In fourteen gloriously revelatory essays, Lembke ponders some of the most loathsome creatures on the planet. But for every creature's nasty reputation, there is a silver lining, which Lembke brings to our attention with dazzlingly researched bits of history, science, and culture.
These beautifully written pieces are graced with fantastic allusions to Greek and Roman mythology, Shakespeare, and classical music - as well as downright hilarious personal anecdotes. It is proof of the symbiosis of all living things, and of the undeniable truth that we are all stuck with one another on this small and fragile planet. All lovers of nature and lovers of natural storytellers will love Despicable Species.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Janet Lembke is the author of Shake Them 'Simmons Down, Skinny Dipping, Dangerous Birds, River Time, and Looking for Eagles, and is a highly regarded translator of Greek and Latin classics.
Lembkes (Shake Them 'Simmons Down, 1996) rogues gallery of hateful creaturesfrom fruit flies to sandbursconsidered in their biological, mythological, literary, and aesthetic aspects to bevel our fear and loathing. Despicable may be a bit harsh for a few of the dozen-odd species that Lembke scrutinizes here. Can one really despise a mushroom, even if its called the Death Angel? Or the pathetic opossum? That merry prankster the gray squirrel, though he may raid our feeders, or the small, swart, pushy European starling, a bird with an eye for glitter and theft? Yes, they do have their faults, artfully catalogued by Lembke, though perhaps her other hate-objects are more understandable, things that rouse our ancestral timorousness like dark shadows and sudden unexpected movements. Some we abhor for the pain they inflict (the deerfly and the horsefly certainly qualify); others for behavior we find ethically repugnant, like the brown-headed cowbirds dump-and-run tactic with their own offspring (which raises the question of how a cowbird knows its identity if the first face it sees isnt its parent). The evil flutter of a centipede is enough to send a shudder up any spine, and some living things display an aggressiveness, a tenaciousness that feels like a threat: ask a Southerner about creeping kudzu (see the vine insinuate itself into the lines of a James Dickey poem and possess it) or a Northerner about the zebra mussel, or anyone about the admittedly colorful loosestrife. And for truly ghastly survival strategies, Lembke urges readers to consider the pesky fruit fly, which takes decapitation in stride: How do they stay alive without heads? Their nervous system kicks in and directs them to follow normal routines in such matters as standing upright and grooming. Headless, they can live for days if theyre kept moist and dont fly away. A polished, subjective gathering of detestables; every reader should be able to find one evil customer to abominate. (line drawings) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
US$ 5.50
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # R04O-01139
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Books From California, Simi Valley, CA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. very little to no amount of wear. Seller Inventory # mon0002856985
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.75. Seller Inventory # G158574199XI3N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_303588907
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Taos Books, Santa Fe, NM, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No creases in spine, no slant, NO age toning, tight clean unmarked. Seller Inventory # 30720
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bingo Used Books, Vancouver, WA, U.S.A.
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. Trade paperback in very good + condition. Seller Inventory # 144478
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Tacoma Book Center, Tacoma, WA, U.S.A.
ISBN 1-58574-199-X. Trade Paperback. Reprint edition. Near Fine condition. Yellow highlighter pen remainder slash to bottom of book otherwise a Tight, bright, attractive copy with no markings to the book. Seller Inventory # 123249
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Great Matter Books, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A.
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. No Jacket. 1st Edition. Fine condition soft cover book. First Paperback Edition. Slightest shelf wear to covers and spine. Slightest smudging to text block edges. All of our books are individually inspected and described. Never X-library unless specifically described as such. Seller Inventory # 2407-7920
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Dave Wilhelm Books, Evanston, IL, U.S.A.
Softcover. Condition: Very Good. Solid VG softcover. Clean. Spine not broken. Seller Inventory # 14226
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Squeaky Trees Books, Greenfield TWP, ME, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: As New. 8.9 X 5.9 X 0.7 inches; 232 pages. Seller Inventory # 11346
Quantity: 1 available