upon paragraphs that inspire you to share them with vulnerable minds. Now in its 7th edition, it has become an academic standard in its field, selling new for about $140. The authors pioneered a prose style that is characteristic of the best science popularizers and only aspired to in many modern textbooks. show less

This book is indispensible. I'm not even studying biology just now, and it is still indispensible. It's a little out of date in a few places but not too much more than you would expect. It is in all ways a solid resourse, dependable, and makes a reassuring, authoritative thud when hefted from bookshelf to desk. Thick glossy paper and copious, useful and sometimes beautiful illustration and diagrams make it pleasant to use as well as continually useful.

A good, thorough textbook dealing with environmental science. Comprehensive, yet basic enough for a freshman level college course.

Been a while since your last biology class but want to get back into the swing of things? This is a great reintroduction to the topic for anyone whose memory has faded a bit.