Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle

by Thor Hanson

As seen on PBS's American Spring Live, one of America's great nature-writers explores the magic and science of feathers

Feathers are an evolutionary 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 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.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Birds, Biology, Animals, Natural History

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Thor Hanson is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Switzer Environmental Fellow, and winner of the John Burroughs Medal. His books include CLOSE TO HOME, HURRICANE LIZARDS AND PLASTIC SQUID, BUZZ, THE TRIUMPH OF SEEDS, FEATHERS, THE IMPENETRABLE FOREST, and the children's favorites THE ESCAPE ARTIST, STAR & THE MAESTRO, AND BARTHOLOMEW QUILL . Learn more at his website (www.thorhanson.net), or connect for a conversation at Skolay (www.skolay.com/writers/thorhanson).

Reviews

[aPriL does feral sometimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle' by Thor Hanson is a great read. A lot of little fluff which adds up, chapter by chapter, into a surprisingly attractive, colorful tail of history, biology and science. I think nesting for a few days with this book hatches more curiosity than any desire for throwing rotten eggs. I am now cuckoo for watching the skies because I had a hoot reading this book. My head is still spinning 180 degrees, all a-flutter at the interesting flybys past feather-light informative facts, which for all of the light touch was by no means a featherbed of a job.

As many great teachers have advised, the author begins at the beginning; mainly, the discovery of Archaeopteryx, which had a reptile skeleton and feathers of a bird.

Doctor Carl Haberlein of Bavaria had need of money, so he paid in medical treatment the quarrymen in exchange for any fossils they found in their pursuit of rocks. Fossils were in demand, particularly in the intellectual war that had broken out with the publication of Darwin's book on evolution two years before. A nameless quarryman who had a cough enabled the greedy doctor's retirement by bringing Haberlein an almost perfect specimen of the lizard bird. Haberlein sold it to a famous Creationist of the time, which ended up proving the likelihood that the theory of evolution was correct instead of Creationism. Oops.

From this extremely entertaining true story Hanson quickly expands the mystery of feathers into the known and, shockingly, the still unknown facts of how feathers work. Studying the form and function of feathers has led to the development of scientific theories-on biology/colors/light/physics, airplane wings and propellers, writing and art (quills, poetry), industries (hats, fly-fishing, down-filled insulated clothes, waterproofing, decorative arts (amazing historical stories of the feather garments that the Aztecs and Incas created), and courtship (gentlemen, please take notes).

Thor Hanson has done a terrific job writing a little book about a subject which should have been as dull as watching paint dry, especially since the provided pictures are hand-drawn and mostly of feathers, and obviously no video (I suggest googling - birds are fun to watch, especially some of the courting dances). I read the ebook version of this book, and maybe someday the publisher will provide links to Internet websites that illustrate the stories, but I was charmed, nonetheless.

[Haaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely about feathers. It emphasized the biology and natural history of birds, but often included substantial sojourns linked to humans. Topics such as the feather trade, fashion, quills, down jackets and pillows, fly fishing and more often took up my time. Personally I favored the details focusing on the evolutionary reasons for these amazing structures unique to the birds. Definitely an education from both an ornithological as well as an anthropological/ historical perspective. Hanson writes with passion and interest as he discusses feathers. Recommended for anybody interested in any aspect related to feathers (and, of course, to bird enthusiasts).

[Marvin Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that takes a subject I know nothing about, one in which I don't consciously harbor any interest in, yet draws me in completely. I know nothing about paleontology or birds, and very little about non-mechanized flight, but my Dad gave a glowing recommendation for this book. I picked it up and was immediately drawn to Hanson's enthusiasm for his subject, and his ability to explain the concepts to a complete neophyte like myself, without giving the impression that he was speaking down to me.

Hanson seamlessly intertwines the functionality of a feather with evolutionary theories about them, taking care not to lobby too strenuously for one theory over another personally, but rather letting the trends in scientific theory unfold to the reader gradually. This is probably masterful on his part, letting us arrive at the conclusions he wants or expects us to arrive at, without feeling like he has pushed us there.

The feather is, indeed, a marvel of function; at once airfoil, insulation, armor, heat sink and mating attire, yet I had really never given them a thought. One curious thing I'll take away from the book is not to pick up every feather I find on the ground. The reasons they fall out can be a bit disquieting, if you're not into little crawlies.

I've looked at birds differently since reading this book, with more respect for the evolutionary wonder that they are. I guess the good thing about birds and feathers is that, whether you believe that they evolved over millions of years, as the fossil record shows, or believe that a god created them magically a few thousand years ago, they're no less fascinating or beautiful in either case.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise and enjoyable to read. It's the first non-fiction book I've read that centers on animals rather than humans and I have to admit that it was a nice change! Hanson is detailed and specific enough to make things interesting, but also is ambitious in scope (lots of ground covered). Who knew that feathers could be so fascinating!

Great mix of natural history, social history, economics and personal narrative. Definitely recommend!!

BTW the author lives in the San Juans. So LOCAL+!

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those disappointing books where the author inserts way too much of himself into what could otherwise be a simple factual narrative. I don't give a shit if the author raises chickens or whatever. Clearly someone has been takin William Zinsser's advice.

I'm also a bit torn about the prominent appearance of Richard Prum in this book, because Prum's own book The Evolution of Beauty was packed full of awful arguments, and it makes me much harder to take the guy seriously. Prum comes off as very reasonable in this book compared to the "birds are not dinosaurs" folks.

In the end, I learned some things about birds and feathers, but not a whole lot. I still don't really understand why feathers are necessary or even useful for flight, and most of his "feathers are the most amazing thing in the whole world" feels like puffing about your research subject. Everyone says their subject is the most amazing thing in the whole world.

[Taveri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book with a diversity of information about feathers and birds. There is a chapter on feather design. Another chapter documents the battle between those that think therapods (a branch of dinosaurs) gave rise to birds and those that advocate birds were around before dinosaurs. The BAND (Birds Are Not Dinosaurs) proponents point to archaeopteryx with fully formed feathers existed ten million years before therapods were sprouting basic feathers. The author does a fair job of explaining the two sides of this temporal paradox without taking a side.

My favourite chapter was on the Feathers War where one million ostriches being raised in South Africa to meet the huge (pre World War One) demand for their feathers and upstarts in Arizona and New Mexico sought to cut into their market, so the South Africans sought to hybridize their ostiches with the mysterious Barbary Ostrich, of fine much sought after feather, but its location was unknown and even mythical. Hanson weaves a spellbinding story of seeking out the origins and then how to get them exported when the authorities didn't want them exported (much like rubber plants). Then there is a surpise ending to the skulldugery.

Another section delves into the Death Truck that kills a disproportionate number of birds (and other wildlife). Another section goes over the disbelief by the scientific community had for the sandgrouses abilty for carrying water in its feathers (when everyone knew feathers repelled water).

Wait there is more: the battle between ground up vs tree down origin of flight opponents get their viewpoints presented. And for those that read to a certain point in the book they are certified as genuine "feather fanatics".

[Chris Dietzel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read a lot of niche non-fiction books and this has to be the most boring and uninteresting I've ever tried. I almost never quit reading a book but after halfway through I called it quits on this one. The author needed to talk way less about himself and drastically tighten up the chapters. Beautiful cover and the summary sounded interesting but even if you're a bird lover I wouldn't recommend this.

[Kam Yung Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive book about a 'feather-weight' subject. Through personal research and interviews with various people, Thor Hanson has shown that feathers are really a biological and physical wonder. You probably won't look at a feather and say, "Oh, just a feather," after going through this book.

Hanson starts by describing the appearance of the feather in prehistory, via fossils like Archaeopteryx lithographica and then the discovery of dinosaurs with feathers in the Yixian Formation in China. Then comes a fascinating bit where he puts forward the major ideas about how birds evolved flight (ground-up or tree-down) before surprising us with a third-way that appears to nearly solve the problem.

The purpose of feathers is next, with a look at their properties that enable birds to stay warm, to stay cool and, of course, for flight. The beauty of feathers, in both shape and colour, is then highlighted, both for our pleasure and for the female birds. A fascinating section on how the Manakin bird can apparently use its wings like a violin to make a steady tone is then presented; amazing.

This book provides an interesting scientific look at feathers, and Hanson makes it more entertaining by letting us see his own attempts at studying the feather, sometimes with embarrassing outcomes.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting parts but too much digressing, usually about some meeting or something the author had done. Pages were taken up going through various meetings in way too much detail. The curse of the 250 page book.

[Peter Mowris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too many anecdotes made this a quick read. Why the hell do I care what your wife thinks of your research? Also it draws on paleontology and ornithology without really adding to either. Popular science writing sometimes does not work

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feathers are a unifying theme in this book, but we learn about lots of related things as well, including down jackets, dating rituals, and the invention of airplanes.

[Dan McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mary Roach-esque deep dive into feathers! Chapters on evolution, flight, warmth, fly fishing, feathers in fashion, among others. Definitely recommend this book if you like this type of popular science deep dives!

[Atila Iamarino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tema inusitado e bem tratado. Tem aquela pegada pessoal do autor descrevendo situações e conversando com pesquisadores, bons comentários e insights legais. Adorei a parte do tráfico de avestruzes para África do Sul. Não tinha me atentado para o quão isolantes penas podem ser, a ponto de aves migratórias e pinguins aguentarem condições de sensação térmica de -80ºC, sem precisar do tanto de gordura que nós precisamos.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compulsively readable. Unlike other natural histories I've read, Hanson keeps his chapters short and focused and they are more fascinating for it. A marvel of insulation, water resistance, lightweight aerodynamics and color, feathers are truly an incredible example of evolutionary engineering, and this book will alter your perception of and appreciation for them.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe you can write so much about one thing, but when I finished I couldn't believe how fascinating it was! Won't ever look at a feather the same again.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with Hanson's writing. He is an utterly devoted scientist who latches onto a topic and doesn't let it go until he's explored it enough to write a book about a single thing. His book The Triumph of Seeds: How Grains, Nuts, Kernels, Pulses, and Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History is just as good as this one, and I'm planning on reading Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees and Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change later this year.

In this book we learn about feathers from their evolutionary beginning, about the different scientific factions that have formed around who believes what (Hanson makes it quite clear who he agrees with, and I agree with them too), about the intersection between feather morphology and function, colouration, historical use of feathers as accessories and their use today, as part of costumes, in winter gear as an insulator, and even their use in fishing lures. Hanson goes on location for all of these chapters, giving us a close-up look of the industrial use of feathers with the same care he treats the strictly ornithological side of it. Did you know that club-winged Manakins play their wings like a violin? I am utterly charmed.

If you're the kind of person that will read a book about feathers, may I also interest you in The Most Perfect Thing: Inside and Outside a Bird's Egg? Same vibes.

[LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm trying to make myself read more nonfiction. Thor Hanson seemed to be a well-recommended science writer, and biology- and evolution-related topics interest me, so I decided to give this a try.

Near the end of the book is this quote:

"'Feathers are already incredible in every way!' [Dr. Kimberly Bostwick] exclaimed at one point. 'We just need to be able to see it.'" (260)

I felt like it summed up the primary appeal of this book for me. Looking at what we know about the evolution of feathers, the way they function, their use in flight and mating displays, and more, Hanson highlighted all sorts of ways feathers are amazing. If I'd ever been inclined to think they were ordinary and boring, this book would have convinced me otherwise. As it was, I hadn't realized how many aspects of feathers I'd never thought much about.

If I could have changed one thing about this book, it was the black-and-white illustrations. It's not possible for books like this to include illustrations featuring everything interesting in them, for sure, but the pictures in the chapter on feather coloration were so disappointing as to feel like a waste of space. If you're going to include pictures specifically designed to highlight the colors in an artist's reconstruction of a feathered dinosaur or the color of tevau (feather money coils), those pictures really need to be in color themselves.

All in all, this was a fascinating read, and I plan on trying more of Hanson's books.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

[Correen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great joy to come across an information-packed book that appears to be written with joy and enthusiasm. When I first started reading this volume, I recognized it as one that I would want to savor over some time so I returned my book to the library and purchased my own copy. Hanson discusses the evolution of feathers, or what can be discerned about the evolution dating back to dinosaurs, and evolving with numerous possible benefits to animals – not initially including flight. Hanson also covers current benefits to birds, coloration, human use, economics, research, and other interesting topics. I loved the book and will pass it on to my birder, science student granddaughter.

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a difficult time "getting into" this book. However once I did, I found it to be informative and interesting. I have shared interesting facts about feathers with friends.

I read this book as the result of being a member of an Audubon Book Club. While I don't think it would appeal to all, I believe that not only those interested in birds would find this interesting, but also those interested in learning the many uses of feathers, in the past and currently would find the book interesting.

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book on a most captivating subject. I would strongly recommend reading it.

[Kaushik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read that makes you appreciate birds around you a lot more.

[Smiley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book from start to finish!

The next time you see pigeons puffing up to win over a disinterested female on the street, or watch seagull soar by on broad wings, pause for a moment and think about the natural miracle that makes these all possible.

I'm fascinated by feathers before reading this book, and would never look at one the same way again. From how they've evolved, to how they keep birds warm and waterproof, achieve flight and attract a mate, the author's enthusiasm is hard to resist. Combining history and observations of different species, unpicking each question and theory, it's easy to appreciate how feathers achieve a myriad of functions.

This book reads like a collection of magazine articles sometimes, as the author interviews experts on each aspect related to the use of feathers. From down pillows, headdress for showgirls, to the crafting of fly-fishing baits, humans have found new ways to utilise feathers, a versatile, durable and lightweight material. On a cultural standpoint, we go from seeing the way feathers shaped fashion as symbols of status and beauty, to confronting the ethics of over-exploitation and needs of conservation. Feathers play a role in technology too: their shape inspired flight, with possible applications of making planes quieter like owl feathers. Most of all, feathers have captured the imagination of humanity: to their natural grace, lightness and freedom associated with birds, they shape mythology and literature -- literally, by becoming the very instrument authors in the past write with! (The word pen actually comes from penna, which means feather)

The writing style is great, drawing us into the story. I've caught myself chuckling a few times too, as the author sneaked jokes in from time to time (feathers need to be replaced due to wear and tear, the same reason as a field biologist's trousers!) I'm so glad there are illustrations and photos too!
Also, I love how each part and chapter of the book begins with a quote! What a lovely touch.

It's feathers I need, more feathers
for the life to come. And these iron teeth
I want away, and a smooth beak
to cut the air. And these claws
on my wings, what use are they
except to drag me down, do you imagine
I am ever going to crawl again?
~Edwin Morgan

This extract gives me chills somehow.

Last but not least, here's a reminder:

The exploration of natural miracles is a fundamentally open-ended and curiosity-driven enterprise. It reminds us that science is not always about the answers; it's about the questions.

From surprise to query to wonder. Let the fascination begin.

This is a book I would recommend to everyone.
PS first seen this book on my E&B supervisor's bookshelf. Glad to get to it!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy strange niche books like this one, which focuses entirely on, you guessed it, feathers. You know, those amazing things that birds grow naturally and us humans like to use for stuff, from fashion to arrows and writing implements.

I had read Buzz by this author before, which I really loved, so I knew I already liked Hanson’s writing style. This one did not fail in that respect. I really appreciate the way he explains his subject matter. It’s not too academic and neither does he treat the reader like a complete idiot. Instead he takes his own experiences and knowledge and goes to people more knowledgeable than him to find out more.

Thus we find out why feathers may have evolved and what the first feathered dinosaurs may have looked like. I enjoyed finding about all sorts of weird and wonderful adaptations that have happened in the natural world to make some feathers more specialised.

However, the author goes on to look at the uses we put feathers to. The author looks at the earliest uses of feathers and how feathers are still used today. From Las Vegas show girls to down sleeping bags, feathers are still around us today, but nowhere near the hot commodity they ones were.

I don’t think this book worked quite as well as Buzz, but I still really enjoyed finding out more about one of the wonders of the natural world. There were parts that was endlessly fascinating and parts that did not interest me as much, but overall this was a fascinating read.

If you are the kind of weird person, like me, who enjoys this type of weirdly specific book, I would definitely recommend it.

[Tracy Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanson is what I think of as a great science writer. He engages our imaginations while imparting facts, and I suspect that is at least in part because he has such a lively sense of wonder that he can’t help but infuse even the most prosaic of information with a feel of awe as if the evolution of feathers or seeds, or whatever else he’s writing about is pure magic. And in a sense, the things he writes about are magic, or as close to as we get in our world.

The discovery of feathered dinosaurs, the evolution of feathers as tools for flight, insulation, and even courtship, are all topics which Hanson covers here, framing them with his own experiences of his backyard chickens, his travels to museums and to meet with bird researchers, his field experiences (one of which made him smell like rotting zebra guts for days.) He writes cleanly and engagingly on all these topics making the information wholly accessible.

The only flaw I found in this audiobook was the narrator. In general his narration is workmanlike, no more, sometimes a bit flat and expressionless, but it serves the purpose. However, when he tries to render voices, it’s at best distracting, as when he lightens his voice for quotes from women, and at worst almost embarrassing as when he renders the speech of a Chinese researcher. It’s not so much that he does a terrible job at either, but that he does it at all. It feels out of place. I don’t know if these were his choices, or if he was asked to do the voices. Either way, I think it was a mistake.

But don’t let that put you off listening if that’s the way you’d prefer to read this particular book. It’s worth it no matter how you approach it. So far, everything Hanson has written is worth your time, in my opinion.

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Science is about the questions not the answers... "

Thor Hanson provides a delightful little view into the world of feathers! The book provides a holistic view of science, entertainment, history, evolution, future, business of feathers. I went in knowing absolutely very little about feathers or the book really. That's the best way to dive in. I have learnt so many new, random things and have all new appreciation for the ingenuity, engineering, and sheer awesomeness that is feathers.

I did listen to the audiobook and to be honest I thought the narrator was quite dry and clinical. Not the best choice. I wish he was more dynamic and personally I feel a female narrator would have been better choice. I also wish there was more science. I wanted a deeper understanding of their structure and form.

I can't wait to read more by Thor Hanson. Seeds is next on my agenda !

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle is absolutely fantastic! I love the writing style and the thorough coverage of the topic. If you like birds, or even just feathers, I think you will enjoy this book!

[Folkowa Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spędziłam świetny czas przy tej pozycji. Książka jest z gatunku popularno-naukowej, ale opisy dzikiej przyrody Ameryki północnej i zachowania ptaków w środowisku naturalnym sprawiły, że moje romantyczna dusza została połechtana i spełniona. Nie była to wybitna książka, było sporo naukowego bełkotu, ale cieszę się, że na nią trafiłam.

[YITING · Rating 4 out of 5]

一本羽毛的博物學科普書。譯者本身就是熱愛鳥類的人，其本文翻譯不僅順暢，譯注也寫得很認真。

印象最深刻的是透過現行地棲型鳥類石雞，探討獸腳類恐龍羽毛演化的一些可能性。石雞會振翅幫助他們攀上岩石等的高處，這種技巧叫做WAIR (wing-assisted incline running)。許多鸚鵡飼主看到這部分應該會笑出來吧!飼主應該都會觀察到，鸚鵡明明就有翅膀可以飛，偏偏有時候就要用振翅的方法一階一階爬樓梯XDD。

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanson’s portrayal of feathers was absolutely fascinating. From early fossil findings to modern day feather evolution this book is a must read for anyone interested in natural history, biology, and especially evolution.

[Dlmrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+