Ten Birds That Changed the World

De: Stephen Moss

Narrado por: Stephen Moss

The natural history of humankind, told through our long relationship with birds

For the whole of human history, we have lived alongside birds. We have hunted and domesticated them for food; venerated them in our mythologies, religions, and rituals; exploited them for their natural resources; and been inspired by them for our music, art, and poetry.

In Ten Birds That Changed the World, naturalist and author Stephen Moss tells the gripping story of this long and intimate relationship through key species from all seven of the world’s continents. From Odin’s faithful raven companions to Darwin’s finches, and from the wild turkey of the Americas to the emperor penguin as potent symbol of the climate crisis, this is a fascinating, eye-opening, and endlessly engaging work of natural history.

©2023 Stephen Moss (P)2023 Basic Books

Questionable Conclusions

It would’ve been better if the author had not included his hatred of Donald Trump and allowed that to form his conclusions. According to the author, the only reason to use an image of an eagle with its head turned to the viewer’s right is because you are a white supremacist. He does not consider there might be other reasons such an image was created. The author’s use of the Trump eagle to prove his political point calls into question his treatment of all other data and every conclusion he makes in the book.

It’s an interesting story, but it has very biased conclusions.

Fascinating Stories

This book was charming and fascinating. It’s is well researched, poignant, and has a very important message about how critical birds are to us, and how our actions, fads, and passions can critically impact them.

History and birds, what's not to like?

I loved the historical context, the narrator's British accent and the bird taxonomy. Enjoyed this!

Padded and political

The author uses birds as a platform for sharing his political opinions. More nature needed.

The title is misleading.

I wish there was more information on the birds. The author spent more time discussing the perils of climate change or climate disaster as Mr. Moss refers to it. The book was a waste of my time.