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The Soul of an Octopus
A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness
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Description
The Soul of an Octopus takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the world of one of the ocean's most enigmatic creatures. Sy Montgomery beautifully intertwines personal narratives with scientific inquiry, revealing the captivating lives of octopuses and the profound connections they share with humans. Through vivid storytelling, Montgomery invites you to explore the reefs of French Polynesia, the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, and New England aquarium tanks as she delves into the complexities and intelligence of these remarkable creatures.
“Sy Montgomery’s The Soul of an Octopus does for the creature what Helen Macdonald’s H Is for Hawk did for raptors” - New Statesman
“Charming and moving...with extraordinary scientific research” - Guardian
“An engaging work of natural science... There is clearly something about the octopus’s weird beauty that fires the imaginations of explorers, scientists, writers” - Daily Mail
In 2011, Sy Montgomery wrote a celebrated feature for Orion magazine titled "Deep Intellect," which chronicled her bond with Athena, a gentle and perceptive octopus. The piece went viral, igniting widespread curiosity about these fascinating and almost alien-like beings. Building on this intrigue, Montgomery delves deeper, practising true immersion journalism to capture the essence of octopuses across various settings.
Through her detailed observations, Montgomery showcases the distinct personalities and intelligence of octopuses. Their cleverness manifests in myriad ways: they escape from enclosures with ingenious tricks, playfully jet water to bounce objects like balls, and impressively evade caretakers by using creative methods such as trampoline-like scoop nets. Yet, the octopus remains full of paradoxes, possessing a beak like a parrot, venom like a snake, and a tongue bristling with teeth. How can such an unconventional being possess intelligence, and what kind of thoughts does it harbour?
The recognition of intelligence in animals such as dogs, birds, and chimpanzees has only been a recent development in scientific circles. Now, researchers are uncovering the intellectual capabilities of octopuses, observing their problem-solving skills and interpreting their colour-changing camouflage. Montgomery doesn't just present an overview of this evolving understanding; she immerses the reader in a heartfelt narrative. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what these remarkable creatures can teach us about consciousness and the intriguing connection between two vastly different minds.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781471146756
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 April 2016
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Illustration: 8pp colour plates
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 272
About the Author
Sy Montgomery is a naturalist, adventurer, and author of more than thirty acclaimed books of nonfiction for adults and children, including The Hummingbirds’ Gift, The Hawk’s Way, the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus, and most recently, Of Time and Turtles, which was a New York Times bestseller. The recipient of numerous honors, including lifetime achievement awards from the Humane Society and the New England Booksellers Association, she lives in New Hampshire with her husband, writer Howard Mansfield, and a border collie.
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The Book of Turtles
From National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller Sy Montgomery comes an ode to one of the most diverse, fascinating, and beloved species on the planet: turtles. With dazzling illustrations and emotionally engaging, fact-filled text, this picture book will speak to the wisdom these long-lived animals can lend. Everyone loves turtles. And no wonder: long-lived, unhurried, and ancient,...Hardback$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle
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