2007 Book Reviews 503 503 Book Reviews of the Northeastern Naturalist, Issue 14/3, 2007 Ledyard: In Search of the First American Explorer. Bill Gifford. 2007. Harcourt, Inc., Orlando, FL. 331 pp. $25, hardcover. ISBN 0151012180. An intrepid explorer, John Ledyard sailed with Captain Cook on his final voyage. Befriended by Thomas Jefferson, Ledyard had set out 15 years prior to the famous travels of Lewis and Clark to explore North America, but instead of traveling from east to west, Ledyard headed east from Paris. Gifford tells the story of this Harrison Ford-type figure chronologically from his early adulthood in Connecticut through his restless travels to his untimely death at the age of 37. A largerthan- life figure, Ledyard makes an engaging subject for Gifford’s well-researched and colorful storytelling. An extensive list of notes, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading, and an index are provided. C.R. Nymph-Fishing Rivers and Streams: A Biologist’s View of Taking Trout Below the Surface. Rick Hafele. 2006. Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA. 178 pp. $49.95, hardcover. ISBN 139780811701693. Fly fishing is both an art and a science; the art consists of tying and choosing the right fly, and presenting it to the fish, and the science involves studying the trout and its prey. These two aspects are combined here in a wonderfully illustrated volume about fly fishing with nymphs, which are the underwater developmental stage of flies. The author is an aquatic entomologist and dedicated fly fishermen, and he skillfully brings the reader into the underwater world of fish and aquatic insects. He provides basic information on trout and insect biology, time-honored nymph-fishing techniques, and gear and tackle. The book is extremely well illustrated throughout with many color photographs and some line drawings, and comes with a 72-minute DVD presenting instructions on nymphfishing techniques. Includes a short bibliography with titles about trout, fly fishing, and aquatic insects. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fishing. S.E. The Urban Whale: North Atlantic Right Whales at the Crossroads. Scott D. Kraus and Rosalind M. Rolland (Eds.). 2007. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 543 pp. $55, hardcover. ISBN 139780674023277. Hunted almost to extinction, North Atlantic right whales are primarily found in the urbanized waters off the east coast of North America, where the challenges they now face include shipping lanes, fishing activity, and industrial and agricultural effluents. Most of the 300 to 400 whales that remain have been individually named, the result of over twenty-five years of extensive study by the New England Aquarium’s right whale research program, and by researchers from other institutions. Over thirty-five authors with a broad diversity of expertise wrote the seventeen chapters in this text, resulting in a multi-disciplinary approach that presents all aspects of right whale biology, ecology, migration patterns, and human interactions. Made compelling by its’stories of individual whales, this book provides a sobering look at the damage done by humans, but also offers hope that the right whale can come back from the brink. .S.E. Geochemistry of Marine Sediments. David J. Burdige. 2006. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 609 pp. $85, hardcover. ISBN 13978069109506X. This text presents the fundamentals of marine sediment geochemistry, and discusses the ways in which geochemical processes can be quantified as they occur in recent marine sediments. The process of conversion of marine sediments to rock is known as diagenesis. Understanding 504 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No. 3 this process is crucial for understanding the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and metals in the worlds’ oceans. Burdiges’ thorough treatment of this subject provides enough background to enlighten novices, yet will also challenge graduate students and professionals with the most up-to-date research findings and mathematical models. In particular, the role of bacteria in mediating remineralization of organic matter is nicely elucidated. The chapters build on previous chapters in a logical, orderly fashion that makes this an ideal teaching textbook. Extensively referenced to classic and current literature on the subject, and illustrated with diagrams, tables, and graphs. Sure to become a standard reference on the subject. S.E. Aquatic Photosynthesis. Second Edition. Paul G. Falkowski and John A. Raven. 2007. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 484 pp. $49.50, softcover. ISBN 139780691115504. This text describes the fundamentals of aquatic photosynthesis, a process crucial to the development and survival of life on earth. This second edition provides more focus on recent biochemical and biophysical advances, and the molecular biology techniques that have revolutionized all fields of biology. Beginning at the molecular level with an explanation of how photosynthesis occurs, the authors progress through ten chapters to discuss photosynthesis at the cellular level and ultimately at the level of global geochemical cycles. This is an excellent primary text for undergraduates on this subject, and a good supplementary text for oceanography courses. A solid reference book for graduate students and professionals as well. S.E. The Silent Deep: The Discovery, Ecology, and Conservation of the Deep Sea. Tony Koslow. 2007. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. 312 pp. $35, hardcover. ISBN 0226451259. The deep seas of the world were long thought to be lifeless, and only recently have we become aware of the multitude of bizarre and beautiful creatures found there. This book is an accounting of the history of deep-sea exploration, placed in the context of human threats that could eliminate deep-sea life-forms even before we discover them. The first part of the book gives the early history of deep-sea exploration, followed by a section on deep-sea ecology, and ending with five chapters on human impacts on the deep-sea. The reader learns about the diversity of life found at hot vents, cold seeps, and whale falls, as well as how human pollutants can be found in animals living as deep as 2000 meters below the surface. This is a wellwritten overview of the deep-seas that will be appreciated by anyone interested in the marine environment. Illustrated with 16 color plates and 75 black-andwhite drawings (half-tones). S.E. The Natural History of Medicinal Plants. Judith Sumner. 2000. Timber Press, Portland, OR. 235 pp. $24.95, hardcover. ISBN 0881924830. A very readable account of the natural history of many medicinally recognized plant species. Intended to broaden the knowledge base and provide botanical background for those interested in and using plantbased medicine. More of a general treatment that includes early history of medicinal plants and the ecology of plant and herbivore relationships, not a plantby- plant account. Includes an especially interesting chapter on zoopharmacognosy, the use of medicinal plants by non-human species, mostly other primates. Finishes with discussion of modern plant prospecting and conservation issues. Includes further reading, black-andwhite illustrations, and some color plates. Recommended. S.O,M. The Richness of Life: The Essential Stephen Jay Gould. Steven Rose (Ed.). 2007. W.W. Norton, New York, NY. 654 2007 Book Reviews 505 pp. $35, hardcover. ISBN 97803930 64988. A collection of the writings of eminent evolutionary biologist and prolific author Stephen Jay Gould. Draws across the range of his writings, and includes his most famous essays, passages from his major books, and selections from speeches and other articles. Selections thematically organized by autobiography, biography, evolutionary theory, size and form, stage and sequence, sociobiology, racism, and religion. Each section includes a helpful framing introduction from editor. Volume opens with endearing personal account from Oliver Sacks. An excellent introduction to the work of one of the most important scientists of the 20th century. S.O'M. Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America. Eric Jay Dolin. 2007. W.W. Norton, New York, NY. 416 pp. $27.95, hardcover. ISBN 9780393060577. A rich historical account of the American whaling industry, from emergence in the 1600s to its decline in the early 20th century. Shows how the early American economy was driven by this natural resource, and how the industry declined when the economy switched to petroleum. Focuses on the personalities involved and the human component, with little to no natural history. Very readable, excellent for those interested in maritime history or the development of the American nation. S.O'M Pitcher Plants of the Americas. Stewart McPherson. 2007. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Co., Grantville, OH. 320 pp. $34.95, softcover. ISBN 0939923742. Covers the pitcher plants of North, Central, and South America. Includes both true pitcher plants and the bromeliad pitcher plants, both of which are carnivorous. Provides a terrific and concise overview of carnivorous plant groups of the world. Organized by genus, each species receives a brief descriptive treatment and range map, and subspecies descriptions are included. Beautiful full-color photos throughout. Includes discussion of habitat loss and threats of extinction. Concludes with cultivation and horticulture resources. Recommended for those interested in these unusual plants. S.O'M. Ice: The Nature, the History, and the Uses of an Astonishing Substance. Mariana Gosnell. 