Platypus by Ann Moyal

Ann Moyal’s Platypus (Johns Hopkins University Press, $16.95) is a great account of how a small furry animal managed to challenge biology’s beliefs. Curious creatures, though mainly human, abound in Patricia Fara’s Sex, Botany and Empire (Icon, £6.99). The drive and discoveries of economic botany triggered gossip and empire building. New Scientist‘s reviewer described it as “a rollicking read”.