A witty and insightful menagerie of animal tales from the eminent writer Richard Dawkins, illustrated with Ernst Haeckel’s colourful and intricate drawings

In 42 Tales from Life, the world’s greatest popular science writer takes us through a menagerie of tales about how animals have evolved into such intricately beautiful, intriguing forms.

Through 42 different tales, Richard Dawkins reveals the fundamental truths behind even the most unfathomable animal behaviours – the galloping of fish, the shape of the rhinoceros’ horn, the surprising similarities between horses and lizards, and why hummingbirds glow in such brilliant hues.

This is popular science and incisive Darwinian analysis at its best. Each tale is richly illustrated with artwork by Ernst Haeckel, whose stunning depictions of plants, sea creatures and other animals have fascinated Dawkins all his life.

This is a book to learn from, to delight in, and to treasure.