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The Insect Epiphany: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture
From entomologist Barrett Klein comes a buzz-worthy exploration of the many ways insects have affected human society, history, and culture
Insects surround us. They fuel life on Earth through their roles as pollinators, predators, and prey, but rarely do we consider the outsize influence they have had on our culture and civilization. Their anatomy and habits inform how we live, work, create art, and innovate. Featuring nearly 250 color images—from ancient etchings to avant-garde art, from bug-based meals to haute couture—The Insect Epiphany proves that our world would look very different without insects, not just because they are crucial to our ecosystems, but because they have shaped and inspired so many aspects of what makes us human.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Insects surround us. They fuel life on Earth through their roles as pollinators, predators, and prey, but rarely do we consider the outsize influence they have had on our culture and civilization. Their anatomy and habits inform how we live, work, create art, and innovate. Featuring nearly 250 color images—from ancient etchings to avant-garde art, from bug-based meals to haute couture—The Insect Epiphany proves that our world would look very different without insects, not just because they are crucial to our ecosystems, but because they have shaped and inspired so many aspects of what makes us human.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
49 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 16, 2024
This is a fascinating science book about the intersection between human’s and insect life such as the products produced by insects and how they have science and art.
April 20, 2025
The Insect Epiphany it is about insects, but not as much as a book of this size could pack, sometimes relevant, but quite a lot beating about the bush, with relationship in current cultures, but not going even there deep enough. As being about an epiphany, clearly I did not get one, and I was as far away from getting one from this book as from a TV commercial.
April 6, 2025
Listened as I sewed. I enjoyed this. The author clearly loves insects, so that’s interesting.
May 9, 2024
The Insect Epiphany by Barrett Klein is quite simply one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have ever had the good luck to encounter, let alone the absolutely fascinating content within
Most people cringe at the thought of creepy crawlies, and that is ok, we are essentially programmed to as a natural species outselves, However, many have not shied away from insects and in fact, whole industries have been built from them. Silk, Wax, Honey, Lacquer, Colour, Paper, Chitin, even poisons (and the cure therof), food, medicine and so much more.
The species that has without comparison or competition the highest populations in the natural world (and some of them have been domesticated, like the revered silk worm) have not only contributed immensely to trade, industry and science, but also culture and art.
The Genesis section contains perhaps one of my favourite pieces of information from the book. This section explores how we as humans have mimicked the exoskeleton, structures and mechanics of insect mobility and protection in making minute machines, links, robots, spyware and architecture. But the most stunning example are the samurai Helmets with the emblems of the dragonfly and cicada made from mixed materials. While not essentially mimicking the mechanical efficacy of these insects, the helmets are absolutely gorgeous
The theme of emulating and mimicking insects continues to the final section, that of metamorphosis, which explores fighting styles, behaviour, even fashion
The book incorporates poetry, imagery and a very well written, immersive narrative that is easy to read and highly engaging. A must for budding entomologists, biologists and anyone with a love and fascination of nature. Simply stunning!
Thank you very much to Netgalley, Timber Press and the fantastic author Barrett Klein for this insightful and very enjoyable ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Most people cringe at the thought of creepy crawlies, and that is ok, we are essentially programmed to as a natural species outselves, However, many have not shied away from insects and in fact, whole industries have been built from them. Silk, Wax, Honey, Lacquer, Colour, Paper, Chitin, even poisons (and the cure therof), food, medicine and so much more.
The species that has without comparison or competition the highest populations in the natural world (and some of them have been domesticated, like the revered silk worm) have not only contributed immensely to trade, industry and science, but also culture and art.
The Genesis section contains perhaps one of my favourite pieces of information from the book. This section explores how we as humans have mimicked the exoskeleton, structures and mechanics of insect mobility and protection in making minute machines, links, robots, spyware and architecture. But the most stunning example are the samurai Helmets with the emblems of the dragonfly and cicada made from mixed materials. While not essentially mimicking the mechanical efficacy of these insects, the helmets are absolutely gorgeous
The theme of emulating and mimicking insects continues to the final section, that of metamorphosis, which explores fighting styles, behaviour, even fashion
The book incorporates poetry, imagery and a very well written, immersive narrative that is easy to read and highly engaging. A must for budding entomologists, biologists and anyone with a love and fascination of nature. Simply stunning!
Thank you very much to Netgalley, Timber Press and the fantastic author Barrett Klein for this insightful and very enjoyable ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
October 29, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Insect Epiphany is a well written, accurate, and fascinating look at insects and how they have interacted with and shaped human existence written by entomologist Dr. Barrett Klein. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a very well grounded, layman accessible monograph on insects and how they interact with and shape us from prehistory, down to the modern day. Dr. Klein manages to interpret and present often quite complex concepts in digestible & accessible bites which the average reader will have no trouble understanding.
The material, although wide-ranging in scope, is presented in a logical order: symbiosis (products and materials - silk, honey, wax, lacquer, etc), genesis (copying design/utilizing/engineering), and metamorphosis (copying fighting, mating, dancing, dress, etc).
The book is beautifully illustrated throughout, with paintings, illustrations, photographs, and facsimiles from historical archives, literature, and the arts. The author/publisher have also included useful appendices for readers' use including comprehensive chapter citations which are likely worth the price of the book by themselves.
It's not written in rigidly academic prose, but it is fully annotated throughout. Many (but not all) of the sources he uses in the book -are- academically demanding and will require some extra effort on the part of readers.
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and gift giving, for fans of popular science and nonfiction.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Insect Epiphany is a well written, accurate, and fascinating look at insects and how they have interacted with and shaped human existence written by entomologist Dr. Barrett Klein. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a very well grounded, layman accessible monograph on insects and how they interact with and shape us from prehistory, down to the modern day. Dr. Klein manages to interpret and present often quite complex concepts in digestible & accessible bites which the average reader will have no trouble understanding.
The material, although wide-ranging in scope, is presented in a logical order: symbiosis (products and materials - silk, honey, wax, lacquer, etc), genesis (copying design/utilizing/engineering), and metamorphosis (copying fighting, mating, dancing, dress, etc).
The book is beautifully illustrated throughout, with paintings, illustrations, photographs, and facsimiles from historical archives, literature, and the arts. The author/publisher have also included useful appendices for readers' use including comprehensive chapter citations which are likely worth the price of the book by themselves.
It's not written in rigidly academic prose, but it is fully annotated throughout. Many (but not all) of the sources he uses in the book -are- academically demanding and will require some extra effort on the part of readers.
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and gift giving, for fans of popular science and nonfiction.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 11, 2024
Firstly, this book is beautiful. With illustrations, photographs, and a strong sense of its own aesthetic, even in eARC form, it is a treat. You could treat this as a picture book alone and have a good time with it.
The Insect Epiphany is an attempt to chart every point of interaction between any human culture and in the insect world. Having granted himself this impossible task, the author acquits himself of it pretty well, actually. The weaker chapters pop up when there is too much range to cover, and lacking any natural way to divide things up the context can bounce around. But notably sections that I expected to be the worst, like the insect in art, ended up my favorites because of this holistic approach. And the stories of the author's costumes were a hoot. Actually, this is generally true of all the author's personal asides. And while the beginning was fairly standard for this sort of book, the ending was unusually strong with its cosmic dimensions.
I am a little unsure of who the book is for, in the sense that I do not see it persuading insect-haters whereas insect-lovers may find it too basic. I think that it might be a hit with younger readers. I do not think it is geared that way, but its high visual quality, shorter chapters and subchapters, and blend of prose and poetry would provide a clean and pretty introduction to a lot of the material here.
My thanks to the author, Barrett Klein, for writing the book and to the publisher, Timber Press, for making the ARC available to me.
The Insect Epiphany is an attempt to chart every point of interaction between any human culture and in the insect world. Having granted himself this impossible task, the author acquits himself of it pretty well, actually. The weaker chapters pop up when there is too much range to cover, and lacking any natural way to divide things up the context can bounce around. But notably sections that I expected to be the worst, like the insect in art, ended up my favorites because of this holistic approach. And the stories of the author's costumes were a hoot. Actually, this is generally true of all the author's personal asides. And while the beginning was fairly standard for this sort of book, the ending was unusually strong with its cosmic dimensions.
