At present, there are 11,006 species of ant known. They are found throughout the world except at the polar icecaps, and it is estimated that their combined population makes up half the mass of all insects alive today. Ants have figured in fantasy as miniature armies, as models of good behavior, as infiltrating communists, and as creatures on the borderline between the realms of the organic and the machine. Ant experts have been hired to help solve problems with information networks. Ant considers the variety of human responses to ants and their intricate, miniature societies and elucidates the cultural reasons behind our varied reactions to these extraordinary insects.

In Cockroach we discover the extraordinary natural history, symbolism and cultural significance of a poorly understood and much-maligned insect. Traditionally a loathed pest, a food delicacy and a valued source for cures in folk and homeopathic medicine; nowadays, the cockroach has a much broader appeal-as evidenced by the annual World Championship Cockroach Races held in Brisbane, Australia, and the Cockroach Hall of Fame in Texas. In addition to the positive roles it has played in a number of recent works of fiction, the cockroach is also an inspiration for graphic artists, modelers and photographers.

Few creatures are as universally despised as flies. Blamed for pestilence and plagues, they were publicly excommunicated from the medieval church. Beelzebub, "the lord of the flies," was said to be the embodiment of evil, and, for centuries, flies were considered the result of spontaneous generation--the unnatural consequence of rotting meat.

As everybody knows, oysters are the ultimate aphrodisiac. Casanova famously ate 50 raw oysters every morning with his mistress of the moment, in a bathtub designed for two. As well as an aphrodisiac, since the earliest times, the oyster has been an inspiration to philosophers, artists, poets, chefs, gourmets, epicures and jewelers. It has been pursued by poachers and thieves, and defended by police, and Acts of Parliament. In this book, literary historian and radio broadcaster Rebecca Stott gathers together the extraordinary history of the oyster and its pearl. She shows how this curious creature has been used and depicted in human culture, and what it has variously meant to those who either love or loathe it.

The graceful winged form of the swan has inspired works of art from fairy tales to ballets, and its profile is recognized immediately by even the most cursory of bird admirers. Now the newest addition to Reaktion's acclaimed Animal series examines the fascinating story behind this elegant bird.