When you buy a used copy YOU SAVE
Carbon Dioxide
0.8Kg of CO2
Water
100 litre(s) of Water
Tree
0.006 Tree(s)
donate
1 book donated to global literacy projects

Swan - Animal

3.78 ( 54 Ratings by Goodreads)
Swan

Swan - Animal

(Author)
3.78 (54 Ratings by Goodreads)
paperback
Published: 1 October, 2007
Standard worldwide delivery by Wed, July 15 - Mon, July 20
Order within 0
Promo Badge
Condition: USED
$19.32
Price includes shipping
Available 1 in stock
- +
Add to basket Wishlist This
FREE Returns within 30 days
More Details

Popular Books by Peter Young

View All Books by Peter Young
Animal Liberation Front (A.L.F.)
Animal Liberation Front (A.L.F.)
Peter Young
$17.34
New
Add to basket
Liberate
Liberate
Peter Young
$18.50
New
Add to basket
Hastings to Culloden: Battles of Britain
Hastings to Culloden: Battles of Britain
Peter Young
$11.05 $20.00
Used
Add to basket
The Militant Vegan
The Militant Vegan
Peter Young
$16.13
New
Add to basket
Oak
Oak
Peter Young
$24.30
New
Add to basket
Power of Speech: A History of Standard Telephones and Cables 1883-1983
Power of Speech: A History of Standard Telephones and Cables 1883-1983
Peter Young
$11.70 $33.35
Used
Add to basket
The A.L.F. Strikes Again
The A.L.F. Strikes Again
Peter Young
$35.29
New
Add to basket
The Ladybird Book of Jokes, Riddles and Rhymes
The Ladybird Book of Jokes, Riddles and Rhymes
Peter Young
$10.11
Used
Add to basket
Bedouin Command
Bedouin Command
Peter Young
$19.08
New
Add to basket
The Cassell Atlas Of The Second World War
The Cassell Atlas Of The Second World War
Peter Young
$16.81 $33.35
Used
Add to basket

Description

Of more than 8,000 bird species, the swan is surely one of the most easily recognised. Airborne, the swan is a majestic sight: with its long, slender neck outstretched, it glides gracefully with slow, strong wing-beats. Its large webbed feet and short legs, which make it awkward on land, propel it serenely and effortlessly through water. Swan is a comprehensive natural and cultural history of this most dignified of birds. Peter Young relates the natural history of the swan: its elegant exterior concealing a lightweight frame; details of extinct species and the differences between the 8 surviving species; its power and endurance; its formation flying, which conserves energy and allows long-haul flights to be made at speed; its habitat and feeding habits. He also explores the extensive cultural history of the swan, from its frequent portrayal in painting, sculpture, porcelain and furniture; to its use in heraldry; the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan; Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling; and Swan Lake. The book goes on to examine the uses and abuses of swans; questions of conservation; of the swan as food; and its widespread use in logos and brand-names. Informed yet accessible, wide-ranging yet detailed, Swan will appeal to the wide audience interested in this graceful and beautiful bird.
See more

More Details

Type Book
ISBN13 9781861893499
ISBN10 1861893493
Number Of Pages 200
Item Weight 1000 g
Publisher / Reseller Reaktion Books
Format paperback
See More +

Media Reviews

'When contemplating the serene splendour of the swan, one may be disagreeably surprised by it hissing reaction to friendly approach. The swan has fascinated humanity for aeons - a fascination provoked not by its mere loveliness, but by the contrast between its appearance of perfection and its somewhat perverse nature. Peter Young's study of the bird involves ornithology, but also covers poetry, science, philosophy, and even the movements of markets ... This beautiful bird makes for a poor meal by the way, and this is fitting.' - The Independent on Sunday 'The grace and beauty of the swan is celebrated in this handsome pocket-sized book, which explores the natural and cultural history of this elegant bird.' - Cage and Aviary Birds 'another fine contribution of the Reaktion Animal book series. This book is beautifully illustrated and replete with fascinating details of the natural history of swans, in addition to rich historical and cultural facts regarding the nominate animal.' - Anthrozoos

Show more

Author's Bio

Peter Young is an independent scholar who lives in Crawley, West Sussex. He is author of Person to Person (1992), a social history of the telephone,Tortoise (2003) and Swan (2007), both published by Reaktion.

Show more