Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books, (2003.). SIGNED first edition - Inspired by Charles Darwin (who devoted his last year's to the study of worms) and by her own experiences as a gardener in coastal California, Stewart explores the rloe of the earthworm in the ecosystem. how it tills the soil, destroys microscopic organisms that cause plant disease, breaks down toxins, and turns the ground into rich compost. This witty, offbeat and always entertaining book proves that any topic can be fascinating in the hands of a good writer. SIGNED on the title page. Includes a selected bibliography and a list of resources. 215 pp.