Programming for PaaS

Colophon

The animal on the cover of Programming for PaaS is the common hare (belonging to the genus Lepus), which is a larger, more athletic relative of the rabbit. Hares are able to adapt to a variety of habitats and so are some of the most widely distributed land animals in the world (although they are most commonly found in Europe and North America).

The hare is one of the fastest of all the smaller animals, being able to move at speeds of around 45 miles per hour. The strong hind legs of the hare, combined with its large feet, give it the ability to run so quickly. The hare is also able to jump over large distances with great ease. It is primarily herbivorous and eats grasses, herbs, and field crops.

Normally shy animals, hares change their behavior in spring, when they can be seen in broad daylight chasing one another around meadows; this appears to be competition between males to attain dominance (and hence more access to breeding females). During this spring frenzy, hares can be seen “boxing”: one hare strikes another with its paws.

Hares have often been used as symbolic signs—the definitions of which differ between cultures—and they are also some of the most common animals used in folklore and stories. The hare is often associated with moon deities and signifies rebirth and resurrection. It is a symbol of fertility, sensuality, and serves as an attribute for hunting.

The cover image is from Cassell’s Natural History. The cover font is Adobe ITC Garamond. The text font is Adobe ...