Ostrich
Edgar WilliamsIn many senses the ostrich looms large - the tallest and heaviest of any living bird, a fully grown North African ostrich can reach 2.75 metres (9 feet) in height and weigh almost 160 kgs (350 pounds). This title offers comprehensive insight into this bird, chronicling its behaviour, history and habitat as well as its effect on our culture.
In many senses the ostrich looms large – the tallest and heaviest of any living bird, a fully grown North African ostrich can reach 2.75 metres (9 feet) in height and weigh almost 160 kgs (350 pounds). It also lays the largest egg of any living bird. From its eggs to its meat, skin and feathers, the ostrich has been exploited by humans since history began.
Edgar Williams has provided a singular, comprehensive insight into this extraordinary, outlandish bird, chronicling its behaviour, history and habitat as well as its effect on our culture. Featuring many striking illustrations drawn from nature and culture, Ostrich will appeal to all those interested in birds and the natural world, as well as anyone who follows fashion, art or ancient history.
In many senses the ostrich looms large - the tallest and heaviest of any living bird, a fully grown North African ostrich can reach 2.75 metres (9 feet) in height and weigh almost 160 kgs (350 pounds). This title offers comprehensive insight into this bird, chronicling its behaviour, history and habitat as well as its effect on our culture.
In many senses the ostrich looms large – the tallest and heaviest of any living bird, a fully grown North African ostrich can reach 2.75 metres (9 feet) in height and weigh almost 160 kgs (350 pounds). It also lays the largest egg of any living bird. From its eggs to its meat, skin and feathers, the ostrich has been exploited by humans since history began.
Edgar Williams has provided a singular, comprehensive insight into this extraordinary, outlandish bird, chronicling its behaviour, history and habitat as well as its effect on our culture. Featuring many striking illustrations drawn from nature and culture, Ostrich will appeal to all those interested in birds and the natural world, as well as anyone who follows fashion, art or ancient history.
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Another gem from Reaktion filled with facts, humorous details and illustrations about the largest living bird.
'BTO News
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wonderfully rich in words and pictures, Ostrich is an engrossing read.
'Ibis
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As we have come to expect from Reaktion, Ostrich, too, is full of exquisite illustrations
'TLS
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an excellent introduction to the species, alongside a cultural and historical account you simply wont find in any other single source . . . In Ostrich, youll discover not only how the male birds use their distinctive plumes, and how the trade in those same feathers gave rise to a huge industry but also the subtleties of plucking vs. clipping, the absurdities of feather fashion and fascinating insights into ostrich symbolism. Id never stopped to wonder whose feathers those were on the back of a two pence piece, and Ill bet hardly anyone notices the ostrich on the Bayeux tapestry. Ever wondered how many people you could feed with an ostrich egg omelette? Look no further
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Introduction
1. Flightless Birds, Extinct and Extant
2. Form, Function and Habitat
3. Camel-bird
4. Ostrich à la Mode
5. Ostrich à la Carte
6. Ostrich Symbolism and Imagery
Timeline of the Ostrich
References
Select Bibliography
Associations and Websites
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Edgar Williams was Professor of Cardiopulmonary Science at the University of South Wales, conducting research in respiratory and cardiovascular physiology. He was the author of Moon: Nature and Culture (2014) in Reaktion’s Earth series.