I am a little unsure of who the book is for, in the sense that I do not see it persuading insect-haters whereas insect-lovers may find it too basic. I think that it might be a hit with younger readers. I do not think it is geared that way, but its high visual quality, shorter chapters and subchapters, and blend of prose and poetry would provide a clean and pretty introduction to a lot of the material here.
My thanks to the author, Barrett Klein, for writing the book and to the publisher, Timber Press, for making the ARC available to me.
November 17, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable read, good to know there are more bug lovers out there.
When younger, I wanted to be an entimologist due to the fascinating, and unique, types of insects that mimicked other things in my tropical northern Australian home. So, insects are a thing I always enjoy reading about. Especially, like with this book, when they are discussed in positive and beneficial ways. It truly was a fascinating read, and I learned a lot more than I thought I would.
My middle child (17 years old) shares my love of insects to the point that he now shares his bedroom with several room mates of the 6 and 8 legged kind. And, yes, I do plan on geting him a physical (paper) copy of this book for Christmas.
Although this was a non-fiction book on facts, history, nature, and science - it wasn't a dull, dry read. The narration is open, friendly, amusing at times, and really shows the author's enthusiasm for the subject. An easy read through out, while still explaining a lot of interesting stuff!
Book nerd side of things: formatted well for the "Netgalley Shelf" ap, but definitely a book better read and enjoyed as a paper copy. No major clangers or typos to report, so edited well too.
The only problem I have is - do I buy 2 copies? One for me, and one for middle child? Or will said child let me borrow his to reread sections as they come to mind?😁
Highly recommend.
When younger, I wanted to be an entimologist due to the fascinating, and unique, types of insects that mimicked other things in my tropical northern Australian home. So, insects are a thing I always enjoy reading about. Especially, like with this book, when they are discussed in positive and beneficial ways. It truly was a fascinating read, and I learned a lot more than I thought I would.
My middle child (17 years old) shares my love of insects to the point that he now shares his bedroom with several room mates of the 6 and 8 legged kind. And, yes, I do plan on geting him a physical (paper) copy of this book for Christmas.
Although this was a non-fiction book on facts, history, nature, and science - it wasn't a dull, dry read. The narration is open, friendly, amusing at times, and really shows the author's enthusiasm for the subject. An easy read through out, while still explaining a lot of interesting stuff!
Book nerd side of things: formatted well for the "Netgalley Shelf" ap, but definitely a book better read and enjoyed as a paper copy. No major clangers or typos to report, so edited well too.
The only problem I have is - do I buy 2 copies? One for me, and one for middle child? Or will said child let me borrow his to reread sections as they come to mind?😁
Highly recommend.
May 5, 2024
The insect epiphany gives an in-depth view of how insects have shaped our world, from the products we cannot make without them to the inspiration we took from them. The main focus isn't the insects themselves, but the things they brought us.
The book focuses on influences from all around the world. It often talks about non-Western cultures.
Although I found the text to be a bit dense for casual reading, I can see others using it for their research or strong interest in a discussed subject. I appreciate that the author was able to add a personal touch to the writing while still maintaining a serious approach.
Thank you NetGalley and Timber Press for giving me access to this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The book focuses on influences from all around the world. It often talks about non-Western cultures.
Although I found the text to be a bit dense for casual reading, I can see others using it for their research or strong interest in a discussed subject. I appreciate that the author was able to add a personal touch to the writing while still maintaining a serious approach.
Thank you NetGalley and Timber Press for giving me access to this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2024
This is the perfect gift for the Bug and Book lovers in your life!
I’m embarrassed to admit, but the only insect facts I knew came from Blathers, the owl who owns the museum in Animal Crossing. In my hopes to read more Non-Fiction, I came across this book, drawn in by the cover's beautiful illustrations, and I was met with an abundance of knowledge on insects and their important role in our ecosystems, fabrics, food, and culture. This is a text heavy book, but the vibrant pictures and descriptive writing is what keeps your interest throughout.
I recommend pairing this with your next visit to your local insectarium!
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for this ARC.
I’m embarrassed to admit, but the only insect facts I knew came from Blathers, the owl who owns the museum in Animal Crossing. In my hopes to read more Non-Fiction, I came across this book, drawn in by the cover's beautiful illustrations, and I was met with an abundance of knowledge on insects and their important role in our ecosystems, fabrics, food, and culture. This is a text heavy book, but the vibrant pictures and descriptive writing is what keeps your interest throughout.
I recommend pairing this with your next visit to your local insectarium!
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for this ARC.
July 13, 2024
This was a really amazing book with interesting, engaging text and stunning images.
I enjoyed the way the author, Barrett Kelin, worked to help people understand the importance of insects while showing the ways in which insects have been entwined with our lives and culture for centuries.
The text is beautifully written and well worth a read, but the images alone are worth picking this book up. They are beautiful, varied, and provide an interesting look at the way people and insects interact.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in insects, nature, and culture.
Thanks to Net Galley and Timber Press for an advanced reader copy of this gorgeous book.
I enjoyed the way the author, Barrett Kelin, worked to help people understand the importance of insects while showing the ways in which insects have been entwined with our lives and culture for centuries.
The text is beautifully written and well worth a read, but the images alone are worth picking this book up. They are beautiful, varied, and provide an interesting look at the way people and insects interact.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in insects, nature, and culture.
Thanks to Net Galley and Timber Press for an advanced reader copy of this gorgeous book.
June 26, 2025
A really beautifully put together book, with gorgeous illustrations and full-color photos and high quality paper that just feels great to hold. You can tell this was a passion project for Klein, and his enthusiasm for insects comes through the pages. Lots of interesting examples of cultural entomology (how insects have influenced and inspired human societies) as it applies to materials, dyes, food, medicine, the arts, and so on. Some sections and subsections are more developed/informative than others, and the organization is not always logical (to my mind), but it is a fun read and a great way to learn just how deeply insects are entwined in our lives for the better.
September 12, 2024
The Insect Epiphany gives the readers a wonderful interpretation of how intricately tied our lives are with insects (and their close relatives). So many people take advantage or loathe insect's presence in the world but in reality, we absolutely cannot live without them! Barrett Klein doesn't go very in-depth into insect ecology but he instead offers us many fascinating historical accounts, scientific research, personal stories, and artistic interpretations of these amazing creatures. The Insect Epiphany would be a fantastic addition to every public library and nature center!
August 27, 2025
Wow! what a tour de force on insects and their influence on our human culture. In addition this book does with so many other non-fiction books fail to do it includes many, many images which really beautifully emphasize the diverse influences of insects on human culture. In addition the author is enthusiastic and experienced on the subjects. This is one book that I would recommend picking up and taking a look at even if you don’t think you’re interested. I was only slightly interested, but Wow! It’s a pretty fun read also.
This book deserves many more readers.
This book deserves many more readers.
November 13, 2025
I had so much fun listening to this book! I've always been so fascinated by insects (arthropods?) and The Insect Epiphany was such a fun and unique way of looking at their impact on the world around us.
The book was formatted in a very reader-friendly, bite-sized manner that made listening to it on the go super easy.
I was slightly lost just towards the end, in large part due to the recitation of people's names attributing them to art and inventions. This is probably just an audiobook issue ans didnt take away from my enjoyment of the rest of the book
The book was formatted in a very reader-friendly, bite-sized manner that made listening to it on the go super easy.
I was slightly lost just towards the end, in large part due to the recitation of people's names attributing them to art and inventions. This is probably just an audiobook issue ans didnt take away from my enjoyment of the rest of the book
December 13, 2025
I met Dr. Klein when he gave a talk about insect sleep. He was probably the most charming science presenter I've ever seen, delivering an incredible talk. I immediately went to pick up his book and was not disappointed in the least. The book was equally as interesting, drawing a straight line between many aspects of humanity and our relationship with insects. Dr. Klein takes great care not to water down the science, but it's subtle, masked beneath the fascinating narrative he presents. Beautifully done.
