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doulicia's review
3.0
If nothing else, check this out foe its amazing photos. They'll probably pique your interest enough that you'll at least read the introductory descriptions of the 6 species of ants Moffett introduces.
I have always been intrigued by ants. This book gave me new behaviors, new physiology, new web-of-life relationships to appreciate.
I also appreciated Moffett's efforts to place the ant smorgasbord in the more accessible context of one researcher's personal and professional life. The segues weren't always smooth, but his human touches livened the book up.
I have always been intrigued by ants. This book gave me new behaviors, new physiology, new web-of-life relationships to appreciate.
I also appreciated Moffett's efforts to place the ant smorgasbord in the more accessible context of one researcher's personal and professional life. The segues weren't always smooth, but his human touches livened the book up.
lizwiz's review
5.0
I loved this book! The author has such enthusiasm for his subject that it is really infectious! I have always been fascinated by bugs and loved studying them, but this book can be interesting to anyone who enjoys the planet they live on. There are some big doses of philosophy in here, he questions our understanding of what an organism is, what a mind is, how we perceive the world around us based on our humanity. And of course there are lots of cool and funny stories about his adventures all over the world studying the ants he writes about. There are a few bits that get overly scientific, but nothing that is too hard to follow. It felt like it was so pointed in one direction (ants) that it illuminated all around it (the world and our thoughts about it). It also had amazing photographs, worth picking up just for those, they were groundbreaking, so much so that National Geographic featured them! So yeah, I loved it!
cspiwak's review
4.0
fantastic-the photographs are some of the best and travelling to exotic countries to visit the smallest inhabitants was lots of fun
panxa's review
I had to stop reading this because the descriptions of ants murdering frogs was just too much for me. If you have a stronger stomach than me, this is a really cool book. Lots of great (gross) photos and info! And I think World War Z will be even more horrifying.
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