Das geheime Leben der Eule

Owls have something special about them. Their traces can be found in many cultures since the Stone Age. As creatures of the night, they symbolize magic, but also misfortune. In the eyes of people, they were messengers from the other side. Yet owls – with their flat, intelligent faces, their large round eyes, and their paternal gaze – are also endearing and familiar to us. We consider them wise, like Athena's owl, and loyal, like Hedwig from Harry Potter. In other words, they appear to us as human-like. Perhaps that is why few other animal species captivate us as much. John Lewis-Stempel showcases the vibrant facets of this magnificent creature, whose natural powers seem as fantastic as all the mythical tales about them.

It would be a loss not to let John Lewis-Stempel open our eyes to the beauty of nature at least once a year.