"Presenting her work as a counterweight to the "bee-bias" of much scientific literature, [Sumner] expounds on wasps' social organization and reproductive habits, and lays out a case for further research into this 'challenging child of the insect world.'" - The New Yorker
"Sumner's compelling account of nature's coherent beauty teaches that it is time for the utilitarian attitude toward nature to be replaced with appreciation and conservation, something long overdue." - Wall Street Journal
"A witty, readable and unusual account of the world's most maligned and misunderstood insect: the wasp." - Forbes
"A wasp admirer makes a delightful
case for their importance."
-
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Sumner successfully makes the case for wasps in this engaging read with her deft humor, thorough research, and astute analogies." -
Library Journal (starred review)"Endless Forms is a labor of love, designed to alter fundamentally the narrative surrounding wasps, presenting budding naturalists and amateur entomologists with a transformative lens through which to appreciate the "gangsters of the insect world." -
Shelf Awareness"Entomologist Sumner debuts with a tour de force on the world of wasps, delving into their daily lives, economic value to society, and the important ecological niches they fill." -
Publishers Weekly"Wasps, in all their endless forms, are not the annoying monsters we often believe them to be. Instead they are fascinating foundations of entire ecosystems, and essential to our lives. Sumner's tale is thrilling, warm, and scholarly in equal measure, and brilliantly repairs the reputation of wasps-most beautiful and wonderful as they truly are." -
Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived"A book that draws us in to the strange beauty of what we so often run away from." -
Robin Ince, author of The Importance of Being Interested"If you've ever wondered, 'Why do wasps exist?' you must read this book. There is so much more to them than you ever imagined. A funny and beautifully written welcome to the enigmatic, weird, and wonderful world of wasps. Wasps are seriously cool." -
Dave Goulson, author of Silent Earth"I thought I knew about wasps-I was wrong. Wasps are perfectly adapted to life on earth-I want to come back as one. A cracking good read that left me buzzing with excitement." -
Dr. George McGavin, zoologist, broadcaster, and author of All Creatures Small and Great: How Insects Make the World"[Sumner's] passion for wasps and their global importance as both predators and pollinators is compelling...This interesting and entertaining work is sure to leave readers buzzing." -
Booklist"Sometimes the most perfect books are those that shine a light on surprising, neglected subjects.
Endless Forms is just such a book. Seirian Sumner writes lucidly and entertainingly about this most fascinating of creatures. You'll never ask 'What's the point of wasps?' again." -
Will Storr, author of The Status Game
