Vola:Über das unglückliche Leben der Re

Earthworms, which live discreetly in the soil, are among the most underestimated animals of all. This wonderfully illustrated, highly enjoyable, and charming book finally remedies that: It beautifully combines the correct, the important, the beautiful, and the humorous, shedding light on the life of this fundamentally likable species.

Noemi Vola's brief natural history essay is dedicated to the earthworm in all its astonishing facets – from its eating habits to its somewhat bizarre behaviors, from its underground habitat to the enchanting shades of pink it can take on. There is much to learn about the earthworm. Yet, no one – except for the great Charles Darwin – seems to have ever truly taken an interest in it.

Many aspects of its existence remain unknown to science: How has it managed to escape natural selection? Why does it persistently dig endless tunnels in the earth? What is the purpose of its tail? Where is its tail, anyway? And what happens if the worm loses one half and it is missing? It becomes clear that the earthworm resembles us more than one might believe at first glance….