A Book of Natural History by David Starr Jordan

(5 User reviews)   390
English
Ever feel like the natural world is just a backdrop to your daily life? 'A Book of Natural History' flips that script completely. This isn't just a dry catalog of animals and plants. It's a vibrant, century-old invitation to look closer at the living world right outside your door. Forget dense scientific jargon; Jordan writes with the enthusiasm of someone pointing out a hidden treasure. He connects the smallest insect to the grandest mountain range, showing how everything fits together. Reading it feels like going on a walk with a wise, endlessly curious friend who helps you see the magic in the ordinary. If you've ever wondered about the stories behind the birds at your feeder or the patterns on a seashell, this book is your quiet, fascinating guide.
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Author, poet, former editor _Atlantic Monthly_, Boston, Mass. The HON. GEORGE FRISBIE HOAR, United States Senator, Worcester, Mass. The HON. JOHN D. LONG, Secretary of the United States Navy, Boston. HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE, LL.D., Author, literarian, associate editor _The Outlook_, New York. ERNEST THOMPSON-SETON, Artist, author, New York. JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE, Author, poet, and editor, Arlington, Mass. The REVEREND CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY, Archdeacon, author, Philadelphia. JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS, Humorous writer, Atlanta, Ga. MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD, Historical novelist, Chicago. LAURA E. RICHARDS, Author, Gardiner, Me. ROSWELL FIELD, Author, editor _The Evening Post_, Chicago. TUDOR JENKS, Author, associate editor _Saint Nicholas_, New York. GEORGE A. HENTY, Traveller, author, London, England. KIRK MUNROE, Writer of stories for boys, Cocoanut Grove, Fla. EDITH M. THOMAS, Poet, West New Brighton, N.Y. CAROLINE TICKNOR, Author, editor, Boston. WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER, D.D., LL.D., President Chicago University. DAVID STARR JORDAN, M.D., LL.D., President Leland Stanford Junior University, naturalist, writer, Stanford University, Cal. CHARLES ELIOT NORTON, A.M., LL.D., etc., Scholar, author, Emeritus Professor of Art at Harvard University. HENRY VAN DYKE, D.D., LL.D., Clergyman, author, Professor Princeton University. The REVEREND THOMAS J. SHAHAN, Dean of the Faculty of Divinity, Professor of Early Ecclesiastical History, Catholic University, Washington, D.C. WILLIAM P. TRENT, Author, editor, Professor of English Literature, Columbia University, New York City. EDWARD SINGLETON HOLDEN, A.M., LL.D., Ex-president University of California, astronomer, author, U.S. Military Academy, West Point. EDWIN ERLE SPARKS, Professor of American History, Chicago University. The VERY REV. GEORGE M. GRANT. D.D., LL.D., Educator, author, vice-principal Queen's College, Kingston, Ont. NATHAN HASKELL DOLE, Author, translator, literary editor _Current History_, Boston. ABBIE FARWELL BROWN, Author, Boston. CHARLES WELSH, Managing Editor, Author, lecturer, editor, Winthrop Highlands, Mass. LIST OF VOLUMES VOLUME I. THE STORY TELLER Edited by CHARLES ELIOT NORTON VOLUME II. THE MERRY MAKER Edited by JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS VOLUME III. FAMOUS FAIRY TALES Edited by ROSWELL FIELD VOLUME IV. TALES OF FANTASY Edited by TUDOR JENKS VOLUME V. MYTHS AND LEGENDS Edited by THOMAS J. SHAHAN VOLUME VI. THE ANIMAL STORY BOOK Edited by ERNEST THOMPSON-SETON VOLUME VII. SCHOOL AND COLLEGE DAYS Edited by KIRK MUNROE and MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD VOLUME VIII. BOOK OF ADVENTURE Edited by NATHAN HASKELL DOLE VOLUME IX. FAMOUS EXPLORERS Edited by EDWIN ERLE SPARKS VOLUME X. BRAVE DEEDS Edited by JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE VOLUME XI. WONDERS OF EARTH, SEA, AND SKY Edited by EDWARD SINGLETON HOLDEN VOLUME XII. FAMOUS TRAVELS Edited by GEORGE A. HENTY VOLUME XIII. SEA STORIES Edited by CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY VOLUME XIV. A BOOK OF NATURAL HISTORY Edited by DAVID STARR JORDAN VOLUME XV. HISTORIC SCENES IN FICTION Edited by HENRY VAN DYKE VOLUME XVI. FAMOUS BATTLES BY LAND AND SEA Edited by JOHN D. LONG VOLUME XVII. MEN WHO HAVE RISEN Edited by HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE VOLUME XVIII. BOOK OF PATRIOTISM Edited by GEORGE FRISBIE HOAR VOLUME XIX. LEADERS OF MEN, OR HISTORY TOLD IN BIOGRAPHY Edited by WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER VOLUME XX. FAMOUS POEMS Selected by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH, with Poetical Foreword by EDITH M. THOMAS. [Illustration: THE CONDOR.] +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | | | _Young Folks' Library in Twenty Volumes_ | | _Thomas Bailey Aldrich, Editor-in-Chief_ | | | | | | A BOOK OF | | | | NATURAL | | | | HISTORY | | | | | | EDITED BY | | DAVID STARR JORDAN | | | | _VOLUME XIV_ | | | | [Illustration] | | | | | | BOSTON | | HALL AND LOCKE COMPANY | | PUBLISHERS | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ CONTENTS PAGE LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xiii ANIMALS, BIRDS, AND FISHES xv BY DAVID STARR JORDAN. THE WONDER OF...

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So, what exactly is this book? It's less of a single story and more of a guided tour through the living world. David Starr Jordan, a respected naturalist, acts as your companion. He doesn't just list facts. Instead, he introduces you to the characters of nature—from the industrious beaver to the mysterious creatures of the deep sea—and explains their lives, their struggles, and their places in the grand scheme of things. He connects the dots between geology, botany, and zoology, painting a picture of a world that is complex, interconnected, and constantly changing.

Why You Should Read It

This book surprised me. I expected something dated and stuffy, but Jordan's voice is genuinely warm and engaging. His wonder is contagious. He writes about a hermit crab or a school of fish with the same attention you'd give to a main character in a novel. In an age of climate anxiety and digital overload, this book is a calming, grounding reminder of the sheer, persistent brilliance of the natural world. It shifts your perspective, making you want to slow down and observe.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious minds who aren't scientists, but who look at a spider's web or a tide pool and think, 'How does that work?' It's for the hiker, the gardener, the beachcomber, or anyone who needs a dose of quiet awe. It's not a fast-paced thriller; it's a slow, rewarding stroll through a world we often take for granted. Keep it on your nightstand for a chapter before bed—it's better than any sleep app.



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No rights are reserved for this publication. Knowledge should be free and accessible.

Kevin Adams
2 months ago

A fantastic discovery, the writing remains engaging even during complex sections. I’ll be referencing this again soon.

Anthony Nelson
1 month ago

I was searching for something reliable and the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. A true masterpiece of its kind.

George Nelson
2 months ago

For a digital edition, the insights offered are both practical and thought-provoking. This left a lasting impression on me.

Ethan Johnson
4 weeks ago

Reading this felt refreshing because the writing remains engaging even during complex sections. A solid resource I will return to often.

Linda Lee
2 weeks ago

In my opinion, it challenges the reader's perspective in the most intellectual way. I'm sending the link to all my friends.

5
5 out of 5 (5 User reviews )

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