A Dazzle of Dragonflies
by Forrest L. Mitchell, James L. Lasswell
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Book Summary Information
Author: Forrest L. Mitchell, James L. LasswellEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-04-20
ISBN: 1585444596
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: TAMU Press
Book Reviews of A Dazzle of Dragonflies
Book Review: Enter the Dragonfly
Summary: 5 Stars
Forrest Mitchell and James Laswell's labor of love, "A Dazzle of Dragonflies", accomplishes a feat that any science exhibit hopes to do: hook the viewer with visual flair, and then pique their interest with previously mundane data. This method of exhibition is applicable for exotic or esoteric subjects, such as Himalayan vistas or microscopic bacteria activity, but it also holds well for specimens more acquainted with the viewer's scope of life. In Mitchell and Laswell's case, the elusive but omnipresent dragonfly is given the runway treatment.
"Dazzle" aims to give the reader a comprehensive introduction to dragonfly study; their place in folklore, the fossil record, their internal mechanisms, their behavior. But "Dazzle" is not just a study book for aspiring entomologists- Mitchell and Laswell also offer advice on capturing, luring, and photographing the famously elusive Odonata.
Photographic advice from the authors should certainly be heeded, as it is apparent from the first page that the photos of dragonflies are simply stunning. Every color of the abdomen, the compound eye, even the vein system of the wing are rendered with remarkable clarity. A perusal of the pictures in the hardcover edition justifies the hefty price tag.
The pictures may be intended to be the visual hook that snares the reader, but the excellent introductory chapters assure the reader's attention. After a brief introductory chapter, "Dazzle" veers to a sociological aside and studies the myths and folklore of several different cultures regarding dragonflies. This is a humanistic quality that is absent from many science books. The knowledge that some cultures have alternately hated (the Romanian dubbed "devil's horse") and revered (an ancient name of Japan was Akitsu-shima, or "Island of the Dragonfly") these insects is fascinating, revelatory reading (28-30). Not surprisingly, the folklore section is the best writing in the book, as it allows the authors to let their passion and emotion shine.
Equally interesting is the section that covers the fossil record. Dragonflies have left behind well-preserved fossils that give the reader insight to their evolution. Though this section is short, and gives a brief rundown of the various eras in which dragonflies were prominent, the photography of the fossils is a little sparse. There is a very nice shot of the Tupus permianus, but it would have been nice to see a picture of the massive Meganeuropsis permiana, the largest fossilized insect yet discovered (47). The lack of fossil pictures, which is the gateway into an evolution discussion, gives the impression that the majority of photography in this book is meant to be live action shots or scans of captured specimens.
It is this devotion to photography style that causes the next two sections of the book to falter. Devoted to the life cycle and natural history of dragonflies, the authors offer a fine primer, but the data load becomes quite heavy. In such cases, tables or graphics, so as to reinforce visually what the reader has mentally ingested, can lighten dense subject matter. The authors attempt to do this with their photography, and the result is unsatisfactory. Particularly, when shifting to dragonfly anatomy and physiology, a graphic with the dragonfly's inner structures and pathways would have been an excellent aide in comprehension. The life cycle of the dragonfly is reduced to a convoluted mess by the absence of a comprehensive table. While the pictures of the larvae molting to its adult life were fantastic, it would have been nice to have a better grasp of the inner workings of the dragonfly.
The concluding chapters regarding dragonfly watching, collecting, and photographing redeem this deficiency. The authors are experts in this department, as evidenced throughout the entire book. For those who are interested in dragonfly collection and further study, these sections are invaluable. There is also an appendix with ideas on how to properly document dragonfly finds, and a protocol for responsible bug hunting. A list of references and websites for further learning conclude the book.
"Dazzle" was surely aimed at the casual hobbyist and the curious, and its mark is hit clearly. A book that is scientific without being overly empirical will appeal to this broad audience, and the photography will cause even the most jaded National Geographic reader to do an about face. If the sections regarding anatomy and life cycle leave you wanting more, the authors have provided enough references and further reading suggestions to slake your thirst. "A Dazzle of Dragonflies" is an excellent first read for anyone who is interested in learning about dragonflies, and considering the scarcity of any such literature, it may well be essential.
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