{"title":"Michael Blencowe","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our curated selection of works by \u003cem\u003eMichael Blencowe\u003c\/em\u003e, a passionate natural historian and gifted storyteller whose writings invite readers to explore the wonders of the natural world. With a knack for weaving detailed observations with engaging narratives, Blencowe’s books are perfect for both seasoned nature enthusiasts and curious newcomers to the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the standout titles in this collection is \u003cstrong\u003eGone\u003c\/strong\u003e, a poignant exploration of extinct species that once graced our planet. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Blencowe brings these lost animals to life, shedding light on the causes of their demise and the importance of conservation efforts. His work not only informs but also inspires a deeper connection to the environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're looking to satisfy your curiosity about the natural sciences or seeking a deeper understanding of biodiversity and ecology, Michael Blencowe's books are a must-read. Dive into his captivating tales and embark on a journey through time and nature's splendour.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gone-by-michael-blencowe-9780711276925","title":"Gone","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDynamic naturalist Michael Blencowe has travelled the globe to uncover the fascinating backstories of eleven extinct animals, which he shares with charm and insight in \u003ci\u003eGone\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Really, really well written'\u003c\/em\u003e - CHRIS PACKHAM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by his childhood obsession with extinct species, Blencowe takes us around the globe - from the forests of New Zealand to the ferries of Finland, from the urban sprawl of San Francisco to an inflatable crocodile on Brighton's Widewater Lagoon. Spanning five centuries, from the last sighting of New Zealand's Upland Moa to the 2012 death of the Pinta Island Giant Tortoise, Lonesome George, his memoir is peppered with the accounts of the hunters and naturalists of the past as well as revealing conversations with the custodians of these totemic animals today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing striking artworks that resurrect these forgotten creatures, each chapter focuses on a different animal, revealing insights into their unique characteristics and habitats; the history of their discovery and just how and when they came to be lost to us. Blencowe inspects the only known remains of a Huia egg at Te Papa, New Zealand; views hundreds of specimens of deceased Galapagos tortoises and Xerces Blue butterflies in the California Academy of Sciences; and pays his respects to the only soft tissue remains of the Dodo in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWarm, wry, and thought-provoking, \u003ci\u003eGone\u003c\/i\u003e shows that while each extinction story is different, all can inform how we live in the future. Discover and learn from the stories of the:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGreat Auk. A majestic flightless seabird of the North Atlantic and the 'original penguin'.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSpectacled Cormorant. The 'ludicrous bird' from the remote islands of the Bering Sea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSteller's Sea Cow. An incredible ten tonne dugong with skin as furrowed as oak bark.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUpland Moa. The improbable birds and the one-time rulers of New Zealand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHuia. The unique bird with two beaks and twelve precious tail feathers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSouth Island Kōkako. The 'orange-wattled crow', New Zealand's elusive Grey Ghost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eXerces Blue. The gossamer-winged butterfly of the San Francisco sand dunes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePinta Island Tortoise. The slow-moving, long-lived giant of the Galápagos Islands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDodo. The superstar of extinction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSchomburgk's Deer. A mysterious deer from the wide floodplains of central Thailand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIvell's Sea Anemone. A see-through sea creature known only from southern England.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA modern must-read for anyone interested in protecting our earth and its incredible wildlife, \u003ci\u003eGone\u003c\/i\u003e is an evocative call to conserve what we have before it is lost forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854559793388,"sku":"9780711276925","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/0748d6df93d1d0c5c6e0d55e4d95aa60.jpg?v=1759268464"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/michael-blencowe.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}