Synopses & Reviews
Professional entomologist and amateur gardener Eric Grissell suggests that it might be time to declare a truce with the insects in our lives. With a sound basis in science and a practical grounding in gardening experience, Grissell introduces the reader to the role of insects in garden ecology. His insightful account of insect biology is supported by gorgeous photographs, which reveal a captivating beauty and illustrate the vital interdependence between insects and plants. Now available in paperback, this book will be loved by anyone seeking a greater appreciation and understanding of these often-maligned garden visitors.
Review
"This is not a handbook on how to recognize and eliminate insect pests, but a thoughtful exploration of the vital role insects play in every garden ecosystem."
—Patt Kasa, National Gardener, March 2005 National Gardener
Review
andquot;A fascinating little book.andquot;
and#8212;Valerie Sudol, Newark Star-Ledger, May 13, 2004
Review
"A fascinating little book."
—Valerie Sudol, Newark Star-Ledger, May 13, 2004 Newark Star-Ledger
Review
"Grissell writes in a remarkably clear, down-to-earth manner that is in turn educational and entertaining. The photos by Carll Goodpasture are so beautiful they could be framed and hung on the wall ... Here's a book that finally puts insects in their place: our gardens."
—Kym Pokorny, Oregonian, December 12, 2002
About the Author
Eric Grissell was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. After receiving his doctorate in entomology in 1973 from the University of California, Davis, he worked as a taxonomic entomologist for the Florida Department of Agriculture until 1978. From 1978 to the present he has worked as a research entomologist for the Systematic Entomology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, located at the U.S. National Museum of Natural History. He is also a research associate for the Smithsonian Institution and an adjunct associate professor at the University of Maryland. Grissell has gardened since the age of 8 and has been an avid entomologist since the age of 11. He has published two popular books on gardening, several technical books on entomology, more than 75 scientific papers.