Little Things That Run the World

A stunning, wonderfully rich exploration of the small but mighty beings that profoundly shape our world: insects

How important are bugs in your life? Some are benign but annoying, others are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Some have obvious benefits to humans and still others are downright scary. But all of them, this marvelous book argues, are more relevant in human affairs than you may realize.

In this eye-opening new look at insects, entomologist Zhengyang Wang shines a light on the unseen roles of creepy-crawlers in our lives. A humble larva gave rise to the first truly global supply chain and remains a pillar of the textile industry. A tiny, juicy bug that oozed crimson pigment became one of the most traded products of the Spanish empire. A large caterpillar in southern Africa serves as a delicacy best enjoyed during its brief appearance in spring. Butterfly wings have inspired scientists to develop energy-saving nanomaterial to help battle climate change. Blending history with cutting-edge science, Wang tells the story of humanity with a new, underappreciated twist: our vast, interconnected world is scaffolded by these small but crucial creatures.

Here are stories of swashbuckling colonial spies who smuggle insects like stolen loot; chain-smoking catepillar hunters skulking high up in the Himalaya; underground networks of rare butterfly catchers feeding the world's illustrious collections and museums. Spanning ancient history to the near future, touching on all aspects of human life including agriculture, medicine, climate, and even the science of intelligence, Little Things That Run the World explores the intersection of insects and humans with infectious enthusiasm and rich, wondrous insight.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs