The Encyclopedia of Mammals (Facts on File Natural Science Library)

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful resource.......2007-06-20

I have an older edition of this book, just found this 2001 edition (new) at a book sale at Barnes & Noble for only $20.00! As a Docent at a local wildlife facility, this is an excellent resource book, as well as good reading material. Super illustrations, with easy-to-understand text makes this a "must-have" for anyone interested in the Mammal world.

An excellent survey of the latest developments in mammal science.......2006-12-14

Both high school and public library reference holdings strong in animal science will find the second updated edition of the three-volume set The Encyclopedia of Mammals to be an excellent survey of the latest developments in mammal science. A team of editors have produced volumes which lend to both serious study and leisure browsing with a blend of color photos and drawings and articles newly revised to reflect the latest research and trends. From maps demonstrating species distribution patterns to articles that survey conservation issues and mammal natural history, the set seeks to clarify scientific terms and perspectives and will prove a delightful resource for any student of natural history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Buy it at amazon.co.uk, save big!.......2006-06-21

I bought the hardcover 931 page 2001 edition that is no longer avail. from Barnes and Nobel on the UK website for 55 USD with shipping included. this is Tons less than the 2001 edition is selling for used or on ebay for that matter!

Fantastic Book - Hard To Find Under $100.......2005-03-21

"The Encyclopedia Of Mammals" is a wonderful book. BN offered a one-volume edition with over 930 pages until sometime in 2003 for under $50. The book covers all the mammals in the world in full color with comprehensive text and weighs about 12 lbs. The current offering is a 3-volume edition by Facts On File Natural Science Library at about $300.

Biology (BN 357/2)

must own.......2004-08-29

this is an excellent book in all manners, be it for a school report or for fun it contains much information on all mammals!

The Simon & Schuster Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures: A Visual Who's Who of Prehistoric Life

Average customer rating:

An engrossing and informative volume for laymen or experts
Engaging at first, but then the flaws ...
On the second thought...
An incredible work
Fascinating pictures and fascinating text !

The Simon & Schuster Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures: A Visual Who's Who of Prehistoric Life
Barry Cox , Colin Harrison , R.J.G. Savage , Brian Gardiner , and Douglas Palmer
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0684864118

Book Description

An unmatched reference work distinguished by its erudition and beauty, The Simon & Schuster Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures is an illustrated who's who of prehistoric life, a Baedeker of more than 500 million years of evolution on Earth.

With entries for more than 600 species, each arranged in its evolutionary sequence, the book presents a panorama of enormous diversity, from predatory dinosaurs to primitive amphibians, from giant armored fish to woolly mammoths, saber-tooth tigers and dire wolves. Each entry features a specially commissioned full-color painting prepared according to the best research of today in close collaboration with world-renowned paleontologists. The records of the rocks -- fossil bones, teeth, skin, hair and even footprints and nests -- have been combined with knowledge of the anatomy and behavior of present-day descendants to arrive at informed judgments about posture, color and other aspects of appearance.

Lively and informative "biographies" of the creatures accompany these remarkable illustrations: how they moved, what they ate, where they ranged and the habitats and ecological niches they occupied. Comparisons are made wherever possible with familiar living animals, highlighting both the contrasts and similarities. Also included are articles on subjects such as the time scale of evolution, fossil formation and interpretation and convergent evolution.

Truly a magnificent sourcebook, The Simon & Schuster Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures is both a triumph of scholarship and a work of art. It will stand as the best and most accurate presentation of the prehistoric animal world available.

Customer Reviews:

An engrossing and informative volume for laymen or experts.......2005-02-09

This volume is the best one I've found on prehistoric creatures. Having always been fascinated by them, I wanted as an adult to find something to broaden the base I'd built as a kid obsessed with Tyrannosaurus and trilobites. Though I'm far from a paleontologist or even a biologist (my own training is in anthropology and linguistics) I find this book a pleasure to browse and consult.

Beginning with the earliest worm-like organisms and evolving through the early fish, amphibians and armored sea creatures, the book continues on up through dinosaurs, Pleistocene megafauna and finally simians and hominids. The desciptions are brief but seem informative, but it is the quality of the artwork that I value most. I never tire of looking at the colorful depictions of the denizens of Devonian swamps, Ordovician seas and Jurassic forests.

