I need to begin this review with an apology. In the January edition of the Reader‘s semiannual list of books to look forward to, I included Dr. Eleanor’s Book of Common Ants of Chicago with the explanation “Because forewarned is forearmed.” I thought I was being witty. Now that I’ve actually read Dr. Eleanor’s Book of Common Ants of Chicago, I realize how painfully naive and prejudiced I was. So I’m sorry, ants of the world, for underestimating you all and assuming you were pests. Now I know you’re remarkable creatures of dazzling strength and ingenuity, even the rare species who pester humans (fewer than 30 of the 1000 who live in North America), and that our world would be a much sadder place without you.
