From “The Sherlock Holmes of Nature” (BBC), “one of the most skilled navigators on the planet”(Smithsonian), and New York Times–bestselling author of The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs: A trove of hidden clues and signs across the animal kingdom, helping us interpret body language, spot danger, strengthen bonds, and predict their next move
In How to Read an Animal, Tristan Gooley shows us how to read the clues and signs in the animals we see every day. Combining lessons from indigenous tribespeople with the latest scientific research, Tristan reveals the secret body language of common animals–from pets to farm animals and songbirds–and what they share with wilder creatures. These are the clues we encounter regularly and continually miss, because we don’t know what to look for. How to Read an Animal inspires us to explore these signs for ourselves, teaching us to read animals in a way that blends ancient wisdom with the latest discoveries. A reader soon finds they are able to sense, anticipate, and celebrate animal behavior using rare techniques that our ancestors would recognize but only a handful of experts know today.
“Gooley preaches attention to common patterns in nature like a sommelier describing wine—the shadows cast by the sun here, the tree angled there, the moss greener on this side of the rock. As part of that work he has invented, or perhaps reinvented, a couple of wayfinding methods.”—The New York Times
“One of the most skilled navigators on the planet. . . . Tristan Gooley helps millions of followers read nature’s clues to find their way back home.”—Smithsonian
“An inviting journey with a generous guide.”—Kirkus
“In a clear, straightforward style peppered with mnemonic devices and wry humor, Gooley encourages readers to tune and retune their senses. Readers walking through the year with Gooley will be inspired to pay more attention to their own environments and the subtle delights of each season.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review
“Acclaim for Tristan Gooley
"Gooley interprets clues like a private investigator of the wilds, leaving no stone unturned. . . . For those inclined to solve mysteries written into the landscape, this author’s lead is one they’ll want to follow.”—The Wall Street Journal
“The Sherlock Holmes of Nature”—BBC
“[Gooley] has become the global expert on natural navigation, finding his way around the world using nothing but natural clues and pointers. His discovery (made on a sailing expedition to Iceland)—that if, when at sea, you see more than 10 birds in any given five-minute window, this means you are within 40miles of land—has become part of the British military’s survival guidance.”—The Daily Beast
“Gooley is your man. . . . With unflappable practicality, he shares simple ways to understand your surroundings, whether you’re beside a stream or on the open sea at night, without instruments.”—Discover magazine
“While Gooley’s tips encompass useful, practical ways to predict a change in weather, determine when a predator may be prowling and find true North at night, his true gift is in igniting curiosity and wonder about the world around us.”—Shelf Awareness
“Avid and budding outdoorspeople will appreciate Gooley’s breadth of knowledge and accessible approach.”—Publishers Weekly
“Gooley, who has single-handedly been reviving natural navigation in this age of GPS, has the birdwatching skills of Bill Oddie and the deductive powers of Sherlock Holmes. He can make you feel that you’ve spent half your life walking about with your eyes only half-open.”—The Telegraph
“Most of us have lost our way in nature at one time or another. . . . Gooley can you lead you back to nature if you’re willing to invest the time.”—National Parks Traveler
“Gooley’s calm, contemplative authority on matters solar, lunar, and celestial establishes his guru credentials—but it’s his revelations about the clues that lie scattered about the natural environment that really entrance: how puddles drying on paths, the shapes of sand dunes, the graininess of scree on the lee of a slope can all be enlisted to summon compass points to your horizon.”—Time Out London
