SKU: 40487943435

The Book of Eels: Our Enduring Fascination with the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural World

Sale price$22.18 Regular price$24.64
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.16 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 25 - Jul 30

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Book of Eels: Our Enduring Fascination with the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural WorldLos Angeles Times Bestseller IndieBound Bestseller One of Forbes' "Best Summer Reads for Those Stuck Inside Working Remotely" One of the LA Times' "21 New and Classic Books to Keep You in Touch with the Natural World" One of NPR Science Friday's Best Science Books of the Summer Part H Is for Hawk, part The Soul of an Octopus, The Book of Eels is both a meditation on the world's most elusive fish the eel and a reflection on the human condition

Los Angeles Times Bestseller

IndieBound Bestseller

One of Forbes' "Best Summer Reads for Those Stuck Inside Working Remotely"

One of the LA Times' "21 New and Classic Books to Keep You in Touch with the Natural World"

One of NPR Science Friday's Best Science Books of the Summer

Part H Is for Hawk, part The Soul of an Octopus, The Book of Eels is both a meditation on the world's most elusive fish--the eel--and a reflection on the human condition

Remarkably little is known about the European eel, Anguilla anguilla. So little, in fact, that scientists and philosophers have, for centuries, been obsessed with what has become known as the "eel question" Where do eels come from? What are they? Are they fish or some other kind of creature altogether? Even today, in an age of advanced science, no one has ever seen eels mating or giving birth, and we still don't understand what drives them, after living for decades in freshwater, to swim great distances back to the ocean at the end of their lives. They remain a mystery.

Drawing on a breadth of research about eels in literature, history, and modern marine biology, as well as his own experience fishing for eels with his father, Patrik Svensson crafts a mesmerizing portrait of an unusual, utterly misunderstood, and completely captivating animal. In The Book of Eels, we meet renowned historical thinkers, from Aristotle to Sigmund Freud to Rachel Carson, for whom the eel was a singular obsession. And we meet the scientists who spearheaded the search for the eel's point of origin, including Danish marine biologist Johannes Schmidt, who led research efforts in the early twentieth century, catching thousands upon thousands of eels, in the hopes of proving their birthing grounds in the Sargasso Sea.

Blending memoir and nature writing at its best, Svensson's journey to understand the eel becomes an exploration of the human condition that delves into overarching issues about our roots and destiny, both as humans and as animals, and, ultimately, how to handle the biggest question of all: death. The result is a gripping and slippery narrative that will surprise and enchant.

--What's Jordana Reading, Summer Reads

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Ecco Press
Published: 05/26/2020
ISBN: 9780062968814
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 1.10d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2020
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 40487943435

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 10 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
C
Verified Purchase
Cyndimp
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Our Yorkie Puppy Loves This Toy!!!
Color: Red
Warning: your pet may become completely obsessed I’ve had this toy for about a year for my Yorkshire Terrier, Gia, and it’s easily the most successful toy purchase I’ve ever made. We even had to replace the first one after she loved it a little too much (chewed the string off), and have since bought more as gifts for friends’ pets. Great toy for small dogs (too fragile for bigger dogs) and active, young cats.) What we love: * Endless engagement: Gia ignores all her other toys and goes straight for this every time * Interactive features: Subtle beeping + changing colored lights + unpredictable rolling patterns keep her hooked * Energy burner: Perfect for indoor play on hardwood floors—she will chase it nonstop * Rechargeable: Battery lasts several hours, even with frequent use * Durability: Holds up well considering how rough she plays Real-life note: Gia will literally bring this toy to me to get me involved—and I have to limit her playtime because she won’t stop on her own. Bottom line: If you have a high-energy dog (or even a playful cat), this isn’t just a toy—it becomes their favorite activity… and possibly their entire personality.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2026
P
Verified Purchase
Paula Hurst
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 3
I wanted it to be a good fit
Color: Red
This toy garnered my dogs attention for a day. We tried it inside but there's too many places it would go under. We tried ot outside and it was powerful enough in the grass so tried concrete patio. My dog lost interest sadly. It wasn't a good product for my dog.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2026
R
Verified Purchase
Rossanne Wankovsky
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
My pup loved it.
Color: Red
“Bought this for my dog Loki and it was an instant hit. He usually loses interest in toys pretty quickly, but this ball kept him entertained way longer than expected. The lights and movement immediately grabbed his attention, and he spent a solid hour chasing, pawing, and carrying it around the house. It’s durable enough for excited play, easy to charge/use, and even survived Loki’s dramatic ‘victory laps’ through the living room. Bonus: it tired him out enough for an actual nap afterward. Definitely worth it for high-energy dogs or curious pets.”
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
Diajsha Candillo
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great toy to occupy pet
Color: Red, Color: Red
This ball is super fast, and lasts very long on one charge. It really keeps my cat entertained, he’s just so curious about it. It’s easy to pick out dust any hair it might catch on, it’s rubber material is durable. It’s a stable toy since my cat likes to play roughly.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jamie Valdez
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for Puppies!
Color: Red
This toy has been a great purchase for my new puppy! He has so much fun playing with it and stays engaged for long periods. While it can move a little fast at first, the adjustable speed settings make it easy to customize. Overall, it’s a fantastic toy that keeps him active, entertained, and happy.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2026

recommand products