So, while I cannot pretend to be an authority, and though I certainly must defer some credibility and ask that you look at my review in conjunction with those of my fellow critics who disagree, I offer my personal recommendation on this book to any person interested in prehistoric life and what it must have been like.

Engaging at first, but then the flaws ..........2000-07-04

This book looked great at first, but then, on closer inspection, the drawings are second-rate, the information is thin, and the inaccuracies mount. Yet, there are no real alternatives that seek to comprehensively catalogue ancient life. I'd still buy it, but my enthusiasm has waned.

On the second thought..........2000-02-24

Several months after acquiring the book I leaf through it and wonder how I could have given it such a high rating as I did. It has flaws throughout!

- The book appears to have a drastic shortage of species to list - it is only half as thick as Simon and Schuster's Encyclopedia of Animals - despite the fact that on numerous occasions they list but one or two species from a thirty-species family;

- The art is severely degraded from the above mentioned encyclopedia of animals. While I can see the puzzlement concerning the colors of the creatures' hides, there is no excuse for the the sloppy drawings of several of the animals! If you make a conjecture, please, be sure to follow through! On several of the animals the hair cover fails to obey the laws of physics, and most of the amphibians look like a horrid joke.

- The information is sketchy at best - on numerous occasions special biological mechanisms are mentioned (like a new jaw bone arrangement for the fishes, and the skull structures of the early land animals), yet are never explained in function. Almost all species are captioned with the basics like weight and dimensions followed with senseless filler.

- The between-section class summarizations and the cladistic graphs are also very, very basic. While I understand that the book was not intended for specialists, even the basic layman will find the charts a bit "dumbed down".

This book is flashy and artful, but lacking, lacking a great lot.

An incredible work.......1999-12-28

I have always longed for such a book. Probably it's a grave mistake on my part to make that the firt sentense of a review, but still. I daresay, anyone who has ever been in the very least intereste in paleontology has always longed for this sort of tome. The authors have satisfied both our love of visuals ( pictures are abundant - they accompiny every entry, in full blazing color by very trustworthy artists, generally sure to catch anyone's eye) and our love of the unknown ( this is the first non-specialist book that I have seen that goes beyond the everyday banal creatures like the pachycephalosaurus and the pterosaurids). This book is sheer pleasure while doing any sort of research, even for the specialists who need solid information. Perhaps there isn't quite enough data with every entry ( due to page limits), but the information that is included is accurate and up-to-date. This is a very good book.

Fascinating pictures and fascinating text !.......1999-11-10

I have been looked for such a book for a long time, and now I have it. Reading this book is delightful, as it gives you plenty of informations about prehistoric animals in a very attractive manner. You have very nice pictures of all animals, with a short explanation giving all essential data about them (size, anatomic singularities, food habits, ...). In addition, extremely interesting introducing sections give you a vision of each branch of animals, together with explanations on the evolutionary process concerning them.

Amazon.com

"The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire. With too many wonders close inspection dispels both mystery and joy. Not so with the wonder that is the horse."

So begins The Encyclopedia of the Horse, an extraordinary volume devoted to humankind's most essential animal partner. Expertly folding together the evolution of the horse with every major breed and its contribution to civilization, author Elwyn Hartley, editor of Riding magazine for over 18 years and author of 30 books on horses, divides his subject into 10 historically chronological chapters, covering "in words and pictures, the development over 60 million years of the small jungle animal into the various and sophisticated breeds of the 20th century." Beginning with Eohippus, or the Dawn horse, from the Eocene period, Hartley takes the reader on a fascinating journey, stopping along the way to discuss hundreds of notable breeds, including Friesians, Arabians, Andalusians, Thoroughbreds, Shetland and Highland ponies, Mustangs, and Clydesdales. Also interspersed throughout are notable horse-and-rider partnerships, such as El Cid and Babieca, as well as over 1,000 full-color photographs, illustrations, and maps, making this ode to Equus as beautiful as it is fascinating.

