Rating: 
Summary: Erroneous Essays
Review: A lazyman's nature book, "The Red Hourglass" is pure anthropomorphism--the author, who gives entirely ancecdodal evidence about nature's various predators, devoid of a single footnote (his sources for the anecdotes are rarely named; they are simply called "a scientist," or "a doctor"), doesn't seem to have wanted to concern himself with empirical, noted evidence. In other words, the reader has to take Grice's word about the accuracy of his "scientific" and historical comments, since he doesn't want to be weighted down by bibliographic sources or even noting his own sources. Even the National Enquirer or other cheesy newspaper tabloid occasionally mentions its sources. To be sure, this book makes for chilly reading, despite a less-than-sophisticated prose style, but don't rely on it as a nature guide. Rather, if you must read it, do so as a single person's view of the world of predators. Without scientific background or foundations, his voice is no more authoritative than yours or mine.
Rating:
Summary: Erroneous Essays
Review: A lazyman's nature book, "The Red Hourglass" is pure anthropomorphism--the author, who gives entirely ancecdodal evidence about nature's various predators, devoid of a single footnote (his sources for the anecdotes are rarely named; they are simply called "a scientist," or "a doctor"), doesn't seem to have wanted to concern himself with empirical, noted evidence. In other words, the reader has to take Grice's word about the accuracy of his "scientific" and historical comments, since he doesn't want to be weighted down by bibliographic sources or even noting his own sources. Even the National Enquirer or other cheesy newspaper tabloid occasionally mentions its sources. To be sure, this book makes for chilly reading, despite a less-than-sophisticated prose style, but don't rely on it as a nature guide. Rather, if you must read it, do so as a single person's view of the world of predators. Without scientific background or foundations, his voice is no more authoritative than yours or mine.
Rating: 
Summary: "Nature Red In Tooth & Claw" Ouch!
Review: A superb collection of essays. I plan to check the geographical distribution of the critters described and move as far away as possible. Who ever heard of recluse spiders? Also, the next time I eat pork I'll remember that it's a pig eat man world out there. I hope the author keeps writing, he has a remarkable style and subtle wit.
Rating:
Summary: entertaining yet very enlightening
Review: although mr. gordon grice avoides the jargon of the entomologist, his observations and writings are precise and quite informative.
Rating:
Summary: Eat your heart out Stephen King!!
Review: Amazon editors take note: Recommend this one in your top horror 50 list!I bought it on a whim and its the best whim I've had in ages. I couldn't put it down. One small criticism .... Mr. Grice has so many friends who have run into or fallen foul of these creatures, that it's a little hard to believe at times. Is Oklohoma THAT bad?
Rating: 
Summary: An astounding glimpse into the lives of the predators which
Review: An astounding glimpse into the lives of the predators which surround us, often without our even noticing them. Mr. Grice provides a magical combination of science, folk lore and personal observation. This is a book which will hold the reader's attention to exclusion of the prickly feeling on the backs of our legs which it also occasionally induces. This is a must read for fans of Edward Wilson's Naturalist.
Rating:
Summary: The antidote to all those "beauty of nature" tomes
Review: By avoiding the empty rapture nature writing seems prone to, Grice has ironically produced a book that gives us a greater respect for the incredible constructs of the animal kingdom. Fantastic.
Rating:
Summary: great prose, sophisticated biology
Review: Do yourself a favor and buy this book. If you like to read about the lives of strange critters, and appreciate fine prose and precise natural historical observation,you will enjoy this book immensely. The author also betrays a sophisticated understanding of both the science, and mystery, of life, which he nevertheless wears lightly. The down-to-earth spirit of Nebraska and Oklaholma also shines through the deceptively simple prose style. Finally, the book is devoid of any of the man and nature, circle of life, save the whale posing that mars so many nature books. This is true, backyard natural history, not politics. If you think you might like this book, you will.
Rating:
Summary: great prose, sophisticated biology
Review: Do yourself a favor and buy this book. If you like to read about the lives of strange critters, and appreciate fine prose and precise natural historical observation,you will enjoy this book immensely. The author also betrays a sophisticated understanding of both the science, and mystery, of life, which he nevertheless wears lightly. The down-to-earth spirit of Nebraska and Oklaholma also shines through the deceptively simple prose style. Finally, the book is devoid of any of the man and nature, circle of life, save the whale posing that mars so many nature books. This is true, backyard natural history, not politics. If you think you might like this book, you will.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Read
Review: Gordon Grice's prose is a marvel. Many of his descriptions are so eloquent, even in sketching out the most minor of details that I was entranced. His description of how the human body decomposes and the origins of burial and some eating rituals werefascinating. Sure, some parts are squeamish and made me cringe, but his pursuit of knowledge reminded me of how I collected and kept snakes, salamanders, insects and frogs as pets when I was a kid and how much I learned from first-hand examination. Grice's wife and my mother have my admiration for not stifling either of us in our pursuits.
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