The first foray into novel writing by one of the world's foremost biologists. Wilson has long been concerned about society's needs too curb its resource hunger and to seek conciliation with nature.
I found this book to be both informative and entertaining. The early parts are about a young boy's voyage of nature discovery in the South. This reminded me of my own boyhood (only in the mountain west). The store evolves into once concerned with resolving the conflict between nature preservation and development. Along the way, Wilson presents a compelling metaphor of what happens to ant colonies when they become too large and turn into super colonies. Dis function and death are the inevitable result.
This book is not for everyone. But if you love nature and the wonder that it brings to life, you might find this book worth your time. I actually had a hard time putting it down.