Book Description

The Encyclopedia of the Horse takes the reader through a fascinating journey: the development and domestication of this majestic creature. The horse's evolution, from early pre-Equus to the Thoroughbred, is covered in striking full-color photographs, produced by experts who traveled the world in search of the perfect specimen to illustrate each breed. The captivating text is rich with historical insight and anecdotes, supplemented by exquisite illustrations from museums and scholarly sources. No other single volume brings together the wealth of information to be found here, covering every aspect of the equestrian world--from the horses ridden by the Mongol conquerors to the grace of dressage to the beloved Clydesdales featured in parades.

Customer Reviews:

Very Descriptive Book.......2004-08-27

This book was a very good book. It went very deep in a lot of different subjects. The book describes many different breeds, what they are used for, where they originated, how tall they can get, how much they can weigh, and the usual care for that breed of a horse.
Also written about in this book is the different sports and events that a horse can be used for. It also goes deeply into the ancient history of the horse.
I definetly recommend this book to horse lovers and anybody that is really interested in learning more about horses then it would be very great to read, but if you are more into the medical aspect of the horse then this is really not the book for you it really does not go into any depth with medicine. But other than that is is awesome.

A SUPERB GUIDE.......2004-04-10

Former regional chairman of the British Horse Society and a frequent contributor to equestrian publications, Elwyn Hartley Edwards has compiled a superb guide to the horse.

This beautiful full-size folio volume boasts over 1,000 full-color illustrations and a concise well-crafted text. The evolution of the horse, including every major breed of horse and pony, is presented as well as their contributions to civilization. The animals are shown in the wild, at work, in battle, in sport, and entertainment.

Beginning with a reproduction of a painting by George Stubbs, the illustrations throughout are arrestingly eye-catching. This volume is a great deal more than a collection of facts and photos. Sharon Ralls Lemon puts it well in her foreword: "A rich tapestry of the entire equine world....truly an achievement to be cherished as much for its beauty as for its knowledge."

- Gail Cooke

Great photography.......2002-03-07

I've owned a copy for years and never get tired of pouring over it. It's the excellent photography and layout of the book that I love. You really get a sense of the look of an individual breed and there's some history all woven through. So I sent a copy to my niece for her birthday and she is raptly glued to the pages. She's trying to decide what kind of horse to buy when she moves to Montana. Highly recommended!

An absolutely beautiful effort.......2001-03-04

I can't imagine a more beautifully presented or informative book for anyone interested in horses. This large (10" X 12", 400 page) volume, is replete with full color illustrations tracing the evolution of the horse from Eohippus and Mesohippus to the present, and every major breed of horse and pony to date, as well as their vital contributions to human society down through the centuries.

More than 150 breeds of horses are pictured in full-color photographs or illustrations, depicting their characteristics, myriad uses, origins and facts and anecdotes about them.

The Encyclopedia of the Horse has chapters on their history, early domestication, classical riding, the great stud farms, international sporting events and breeding trends, and how horses changed the course of history throughout the world.

This truly beautiful book is one for your coffee table; guaranteed to impress visitors and stimulate conversation. It is one of the most exquisite volumes in my library.

Joseph H Pierre

An Accurate but some-what Useless Book.......2000-07-05

A reference collection of the main types, breeds, and colors of horses. It also includes a slight history of the horse. Each page contains a different breed and some basics about it. The information is correct and well-written, but I don't see a real use for the book unless you are merely curious about many different breeds of horses and wish to compare them.

Grzimeks Animal Life Encyclopedia: Fishes (Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia)(Volumes 4 &5) (Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia)

Average customer rating:

Grzimeks Animal Life Encyclopedia: Fishes (Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia)(Volumes 4 &5) (Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia)

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 078766572X

Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition (Ap Natural World)

Average customer rating:

A fine reference
A Great Book for anyone, from the ameteur to the expert

Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition (Ap Natural World)

Manufacturer: Academic Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature

ASIN: 0121785602

Book Description

Some 360 million years ago the ancestors of today's reptiles and amphibians emerged from the sea to take on the challenge of land. This successful venture climaxed in a spectacular 140-million-year domination of the Earth by the dinosaurs. Today there are more than 11,000 species of reptiles and amphibians living in all parts of the world. Their behavior and physiology are as complex as those of birds and mammals, and they are equally well-adapted to the astonishingly varied environments they inhabit. Only through a greater understanding of the fragile balance that exists between the species and their habitats will it be possible for us to ensure their survival. This Second Edition of Reptiles and Amphibians is a magnificently illustrated book, with highly comprehensive and authoritative text, written by the world's leading herpetologists. The book has more than 200 superb color photographs and 100 original paintings, maps, and diagrams. It is an up-to-date and definitive volume that chronicles the life-histories of some of nature's most secretive yet remarkable creatures.

