A hilarious, baffling, and entertaining celebration of the world’s favorite rodent, the hedgehog.
In The Hedgehog’s... read full description
reviews
Jan 09, 2009
Joi
rated it: 
Hugh Warwick writes, "Love affairs do not spring out of nowhere, there has to be a seduction." The Hedgehog's Dilemma is Warwick's account of his seduction by these prickly little mammals, and he writes with wit and affection that quickly engages readers. Structurally, Warwick often meanders off into amusing, though sometimes only tangentially, related anecdotes in the middle of a chapter. Yet somehow these stories make the creatures more interesting and alluring. He balances serious s
More...
Aug 21, 2009
Angie
rated it: 
This is a charming book about a charming creature... without being sickly! I have always loved hedgehogs but didn't know much about them. The author does a great job of teaching us about hedgehogs without sounding like a teacher. He shares lots of anecdotes about people and their interactions with hedgehogs and shares his own story of the hunt for the mysterious Hemiechinus hughi in China. By the end of the book, he ties the story of the hedgehog to that of humankind and reminds us that our
More...
Feb 23, 2011
Teri
rated it:
Having thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Wild Snail, and being a Miss Tiggywinkle fan, I thought I'd give another micro-zoology book a try. This has many charming moments, but the author does tend to wander around the subject, which is obviously dear to his heart. No doubt this is more fascinating for UK readers who may actually see a hedgehog since they do not inhabit the US other than as pets. Should I come across a hedgehog, I will certainly be more interested than I might otherwise hav
More...
Jan 15, 2009
Ron
rated it:
This book failed to be either scientific enough or personal enough to be completely enjoyable. I was hoping for a little more hedgehog information, but since the author was British and seemed to assume he was writing for a British audience, it left out a lot that those of us who live in a hedgehog free country. And when the author attempts to become personally involved, he can't keep his scientific demeanor from his writing.
Also, a section of hedgehog pictures would have been very ni
Also, a section of hedgehog pictures would have been very ni
Jan 07, 2009
Amy
rated it: 
Okay folks, you know I have to give this one five stars. However, even if you aren't interested in hedgehogs, you will be by the end of this book. Hugh Warwick, a photojournalist and ecologist with the BBC's Natural History Unit, is a great storyteller. In the process of being entertained, you'll also pick up a ton of new info about ecology, the health of the planet, and our quilly friends. I learned many new things, and also found out the error of my thinking in some areas.
Mar 17, 2010
Rhea
rated it: 
The title and synopsis were a bit misleading. I thought this would be more about the relationship between humans and hedgehogs, such as their similarities psychologically, rather than the relationship between them...romantically. However, I did learn all I need to know about hedgehog "skin skirts," Hedgehog Olympics, and hedgehog enthusiasts residing in the lesser known parts of Great Britain. Next time I'll go to Schopenhauer for a more thorough definition of the Hedgehog Dilemma.
Sep 13, 2011
Coolcat
rated it:
It was a light book. Not sure that I would recommend it to anyone, but wasn't one I wouldn't finish. A lot of findings and facts about hedgehogs. It has actually made me interested in the little carnivore. Anyhow, it was cute and gave you a good perspective of what it would be like to be a field scientist.
Feb 05, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
This book had some amusing moments and I did learn some things about hedgehogs, but overall I found it disappointing. Warwick just barely skims over some very interesting aspects of the human/hedgehog relationship. I wanted to hear more about biophilia and how hedgehogs and humans co-evolved. I was hoping for more of a Mark Kurlansky type of treatment.
May 09, 2009
Laura
rated it:
Charming, but rambly. Also totally British, why was it published in the US? (And I've had two hedgehogs as pets, so I'm more interested in them than most people, but I still don't see why this was published here.)
Apr 10, 2011
Linda
rated it:
Charming, humorous, and informative look at hedgehogs, complete with tiny pen-and-ink drawings in the corners here and there. Delightful.
Nov 22, 2009
penny
rated it:
Warwick definitely has a love of the hedgehog and his writing often meanders as they might through a night of foraging and adventure. There were nuggets of information about our prickly friends across the pond and I was pleased that that the author attempted to shed light onto the American obsession of this new pet. Overall, however, I felt it was too scattered and superficial to really give justice to a charming mammal I first met as Mrs Tiggy-Winkle.
Feb 21, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
This is a charming read. Though the author does describe the uphill battle these little creatures fight in a world of poisons, traps, and decreasing habitat, what comes through most clearly is the author's deep affection for these strange and funny little animals.
Feb 07, 2012
Jan 26, 2012
Jan 08, 2012
Dec 23, 2011
Dec 10, 2011
Nov 29, 2011
Oct 07, 2011
Sep 24, 2011
Sep 11, 2011
Jul 12, 2011
Jul 12, 2011
