FEATHERS

“Thor Hanson’s new book takes on the intriguing subject of
feathers.  With infectious enthusiasm, he describes them, from their earliest  known incarnations to their place in the modern world…. Hanson’s  unpretentious style makes what is essentially an excellent scientific  work into an enjoyable read for the ignorant and uninitiated….an  illuminating study of an evolutionary marvel.”

– The Economist

“[Hanson] has produced a winning book about the
extraordinary place of feathers in animal and human history…. like all true
birdwatchers, Mr. Hanson knows it isn’t just the bird at the far end of the
binoculars but the human being at the near end that matters, and he is writing
as much about the human urge to understand, appreciate and appropriate the wild world as he is writing about feathers, which he calls, in his subtitle, a
‘natural miracle.’…. Feathers is an earthbound book, but this does not keep the
author—or the reader—from looking up in wonder.”

– Wall Street Journal

“[A] fine book…. Mr. Hanson’s pleasure in feathers is
infectious…. [Feathers] is gracious, funny, persuasive and wide ranging.
Feathers, Mr. Hanson reminds us, teach a remarkable amount about evolution,
insulation, engineering, archaeology and fashion. Better still, as this book
shows, they allow not only birds but the human imagination to take flight.”

– New York Times

“A fascinating book about the most remarkable—and
beautiful—of all avian evolutionary adaptations, with wonderful accounts of
ornithological investigations and the solving of biological quandaries and
questions, all of it unusually well-written. Highly recommended.”

– Peter Matthiessen, National Book Award winning author of The
Snow Leopard and Shadow Country

“[A] sparkling history…. Well-written science adds gravity
to the more featherweight content of witty anecdotes – from interviews with
feather-clad Las Vegas showgirls to plucking roadkill in the name of biology.
The skilful way Hanson combines the two makes this book popular natural history
at its best.”

– New Scientist

“[D]elightful…. [A] fascinating inquiry into one of those
common things that are easy to overlook until someone shows what a miracle it
is…. Birds, the only animals with feathers today, wear these magic coats of
stunning variety whose forms so perfectly fit their functions. Hanson’s book
reveals much about that marvelous magic.”

– Seattle Times

“[E]njoyable, wide-ranging, and well-researched…. Highly
recommended for birders and science buffs.”

– Library Journal (starred review)

“[E]ngaging…. For all the intriguing science, what reallylivens up Hanson’s passionate discussion of his ‘natural miracle’ are the stories he tells.”

– Maclean’s

“Thor Hanson’s storytelling is enhanced by his infectious
excitement…. Hanson’s tale is comprehensive, accurate, timely and engaging….
Feathers is a compelling introduction to one of nature’s wonders.”

– Nature

“Hanson writes in a colorful, conversational, and 

non-technical manner that conveys his enthusiasm for the subject…. The book
offers a readable introduction to feathers and what they mean for 

birds and mankind.”

– Science

“To read Feathers is to meet up with an enthusiastic old
friend who simply cannot wait to tell you about something he just discovered.
Deceptively conversational and fast moving, disguising the true depth of
information it conveys with buoyant, good-humored prose, Feathers is a book not
only intellectually accessible to anyone with an interest in the subject but
also one that should be considered a must-read by bird watchers and naturalists
of all levels of interest or experience.”

– Bird Watcher’s Digest

“[C]aptivating…. Beginning with the evolution of birds,
Hanson, a biologist, explains competing theories with ease, and unfolds the
human fascination with feathers in terms of science, commerce, tools, folklore,
art, and aerodynamics with panache. Anecdotes infuse the fascinating survey.”

– Audubon

“Part natural history, part portrait of human obsession that
takes the author from a fly tier’s bench where beautiful salmon flies are
created, to Vegas dancehalls, to the secretive world of feather dyers and
costume makers, Hanson’s book shines with the evident love of an enthusiast….
Hanson sets out to make feathers as enthralling for the reader as they are for
him—and succeeds…. Hanson’s excitement rubs off on the reader, and anyone who has watched a bird and marveled will find Feathers an informative delight.”

– Orion

“Hanson artfully explores the many functions of feathers
through the stories of people who, like him, are 

fascinated by them….Captivating.”

– Science News

“Hanson adorns his narrative with fascinating digressions on
such diverse topics as the ability of birds to selectively molt worn or damaged
feathers, the diving speeds of falcons…, and the great Trans-Saharan Ostrich
Expedition of 1911. In sum, Feathers is an impressive blend of 

beauty, form, and function."

– Natural History

“Few of us would connect the extravagant costumes of Las
Vegas showgirls to avian mating rituals, but that’s what biologist Thor Hanson
does in this natural and cultural history of the feather. He gives unexpected
substance to his nearly weightless subject, traveling from Chinese fossil beds
– which provide a fascinating look at the relationship between plumed dinosaurs
and modern birds – to a Seattle factory where duck and goose down becomes
insulation. He also shares delightful facts, such as why vultures have
featherless heads. You’ll want to pass these tidbits on.”

– Discover

“Conservation biologist Hanson takes readers on a
wide-ranging tour of the world of feathers, from Las Vegas revues, whose
performers wear thousands of dollars’ worth (and they’re heavier than you
think), to the world of fly fishing, where unscrupulous collectors illegally
seek out rare feathers for their lures…. Readers from science buffs to those
interested in cultural history will find this a worthwhile afternoon’s read.” 

– Publishers Weekly

“[A] fascinating and eminently readable exploration of
quills and plumes…. Hanson imparts a captivating and addictive story that is as
intriguing as the feathers themselves.”

– Booklist

“A delightful ramble through the byways of evolution and the
wonderful world of birds.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

“Feathers is simply a splendid book! Even for one biased
toward butterfly scales, their closest competitors in the animal raiment line,
feathers in all their glory can only be seen as astonishing. With elegance and
wit, Thor Hanson captures not only their awesome esthetics, but also the
astonishing evolution, historical and cultural impact, and sheer wonder of
avian plumage. Rendered in exquisite detail with delicate touch, like a
feather-painting of old, this is the best kind of natural history—quilled by a
real field biologist who is also a fine writer.”

– Robert Michael Pyle, author of Wintergreen and Mariposa Road

“Feathers are truly remarkable. In this book Hanson shows
how they are the key to many of the most fascinating and diverse aspects of
bird biology, how they have affected our understanding of evolution, and how
they have and are enriching our everyday lives. This is science written in
clear and entertaining prose; a great read.”

– Bernd Heinrich, author of Winter World and Mind of the Raven

“If you feel a sudden need to read about dinosaurs,
flyfishing, muttonbirds, and showgirls, this is your book! Absolutely
fascinating history, and a terrific read, Feathers is another Thor Hanson classic!”

– Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

“Damn good book.”

– BBC Wildlife (UK)