Sparrow
Read More
Found a better price? Request a price match
Sparrow
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Latest News
A Little Bit Spooky: Board Games for Halloween
Halloween is the perfect excuse for a spooky board game night! From adorable ghost cats...
100 Years of Winnie the Pooh
100 years ago the Hundred Acre Wood and a cast of beloved friends was published...
The Book Briefing - 14/10/2026
It's time for another edition of 'The Book Briefing'! Sacha's back with all the latest...
TV Show Review on: Carrie
Liam's Review Carrie 26βCarrie has been on my radar for a while now, probably my...
The Struggle of Working Somewhere That Sells Beautiful Books
The problem isβ¦I work in the cutest little (I said what I said) bookshop and...
See moreInnocent. Invader. Lover. Thief. Sparrows are everywhere, in many guises. They are cherished pets, subject of elegies by Catullus and John Skelton, listed as 'pretty things' in Sei Shonagon's Pillow Book Sparrow
Innocent. Invader. Lover. Thief. Sparrows are everywhere, in many guises. They are cherished pets, the subject of elegies by Catullus and John Skelton, and listed as 'pretty things' in Sei Shonagon's Pillow Book.
They're grimy, urban vermin with shocking manners, so reviled that during the 1950s, Mao placed them on the list of 'Four Pests' and ordered the Chinese people to kill them all. In many countries, they are appallingly successful non-natives, attacking indigenous birds and ravaging ecosystems.
Able to live in the Arctic and the desert, from Beijing to San Francisco, the house sparrow is the most widespread wild bird in the world. In Sparrow, award-winning science and natural history writer Kim Todd explores the complex history, biology, and literary tradition of this bird that embodies the word 'common'.
Series: Animal
View allBook Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Sparrow by Kim Todd has been praised for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling about a seemingly ordinary bird. Critics appreciate Todd's ability to weave historical narratives with scientific insights, making the topic both enlightening and intriguing. The book receives commendation for exploring the impact of sparrows on various ecosystems and human culture, presenting the information with clarity and depth.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781861898753
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 October 2011
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Illustration: 106 illustrations, 77 in colour
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Weight: 250g
Pages: 192
Collections
About the Author
Kim Todd is Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Her book Tinkering with Eden? A Natural History of Exotics in America (2001) was the winner of the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award. She is also the author of Chrysalis: Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis (2007).
More from Science & Nature
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Science & Nature lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!



