Nature

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are. Thoreau's account of his solitary and self-sufficient home in the New England woods remains an inspiration to the environmental movement - a call to his fellow men to abandon their striving, materialistic existences of 'quiet desperation' for a simple life within their means, finding spiritual truth through awareness of the sheer beauty of their surroundings.

The World is in My Garden is based on a simple the idea that the private garden is a metaphor for everything that goes on in the macrocosm, including ecological, social, personal, and spiritual issues. Chris and Zane Maser work the metaphor of the garden in a rich way. Chris is an environmental scientist and activist who has worked around the world to protect and preserve the world’s ecosystems. The Masers show us how to connect what seems like a simple personal act (the home garden) to larger issues. Written with passion, warmth, and a deep understanding of the worlds of matter and consciousness, The World is in My Garden is a book that teaches us how to live in a more balanced way with all of life.

Naturalist and philosopher Thoreau's timeless essays on the role of humanity—in the world of nature, and in society and government.Thoreau, a sturdy individualist and nature lover, lived a spare existence in a wooden hut on the edge of Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts, from 1845 to 1847. "Walden" is the fruit of Thoreau's two-year stay on the Walden Pond. It is a record of his experiment in a simple life and his contemplation of the wonders of nature and the ways of man. He carefully shaped the book to follow the natural cycle of the seasons, yet it is more than an account of life in the woods, it is a quest for personal freedom and individuality that evokes nature without being sentimental or distorting the natural world."Civil Disobedience" was also based on Thoreau's experiences during the period he lived on the pond. In 1846, he was arrested for not having paid his poll tax, as a way of demonstrating that he did not recognize the authority of a government that "buys and sells men, women, and children." It is a treatise against slavery and a government that wages war to support injustice.This edition -A concise introduction that gives readers important background information-A chronology of the author's life and work-A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context-An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations-Detailed explanatory notes-Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work-Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction-A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experienceEnriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.

When the eminent naturalist Charles Darwin returned from South America on board the HMS Beagle in 1836, he brought with him the notes and evidence which would form the basis of his landmark theory of evolution of species by a process of natural selection. This theory, published as The Origin of Species in 1859, sparked a fierce scientific, religious, and philosophical debate which continues heatedly today. This seminal work is presented with The Voyage of the Beagle , a vivid travel memoir as well as a detailed scientific field journal. Ordered by place, covering area from Northern Chile to Australia to Cape Verde Islands, this text contains hints of the theories that were later developed in The Origin of Species .

Walden is a classic piece of American literature that captures the beauty and simplicity of nature. Thoreau's observations of the natural world are insightful, and the book inspires readers to live a more deliberate, mindful existence. If you're interested in philosophy, environmentalism, or just seeking solace in the beauty of the natural world, then Walden is definitely worth your consideration.

Imagine holding a piece of history that revolutionized our understanding of life's diversity. Reading Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' connects you directly with the moment a bold new idea took root. It's not just for scientists; it’s surprisingly digestible and maintains a raw clarity lost in later editions. Dive in, and you'll be engaging with the thoughts that shaped modern science.

Zen Paths Based extensively on Eastern wisdom including Taoism and Buddhism, but also drawing on Western spiritual and philosophical thought, each of these books is a collection of sayings paired with conceptual photography that encourages the reader to explore new ways of interpreting the world and their place within it. Only by achieving harmony, being open to change, and embracing laughter, can we lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Most of the photographs are of natural scenes, but some are of people and places. The sepia photographs give a beautiful and evocative feel to books that will surely be a treasured addition to any library. Zen Paths to Harmony A journey to inner peace and harmony can follow many paths. In this inspirational book, a selection of haiku and poetry from Zen masters such as Basho and Ryokan together with sayings, koan, and extracts from literature appear alongside natural images to encourage you to consider the concept of harmony more deeply.

On December 27, 1831, Charles Darwin left Plymouth Harbor aboard the H. M. S. Beagle. For the next five years, the naturalist conducted research on plants and animals from around the globe, amassing a body of evidence that would culminate in one of the greatest discoveries in the history of mankind—the theory of evolution.In The Origin of Species, Darwin convincingly demonstrates the fact of evolution: that existing animals and plants cannot have appeared separately, but must have slowly transformed from ancestral creatures. Most important, Origin fully explains the mechanism that effects such a transformation: natural selection, the idea that made evolution scientifically intelligible for the first time.One of the few revolutionary works of science that is engrossingly readable, The Origin of Species not only launched the science of modern biology, but has influenced all subsequent literary, philosophical, and religious thinkers since.George Levine, Kenneth Burke Professor of English Literature at Rutgers University, has written extensively about Darwin and science-literature relations, particularly in Darwin and the Novelists. He is the author of many related books, including The Realistic Imagination, Dying to Know, and his birdwatching memoirs, Lifebirds.

From the biggest Shire horse to the smallest pony, horses have been invaluable to people in work, sports, and leisure for centuries. Featuring more than 125 individual breeds of horses, ponies, and their cousins — zebras, mules, and donkeys — Pocket Horses looks at the anatomy and behavior of these beautiful animals at work and play. Young readers can learn about their color, markings, and evolution, plus read up on mythical horses, horses in literature, and famous stud farms around the world in this pocket-size encyclopedia. Redesigned in paperback, DK's best-selling Pocket Genius series is now available in an engaging compact and economical format that is ideal for both browsing and quick reference for use in school and at home. Catalog entries packed with facts provide at-a-glance information, while locator icons offer immediately recognizable references to aid navigation and understanding, and fact files round off the book with fun facts such as record breakers and timelines. Each pocket-size encyclopedia is filled with facts on subjects ranging from animals to history, cars to dogs, and Earth to space and combines a child-friendly layout with engaging photography and bite-size chunks of text that will encourage and inform even the most reluctant readers.

This book is an ideal read for parents, teachers, and librarians who want to help children develop good reading habits and learn how to choose appropriate books. The book contains 1,400 reviews of the best children's literature published between 1966 and 1972 and can help adults select high-quality books that children will enjoy and benefit from. The clear and concise reviews make it easy to choose great books for kids of all ages.