The Loom of Life Unravelling Ecosystems

From the reviews:

"Evolutionary biologist and science writer Menno Schilthuizen retells the story of the Wilson-Simberloff experiment at some length in The Loom of Life. His book is a readable, anecdotal introduction to the ecology of diversity, addressing basic questions about why there are so many different species and why some species are rare and others common. … The Loom of Life is useful. … might read this slender book for a bearing on how to tackle environmental problems." (Emma Marris, Nature, Vol. 455 (30), 2008)

"In this enjoyable book, evolutionary biologist Schilthuizen … conveys his love of natural ecosystems and species diversity. Schilthuizen covers great spans of time and geography in an effort to explain some epic questions including how ecosystems function, what factors contribute to determining biodiversity, and how theories develop and change over time. … for those interested in learning about the intricacies of ecosystem ecology, The Loom of Life is well worth reading. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, professional, and general collections." (D. Goldblum, Choice, Vol. 46 (8), April, 2009)