Leslie BrunettaSpider Silk: Evolution and 400 Million Years of Spinning, Waiting, Snagging, and Mating

I have nothing but praise for Leslie Brunetta and Catherine Craig for their collaboration.They have not only communicated the science, but managed some surprising humor like their review of Spider-man's underwear on page 68.Not only do they clearly present the evolution of spiders from their most ancient origin, but they make us respect their positive contribution to life today.

This was advertised as a library copy, but it was an advanced uncorrected proof copy sent to reviewers pre-publication and pre-final edit. Since I purchased this for research, I couldn't rely on the facts that didn't pass the fact checker used in publishing. I returned the book and bought another copy. Since advanced copies are sent out for free to professional reviewers, they are not to be sold and deprive the author and publisher from profit. My book had a $2 price tag, but I was charged $9. Still a bargain if it was a proofed book, but sloppy to leave the price tag on the cover and misrepresent the source.

I was enthralled by this book. The evolution of insects and spiders is a generally overlooked subject. The emphasis is almost entirely on vertebrates, creatures with internal skeletons, not the exoskeletal critters. Yet, insects and spiders preceded the vertebrates in going from the ocean onto land and were the first my many millions of years to fly (insects). Though spiders never developed wings, their webs have allowed them to evolve into niches that would have been unavailable to them as simple crawling creatures. Silk has set them apart from other arthropods (insects and spiders). This book gives a more complete picture of evolution in general, dealing with more than the vertebrates that lead to fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals (including man) and birds. It's all interesting; but not the bugs and spiders get their due respect.

Quite technical but still interesting and informative. Lots of facts and an interesting discussion of Darwin,s theories as applicable to spiders.

Excellent, a fascinating insight into the evolution of spiders. This book is well written and will provide you with a new found appreciate for these marvelous creatures. As a biology student, I found this book was readable for non biologists but not too dumbed down for biologists to enjoy as well.

Silk is so central to the lives and evolution of spiders that the book ends up covering just about everything spider-related. It is both very in-depth and amazingly readable.

I have the kindle version of the book. I enjoyed the depth of material and I found it surprisingly readable. My only complaint is that the text tells me to look at colored plates to illustrate certain features. Unfortunately my kindle version doesn't seem to have them.

I saw this book on Gizmodo, and was intrigued by the thought of social spiders, so I bought it. I was shocked that the book is an extremely thorough breakdown of of all spiders and how they use silk, or how they have learned to survive, and thrive without it. It covers all the different types of silk in use and how it evolved. As an arachniphobic, I found it very theraputic to learn about these creatures that I fear.

Before reading this book, I was not the greatest fan of spiders. The sight of a largish (by UK standards) spider scuttling across the floor alarmed me, while the thought of one lurking somewhere above my head as I rummaged through the garden shed was... well, I don't want to think about it!So, I will admit to a certain amount of morbid curiosity, as I opened the book. What I found was a well written account of the evolutionary history of spiders and their use of silk. From its initial use in lining burrows and protecting eggs, the many new uses spiders have found reflects how the animal has evolved to exploit such a diverse range of environments. This includes flying (ballooning) to new territory and the use of a diving bell for under-water living. While still not a great fan, my initial dislike of spiders is now coloured by considerable respect. And, actually, the single thing I would have liked is more pictures of spiders.I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in - or just curious about - spiders, arachnophile or arachnophobe alike.

I deliberated about buying this book because I suspected it would be a dry and difficult read. But I was glad I did in the end. She's a good writer and I found parts of it fascinating. Sure, it's a bit stop and go because you also come across parts of the book which are a bit of a plod and you have to get used to terms like 'major ampullate silk' etc. but she guides you through these well and I enjoyed it.

Fascinating information on the subject of spiders. There is never enough in my opinion. Enjoyed the read.Not bound well though. I don't break spines but this suffered loose pages.

Excellent review of the subject.

I have quite a interest in spiders silk, so this book fed my knowledge and informed me of things that I didn't already know. Great read, if your interested, I would recommend.