Feathers

The Evolution of a Natural Miracle

By: Thor Hanson

Narrated by: Andy Ingalls

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.

Love the content!

What did you love best about Feathers?

I did love the subject and content of this book. After Sharing space with lovebirds, I think everything about feathers is fascinating.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I did not care for the narration at all. It was monotonous, and there were mispronounced words. I had to listen to the book three times before I got all the way through the content. I will buy the hardcover, and I will not buy any more books by this narrator.

Good Book, Bad Narration

Interesting, informative without going too far beyond a non-specialists's understanding of science, and written in an accessible manner. You get the feeling that you'd kinda like to be friends with someone like the author, even though you'd be late to everything because he'd get distracted by ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS! Unfortunately, the narration of the audio is oddly enunciated and almost monotone. I had to speed it up 1.75x to get through it (thank goodness for that function), and if this had been my first Thor Hansen book, I would not have picked out another.

Fascinating Feathers

Would you listen to Feathers again? Why?

Yes. I liked Feathers so much that I bought a hard copy to share with friends who do not listen to recorded books.

What other book might you compare Feathers to and why?

Feathers is well written, entertaining and interesting. I also loved The Last Ape Standing and bought three signed hard copies to give to friends who do not listen to audio books.

What about Andy Ingalls’s performance did you like?

Andy Ingalla's performance was excellent. He has an inflection style that keeps your attention without overshadowing the information in the book.

This book changed the way I say "feathers"

I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of information I wasn't expecting, like how feathers are used in clothing. It also had all the information I was expecting, like how feathers are amazingly insulating. It's been a few years now since I listened to this book, so I can say with certainty that a lot of information really stuck with me and I still think about it frequently. Every time I see a picture of a little bird in the snow I think of this book.

However - one thing REALLY stuck with me. The way this guy says "feathers" is hilarious. I was making everyone I knew listen to him say it on my phone. He says it so many times (of course, it's a book about feathers) that it becomes comical. And still, years later, I say feathers the way he says it. I can't stop myself. And it still makes me laugh. At the time I listened to this, I probably would have given the reader a 1 star, but I'm giving him 4 stars now because of how much entertainment it's given me.

For any linguists out there, he talks in creaky voice. And now I will forever say "feathers" in creaky voice.

Feathers

This is a very interesting and enjoyable book. Absolutely no hesitation recommending it to others. The actual book has pictures that unfortunately are lost in the audible version.

Amazing book- cumbersome delivery

As a birder/naturalist, this book is a keystone. The narration is very distracting. BUT you should still listen, as it’s an absolutely fabulous book.

Great book for people studying birds in any way.

It is a great book to learn more about basic ornithology, more specifically feathers. Loved it!

Wonderfully engaging

Thor Hanson is my go to naturalist, his books alway enthrall me and teach me something new. Feathers covers the vast topic of feather form, function and evolution seamlessly. Very well preformed and enjoyable to listen to.

Interesting

An unusual topic and organization. Overall- an entertaining read. I would recommend-- both a history of the natural and cultural of the feather.

Fascinating information about feathers

The reader was a real challenge. Too much monotone. I stuck with it to the end, because of the content, but would recommend another reader.