Books & Gifts

The latest Scandinavian publishing phenomenon is not a Stieg Larsson-like thriller; it's a book about chopping, stacking, and burning wood that has sold more than 200,000 copies in Norway and Sweden and has been a fixture on the bestseller lists there for more than a year. Norwegian Wood provides useful advice on the rustic hows and whys of taking care of your heating needs, but it's also a thoughtful attempt to understand man's age-old predilection for stacking wood and passion for open fires. An intriguing window into the exoticism of Scandinavian culture, the book also features enough inherently interesting facts and anecdotes and inspired prose to make it universally appealing. The U.S. edition is a fully updated version of the Norwegian original, and includes an appendix of U.S.-based resources and contacts.

Dimensions: 0.9" H x 9.4" L x 6.5" W
Hardcover
Weight: 1.15 lbs
192 pages
Written by Lars Mytting
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Looking for a faster, easier, and engaging way to identify plants? Related plants have similar characteristics, and they often have similar uses. Rather than learning new plants one-at-a-time, it is possible to learn them by the hundreds, based on plant family patterns
Each family of related plants has unique patterns for identification. Learn to recognize these patterns, and discover them again and again in the plants you encounter. It is possible to instantly recognize a plant never before seen, and in many cases, to know its edible or medicinal properties on the spot-even before you have identified it down to the species!

Dimensions: 0.6" H x 10.9" L x 8.5" W
Paperback
Weight: 1.5 lbs
235 pages
Author: Thomas Elpel
Publisher: HOPS Press

This beautiful gift book features entertaining and informative essays from the popular public radio program, BirdNote, accompanied by gorgeous full-color illustrations throughout--an illuminating volume for bird and nature lovers across North America.

From wrens that nest in cactuses to gulls that have a strange red dot on their bills--these digestible and fascinating bird stories are a delightful window to the winged world.

Dimensions: 0.9" H x 8.1" L x 6.2" W
Hardcover
Weight: 1.3 lbs
224 pages
Written by Ellen Blackstone, Emily Poole
Publisher: Sasquatch Books

Join naturalist Leigh Calvez as she explores the secret world of owls, from owl-watching to avian science--often in the dead of night. These creatures have a certain mystery about them, which is just part of what makes them so fascinating. Calvez relays scientific facts and observations in entertaining, accessible ways while also exploring questions about the human-animal connection, owl obsession, habitat, owl calls, social behavior, and mythology.

Dimensions: 0.7" H x 7.4" L x 5.4" W
Paperback
Weight: 0.52 lbs
224 pages
Written by Leigh Calvez
Publisher: Sasquatch Books

The latest in a successful line of "bibles," following The Beekeeper's Bible and the The Botanical Bible, this new volume has the broadest appeal yet. An elegant aesthetic is paired with practical tips on identifying, attracting, and caring for backyard birds, as well as crafting bird-friendly gardens and bird houses. With additional sections focused on everything from the bird life cycle to bird behavior, symbolism, and meaning in art, this authoritative book is brimming with engaging answers to all of your birdwatching questions.

Dimensions: 1.5" H x 9.8" L x 7.6" W
Hardcover
Weight: 3.85 lbs
416 pages
Written by Paul Sterry, Christopher Perrins, Sonya Patel Ellis, Dominic Couzens
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

The Beekeeper's Bible is as much an ultimate guide to the practical essentials of beekeeping as it is a beautiful almanac to be read from cover to cover. Part history book, part handbook, and part cookbook, this illustrated tome covers every facet of the ancient hobby of beekeeping, from how to manage hives safely to harvesting one's own honey, and ideas for how to use honey and beeswax. Detailed instructions for making candles, furniture polish, beauty products, and nearly 100 honey-themed recipes are included. Fully illustrated with how-to photography and unique etchings, any backyard enthusiast or gardener can confidently dive into beekeeping with this book in hand (or daydream about harvesting their own honey while relaxing in the comfort of an armchair).

Dimensions: 1.6" H x 9.7" L x 7.5" W
Hardcover
Weight: 3.85lbs
416 pages
Author: Richard Jones, Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams