Book of the Spider

by Paul Hillyard

THE FASCINATING TRUTH BEHIND WEB WEAVERS

Despite Little Miss Muffet's well-documented confrontation, most spiders are quite harmless--except to smaller bugs. In THE BOOK OF THE SPIDER, spider specialist Paul Hillyard explores the engaging world of arachnids--especially the funny and often absurd ways in which humans respond to more than 35,000 known species of spiders. Covering the complete spider spectrum, from folklore and myths to ancient scientific studies to techno-spiders building webs in outer space, the author reveals a captivating social history of the most misunderstood of God's creatures.

THE BOOK OF THE SPIDER
answers a number of questions, both obvious and obscure, all fascinating:
How can humans forecast weather by observing a spider's actions?
Why is black-widow venom more dangerous than a rattlesnake bite?
Why are spiderwebs often used to dress wounds and coagulate blood?
What's the best cooking method for spider a la carte?

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

218 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 1994

Reviews

[Aurélien Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

From deep underground caves to the top of Mount Everest, there are more than 105 millions different families of spiders, grouped into more than 35, 0000 species... that we know of! Paul Hillyard, passionate about these creepy-crawlies, is an expert for the London Natural History Museum and gives us here an overview of such creatures, whose lifestyle can be, let's be honest, frankly repulsive.

From myths and folktales to their place in various cultures worldwide, from their anatomy, biology, habitats and behaviours to their crucial importance to many ecosystems, but, also, how dangerous some can be, toxic when not deadly for men, the author succeeds in his goal: going beyond fear and 'yeuk!' to better make us understand these highly fascinating insects. He even finds the time to ponder upon some of the most emblematic (Latrodectus, Theraphosidae...) besides explaining a few of their most crucial features (venom, web, ballooning...), all little details which will be a wealth of information for the clueless. For example, did you know that the oldest spider is a fossil dating back 380 million years ago? That the biggest (Theraphosidae blondi, or 'Goliath birdeater'.....) is as big as a large plate? That in New Guinea the webs of a local specie are used as fishnets? That some can live in colonies averaging more than 10,000 individuals?

The perfect read to learn more about spiders!

[Kate Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a wealth of folklore and facts about a much-maligned creature. I recommend it, of course, if you already love spiders, but I ESPECIALLY recommend it if you fear spiders -- it might change your perspective a little!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Spiders are amazing. I learned so much and appreciate them even more now than I already did. I loved how this book combined folklore and mythology surrounding spiders with science. The hand-drawn illustrations play down some of the more fearsome aspects of spiders. Suggest you google "the tarantella."

[Andy Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat phobic myself yet I was fascinated by the detail the author packs in. And not many days when you can use the word 'cribellate' appropriately.

[Gabriel Davis]

07/20/19

[Shea Mastison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Hillyard is a surprisingly charming British "spider specialist." This book is an excellent introductory read on our eight-legged fellows; it covers aspects of biology, mythology, and popular sentiment to paint a fascinating picture of spiders.

Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the little beasties. However, this book has altered my perspective enough to make me want to read more. If I'm able; I certainly plan on reading more from Hillyard.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A treasury of spider lore, mostly attempting to boost the much-maligned creature's reputation. According to Hellyard, only three percent of the populace "enjoys" spiders. I can't honestly say I always enjoy them, but I will say I find them fascinating. Lots of hows and whys in this book, though it's by no means comprehensive.

[Gwyn]

Ok, just kidding. I will never read this book.

[Maggie]

So far this book is not helping me overcome my fear of spiders, but enhancing it.