Book cover of The Life of the Caterpillar

Book description

The Life of the Caterpillar by Jean-Henri Fabre is a classic natural history book that delves into the fascinating world of one of nature's most intriguing creatures. Fabre, a renowned French naturalist, provides an in-depth look at the life cycle, behavior, and adaptation of caterpillars through his meticulous observations and…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Life of the Caterpillar as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This nineteenth-century classic, by one of the great naturalists to ever turn his talents to the enigma of metamorphosis, is simply a delight to read.

Fabre was a recluse Frenchman from Serignan, known to aficionados as "the Homer of Insects." Fabre pricked a chrysalis with a knife and discovered a syrupy goo gushing slowly like lava from a volcano, which led him to believe that a caterpillar literally melts before rebuilding itself into a butterfly.

Today we know that's not really true: metamorphosis is a carefully constructed symphony of cell destruction and growth - and we can watch it all…

From Oren's list on books about metamorphosis.

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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

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