2005. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. 560 pp. $18, softcover. ISBN 0226304965. A work of popular science covering most everything one could hope to know about frozen water. Broad and readable. Discusses different forms and geographies of ice including all forms of land ice, sea ice, and atmospheric ice, and the various ways it is used by animals and humans, and its impact on plants. A good overview for the interested reader. S.O'M. Plants from the Edge of the World. Mark Flanagan and Tony Kirkham. 2005. Timber Press, Portland, OR. 312 pp. $39.95, hardcover. ISBN 0881926760. A fascinating account of the Far East plant collecting trips of two botanists from the British Royal Botanical Gardens. Part far eastern flora, part adventure story, and part travel literature, it makes for engaging reading. High production values and full-color photos throughout add to the reader’s experience. Highly recommended, especially for those interested in travel literature and botanical gardens. S.O'M. Sex, Botany, and Empire: The Story of Carl Linnaeus and Joseph Banks. Patricia Fara. 2003. Columbia University Press, New York, NY. 168 pp. $19.50, hardcover. ISBN 0231134266. An entertaining book that examines the public and political roles of Carl Linnaeus and Joseph Banks in what is called “Enlightenment Botany,” or the growth of natural science in the 18th century. Much seems to hinge on Bank’s trip with Cook to Tahiti. Looks at the imperialist implications of the botanical travels of these naturalists. Includes much material on the sexual pro506 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No. 3 Errata For Table 1 on page 238 of the Butler et al. paper in Northeastern Naturalist volume 14, issue 2, the author has submitted the following corrections. In the order Coleoptera, the family listed as “Ptelalidae” should read instead as “Ptilodactylidae.” For the species Sphaerium occidentale Lewis, the family is Sphaeriidae, the order is Veneroida, and the class is Bivalvia. Crustacea is a subphylum, not a class as originally indicated, and the taxonomic structure within that subphylum should have appeared as follows: Subphylum Crustacea Class Ostracoda Class Malacostraca Order Amphipoda Family Talitridae Order Isopoda Family Asellidae (Caecidotea sp.) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Copepoda Order Cyclopoida Family Cyclopidae Macrocyclops albidus Jurine Paracyclops poppei Rehberg Order Harpacticoida Unidentified nauplii New Serial: Sporadic Papers On Mollusks (ISSN 1934-9734) Richard I. Johnson, emeritus professor of the Department of Mollusks, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, has published a new serial on mollusks, with an emphasis on historical topics. The first three numbers, all authored by Johnson, are listed below with their contents and can be purchased from him at: 124 Chestnut Hill Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-1310. Johnson has contributed articles in the Northeastern Naturalist about the Portland Society of Natural History {4(3):189–196 [1997]} and the Boston Society of Natural History {11(1):81–108 [2004]}. No. 1 (December 2006) - Conchology at the Lyceum of Natural History of New York: 1817–1876. Pp. 3-53; John du Pont and Other Natural History Museum Related Murders. Pp. 54–63.; Dates of the Plates Describing the Mollusks Collected on the Voyage au Pole sud et dans l’Océanie sur les corvettes l’Astrolabe et l’Zélée execute par Ordre de Toi pendant les années 1837–1838–1839– 1840 sous le Commandement de M. Dumont d’Urville... By Hombron and Jacquinot. Pp. 64-66; Joseph Pitty Couthouy (1808–1864) and the United States Exploring Expedition: A Second Look. Pp. 67–70; Fusconaia (Lexingtonia) collina (Conrad, 1836), No Longer an Endemic, But a Probable Example of Stream Capture. P. 71. $6.00. No. 2 (December 2006) - Joseph Charles Bequaert (1886–1982): His Malacological Contributions. Pp. 73–107. $5.00. No. 3 (December 2006) - William J. Clench and Ruth D. Turner, with a Personal Perspective on the Department of Mollusks, Museum of Comparative Zoology. Pp. 111–166; David Hum-phreys Storer (1804-1891): The Conchological Phase. Pp. 167–173. $6.00. hibitions of the time and their relationship to botany. Readable and amusing. S.O'M. The Plant Hunter’s Garden: The New Explorers and Their Discoveries. Bobby J. Ward. 2004. Timber Press, Portland, OR. 340 pp. $39.95, hardcover. ISBN 0881926965. For the serious gardener. Documents the discoveries of many of the current favorite horticultural plants and gives a biographical sketch of the people who discovered them. Enlightens the reader to an otherwise unknown world of plant collection. Lovely full-color flower photos throughout. S.O'M. Book Reviewers: S.E. = Stephen Eddy, S.O'M. = Sarah O'Malley, C.R. = Cathy Rees.