Deserts make up a third of the planet's land surface but if you picture a desert what comes to mind? A wasteland? A drought? A place devoid of all life forms? Deserts are remarkable places Typified by drought & extremes of temperature they can be harsh & hostile; but many deserts are also spectacularly beautiful & on occasion teem with life Nick Middleton explores how each desert is unique through fantastic life forms extraordinary scenery & ingenious human adaptations He demonstrates a desert's immense natural beauty its rich biodiversity & uncovers a long history of successful human occupation This Very Short Introduction tells you everything you ever wanted to know about these extraordinary places & captures their importance in the working of our planet ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable