Mind of the Raven - Annotated by Bernd Heinrich (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Heinrich involves us in his quest to get inside the mind of the raven. But as animals can only be spied on by getting quite close, Heinrich adopts ravens, thereby becoming a "raven father," as well as observing them in their natural habitat. He studies their daily routines, and in the process, paints a vivid picture of the ravens' world. At the heart of this book are Heinrich's love and respect for these complex and engaging creatures, and through his keen observation and analysis, we become their intimates too.

Heinrich's passion for ravens has led him around the world in his research. Mind of the Raven follows an exotic journey--from New England to Germany, and from Montana to Baffin Island in the high Arctic--offering dazzling accounts of how science works in the field, filtered through the eyes of a passionate observer of nature. Each new discovery and insight into raven behavior is thrilling to read, at once lyrical and scientific.

Review Quotes

"An amazing book...a scientist and naturalist of the first rank...a nature writer of uncommon talent." -- Edward O. Wilson

"Heinrich has a rare ability to embed dense scientific explications within graceful, lightfooted nature writing." -- David Quammen, New York Times Book Review

"Bernd Heinrich is one of the finest living examples of that strange hybrid: the science writer." -- Los Angeles Times Book Review

"A compelling exploration of the nature of consciousness with an unremittingly delicious jaunt in the woods.... a grand storyteller." -- Baltimore Sun

"Heinrich brings alive the romance of field research...A splendid book." -- Library Journal (starred review)