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Library Journal Review

Similar in format and appearance to his earlier Insects: Life Cycles and the Seasons (LJ 1/95), this volume by British author/photographer Brackenbury (zoology, Cambridge) emphazises his remarkable color photographs, over 160 of which are found here. The relatively brief yet informative text helps explain the details of the images. The author reminds us that scientists have long recognized that floral colors are meant for pollinators‘bees, beetles, butterflies, and other insects‘and not for people. We humans, however, can certainly appreciate the beauty of flowers as captured in these photographs. Two of the chapters consider how insects see their world, and other chapters deal with flowers as a source of nectar and pollen, the process of pollination, and insects and flowers in a dry climate. Brackenbury's photography illustrates the coevolution of plants and pollinating insects far more effectively than could words alone. More than just another pretty book, this volume has great educational value and deserves consideration by public, school, and academic libraries.‘William H. Wiese, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.