Little Things That Run the World
The Surprising History and Power of Insects in Our Lives
Failed to add items
Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping cart is already at capacity.
Add to basket failed.
Please try again later
Add to Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Remove from Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Audible Premium Plus 30-day free trial
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Unlimited access to our all-you-can-listen catalogue of 15K+ audiobooks and podcasts.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Little Things That Run the World
Pre-order for $27.89
-
Narrated by:
-
By:
-
Zhengyang Wang
How important are bugs in your life? Some are benign but annoying, others are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Some have obvious benefits to humans and still others are downright scary. But all of them, this marvelous book argues, are more relevant in human affairs than you may realize.
In this eye-opening new look at insects, entomologist Zhengyang Wang shines a light on the unseen roles of creepy-crawlers in our lives. A humble larva gave rise to the first truly global supply chain and remains a pillar of the textile industry. A tiny, juicy bug that oozed crimson pigment became one of the most traded products of the Spanish empire. A large caterpillar in southern Africa serves as a delicacy best enjoyed during its brief appearance in spring. Butterfly wings have inspired scientists to develop energy-saving nanomaterial to help battle climate change. Blending history with cutting-edge science, Wang tells the story of humanity with a new, underappreciated twist: our vast, interconnected world is scaffolded by these small but crucial creatures.
Here are stories of swashbuckling colonial spies who smuggle insects like stolen loot; chain-smoking catepillar hunters skulking high up in the Himalaya; underground networks of rare butterfly catchers feeding the world's illustrious collections and museums. Spanning ancient history to the near future, touching on all aspects of human life including agriculture, medicine, climate, and even the science of intelligence, Little Things That Run the World explores the intersection of insects and humans with infectious enthusiasm and rich, wondrous insight.
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.