The Hidden World

Synopsis

“This audiobook tells the tales of the little things that rule our world. How they came to be here, what they do for us, and their uncertain future in a world that doesn’t care about them nearly enough. Hopefully George’s wise words can redress that balance, before it’s too late.” Steve Backshall MBE, explorer, naturist and TV presenter “Crawling with detail, glowing with extraordinary facts and rich with humour and personality, George McGavin introduces us to his life-long passion - the wonderful world of insects.” Alice Roberts, biologist, TV presenter and authorIf you are at all interested in life on our planet, then you need to know about insects. They are the most successful group of animals ever to have lived on Earth. Making up three quarters of all animal species, insects conquered the planet long ago. They were among the very first animals to appear on land and were the first to take to the air. Their total biomass is at least 10 times that of all humans and our livestock combined. This world is not ours alone. We are newcomers on a planet made and maintained by insects. If we are going to appreciate the massive part that insects play in the ecology of our planet we need to understand where they came from and how they became so successful. The survival of insects is key to our own survival. All Creatures Small and Great is an important and timely work to engage people with wildlife, when the world is rapidly losing its biodiversity. Featuring bonus audio content including full-length interviews and immersive binaural nature sounds for focus and relaxation.Join Dr George McGavin on an exciting audio journey to help us understand the fascinating world of insects. Along the way we are transported from bee-filled meadows to the forest floor, following Dr McGavin as he meets national treasures Sir David Attenborough, Alison Steadman and Jane Horrocks, and a range of experts such as Professors Stephen Simpson, Helen Roy, Phil Stevenson, Karim Vahed and Erica McAlister to understand more about their passion for these incredible creatures.Dr George McGavin is a regular TV and radio presenter for the BBC and others. He is an Honorary Research Associate at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and a Research Associate of The Department of Zoology of Oxford University as well as a Senior Principal Research Fellow of Imperial College. George’s work has taken him from the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea to the caves of Thailand and from the jungles of Belize to the savannas of Tanzania. Dr George McGavin has several insect species named in his honour and hopes they survive him.Guest contributors include: Sir David Attenborough – Broadcaster and Natural HistorianAlison Steadman – Actress and Ambassador for the London Wildlife TrustDr Erica McAlister – Senior Curator, Natural History MuseumProfessor Philip C. Stevenson – Chemical Ecologist, Kew GardensProfessor Stephen Simpson – Biologist and Biomedical ScientistProfessor Helen Roy – President of the Royal Entomological SocietyProfessor Karim Vahed – Entomologist specializing in insect behaviourAnne Riley –Wharfedale Naturalists’ Society Jane Horrocks – Actress and co-host of the podcast Queen Bees