April 21, 2025
one of my new faves, absolutely very fun book
July 14, 2025
Minus 1 star for the spider goats (did not need to know about those lol)
June 18, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was lovely, and anyone who used to read books like the Eyewitness nonfiction series as a kid would probably like this, as it has a similar vibe. All about insects (and spiders too!), this book describes insects in relation to humanity throughout history, from their use as sources of colors, food, and engineering inspiration, art, and even clothing. Accompanied by tons and tons of beautiful color photos and illustrations, this was a joy to read!
This was lovely, and anyone who used to read books like the Eyewitness nonfiction series as a kid would probably like this, as it has a similar vibe. All about insects (and spiders too!), this book describes insects in relation to humanity throughout history, from their use as sources of colors, food, and engineering inspiration, art, and even clothing. Accompanied by tons and tons of beautiful color photos and illustrations, this was a joy to read!
September 10, 2025
I think the pictures in the print version would have made for a more immersive and enjoyable experience from this book. The structure and space dedicated to each topic made it feel more like a compendium of interesting tidbits than a cultural history of insects as the subtitle would suggest. Towards the beginning there's a long chapter on silkworms and with a lot of fascinating cultural and historical detail. I really understood after this how these caterpillars have shaped the world in part just as human interactions have transformed their species. I was hoping for the rest of the book to be like this, but the following chapters are much shorter and just not as memorable.
There's interesting facts about all sorts of insect products both modern and historic, mad entomologists, entomophagy farming, psychedelic bugs, and various other entomology trivia. One of the most incredible discussions (oddly split into two different places) is on the translation of bee choreography and what their communicative dances say about how they perceive the world visually. These were for sure worth reading about in themselves especially as the book text is fairly short, but I think the book could have benefitted in memorability by more selectivity and depth in its chapters.
There's interesting facts about all sorts of insect products both modern and historic, mad entomologists, entomophagy farming, psychedelic bugs, and various other entomology trivia. One of the most incredible discussions (oddly split into two different places) is on the translation of bee choreography and what their communicative dances say about how they perceive the world visually. These were for sure worth reading about in themselves especially as the book text is fairly short, but I think the book could have benefitted in memorability by more selectivity and depth in its chapters.
October 12, 2024
The Insect Epiphany by entomologist Barrett Klein is an insect lover's dream! I happily pored over the fascinating text and magnificent colour images and thirsted for the next revelation. Klein's passion for insects began in childhood which was a treat to learn about. Scores of six-legged creatures inhabit my region, some I could do without. But his quest to increase knowledge and to imagine a world without insects caused me to take a deep dive into the repercussions. What would life be like without their contribution to food, antidotes and sedatives, fabric, art, dyes, getting rid of bodily waste, and solving murder?
Information which struck me in particular include the silkworm (to this day its silky threads cannot be replicated), caddisfly larva enveloped in gold, the lac insect which produces shellac, the asymmetrical shield bug's beauty, the wasp nest dollhouse, and cochineal dyes in paintings. What a pleasure to learn a lot of this for the first time!
If you are at all intrigued by insects and their roles in our world, this book is unmissable. Devouring the vast knowledge of the author is like discovering a mother lode of titillating treasure. The writing is conversational and personal, too.
My sincere thank you to Timber Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this phenomenal book.
Information which struck me in particular include the silkworm (to this day its silky threads cannot be replicated), caddisfly larva enveloped in gold, the lac insect which produces shellac, the asymmetrical shield bug's beauty, the wasp nest dollhouse, and cochineal dyes in paintings. What a pleasure to learn a lot of this for the first time!
If you are at all intrigued by insects and their roles in our world, this book is unmissable. Devouring the vast knowledge of the author is like discovering a mother lode of titillating treasure. The writing is conversational and personal, too.
My sincere thank you to Timber Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this phenomenal book.
April 25, 2025
Happy and bug eyed
Magnificently crafted with elements of natural history, art, literature and music all coming together seamlessly.A perfect book for scientists and insect lovers, it puts into stark perspective a world devoid of insects and the beginning of the end for humanity.
Magnificently crafted with elements of natural history, art, literature and music all coming together seamlessly.A perfect book for scientists and insect lovers, it puts into stark perspective a world devoid of insects and the beginning of the end for humanity.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews