The Language of Butterflies: How Thieves, Hoarders, Scientists and Other Obsessives Unlocked the Secrets of the World’s Favorite Insect by Wendy Williams is a fascinating new book about our obsession with butterflies. Although filled with scientific information, this book is for the lay person simply interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures and why and how they’ve captured our imagination for centuries.

Williams takes the reader along on her own personal journey of discovery over the past few years and at times it feels a little arbitrary. There were some things that could have been left out and many things I wanted to understand in more depth. However, overall I found it an interesting and entertaining read, especially the part about Maria Sibylla Merian, a self taught scientist and artist ahead of her time, or Vladimir Nabakov who also had a passion for butterflies.

Although I already knew quite a lot about butterflies, I’m left feeling even more in awe of these amazing insects than before I picked up this book, which I suppose is the point. A worthwhile read.