The most perfect thing : inside (and outside) a bird's egg

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How are eggs of different shapes made, and why are they shaped as they are? When does an egg's shell harden? Why do some eggs contain two yolks? What creates the colors and patterns of an eggshell, and why do they vary? Which end of an egg is laid first—the blunt or the pointy end? These questions are explored as the journey of a bird's egg from creation and fertilization to hatching is examined, with scientific knowledge set against a historical backdrop. The exploration begins with the stunning, uniquely patterned eggs of the guillemot, leading into the eggs of hens, cuckoos, and other birds, revealing fascinating facts about these natural wonders. Interwoven with these insights are extraordinary stories of individuals captivated by the study and collection of eggs since Ancient Egypt, often not to the benefit of conservation efforts. Grounded in science and enriched by a lifetime of bird observation, this work offers an engaging exploration of the science behind eggs and the history of humanity's obsession with them.