Daubert, S. & C. Daubert. 2006. Threads from the web of life. Stories in natural history. – Nashville, Vanderbilt University Press

Abstract

When the marketing manager of Vanderbilt University Press mailed me saying this was one of her most favourite books she ever published, I was rather sceptical. But, although perhaps not one of my favourites (this is of course a highly personal thing anyway), it certainly is a good book to read. I have read it with much joy and I certainly understand why people say it is one of their favourites. ‘Threads from the web of life’ is written by two brothers. The writer, Stephen Daubert, ‘has pursued science on the molecular level […] at the University of California, Davis (cover) and his brother, Chris Daubert, is professor of art of Sacramento City College.

The book is unique as it presents literary stories in natural history based on facts which “allows us to predict what we will find in times and places not yet seen” (p. viii). The facts, as the writer explains, anchor the stories to reality (see below for a citation). What truly makes the book special is that the writers inserted scientific notes on the topic at the end of the stories, allowing to reader to interpret the romantic stories. Read more...