Feathers cover art

Feathers

The Evolution of a Natural Miracle

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Feathers

By: Thor Hanson
Narrated by: Andy Ingalls
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About this listen

Feathers are an evolutionary marvel: Aerodynamic, insulating, beguiling. They date back more than 100 million years. Yet their story has never been fully told.

In Feathers, biologist Thor Hanson details a sweeping natural history, as feathers have been used to fly, protect, attract, and adorn through time and place. Applying the research of paleontologists, ornithologists, biologists, engineers, and even art historians, Hanson asks: What are feathers? How did they evolve? What do they mean to us?

Engineers call feathers the most efficient insulating material ever discovered, and they are at the root of biology's most enduring debate. They silence the flight of owls and keep penguins dry below the ice. They have decorated queens, jesters, and priests. And they have inked documents from the Constitution to the novels of Jane Austen.

Feathers is a captivating and beautiful exploration of this most enchanting object.

©2011 Thor Hanson (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Animals Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics Outdoors & Nature Science Feel-Good Natural History Paleontology

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All stars
Most relevant
The account of the evolutionary and social history of feathers is fascinating for any bird lover. But ham reading of ethnic accents during quotations is cringeworthy.

Fascinating but

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For me, the narration is unpleasant. Unless the narrator is 'doing a voice,' I find the narration flat and slightly robotic.

Not a fan of the narration

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