Customer Reviews:

A fine reference.......2001-06-27

I am not trained in zoology and approach this subject as a complete amateur and a beginner amateur at that. This book is lavishly illustrated with expert and precise drawings as well as breathtaking photography that is more than adequat in conveying the beauty and complexity of the book's subject matter.

The "Key Facts" corner of every chapter gives useful basic information, e.g. the biggest and smallest of snakes, lizards or whatever - and how many are endangered. One cutaway view of a rattlesnake's rattle is particularly fascinating, though it only leaves me asking for more internal anatomical views.

While the writing is generally good, it sometimes lapses into a specialist's jargon that leaves us amateurs scratching our heads. Even when words like "lamellae" and "setae" are explained, might it just suffice to call them "overlapping plates" and "projections" respectively when discussing how geckos can "stroll on the ceiling"? I found myself looking back to check on what term meant what. Also, rather than a photograph, a drawing of the gecko foot might be more revealing - and there the scientific terms could be introduced.

But this is a minor complaint. I have no regrets whatsover about purchasing this book. it is a brilliant and spectacular tribute to the animal world's great wonders.

A Great Book for anyone, from the ameteur to the expert.......2000-05-03

Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition gave exellent synopsi on many herpetofauna ranging from the common green tree frog, to the care New Caledonian geckos. This encyclopedia will be enjoyed by anyone who has a genuine interest in reptiles and amphibians.

Horseman's Veterinary Encyclopedia, Revised and Updated

Average customer rating:

Revised? Updated?

Horseman's Veterinary Encyclopedia, Revised and Updated
Equine Research
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1592285279

Book Description

It takes more than horse sense to maintain a healthy horse. A knowledge of veterinary medicine is essential, not only for when emergencies occur but to provide the animal with a safe and nurturing environment that will prevent as many problems as possible.

Acclaimed when first published in 1977 and now available for the first time in paperback, Horseman's Veterinary Encyclopedia offers a comprehensive approach to equine health, discussing diseases, unsoundnesses and other problems according to the parts of the horse's body: injuries and lameness; foot and hoof care; parasites; skin and coat care; colic and other sicknesses; dental care; and the respiratory, circulatory and reproductive systems.

As a practical handbook for the owner and as a guide to working with the veterinarian and farrier, Horseman's Veterinary Encyclopedia is an indispensable tool for every home, barn, and ranch.

The highly acclaimed reference on equine medical treatment and preventive care.
It takes more than horse sense to maintain a healthy horse. A knowledge of veterinary medicine is essential, not only for when emergencies occur but also to provide the animal with a safe and nurturing environment that will prevent as many problems as possible.
Acclaimed when first published in 1977, and now thoroughly updated with the latest veterinary advances, Horseman's Veterinary Encyclopedia, Revised and Updated, offers a comprehensive approach to equine health, discussing disease, unsoundness, and other problems according to the parts of the horse's body: injuries and lameness; foot and hoof care; parasites; skin and coat care; colic and other sicknesses; infectious diseases such as West Nile virus; dental care; and the respiratory, circulatory and reproductive systems.
As a practical handbook for the owner and as a guide to working with the veterinarian and farrier, Horseman's Veterinary Encyclopedia, Revised and Updated, is an indispensable tool for every home, stable, and ranch.

Customer Reviews:

Revised? Updated?.......2005-09-24

I am a horse owner, have been for years, and I thought that this would be a great reference book. However, it seems that whenever I need to do research on something specific, the information is either not in the book, contrary to what my vet has said, or just isn't helpful. Look up "cribbing"- a passing mention of "cording of the neck muscles that results when he forces air into his stomach." Period. No possible causation, no mention of diet, suggestions to alleviate, the latest research, nothing. Look up "Deworming"- you get photos of the nasty critters that may inhabit your horses digestive system, and some suggestions about how to handle them. I was looking for information on the latest info on ivermectin resistance, rotation schedules, etc., and that wasn't there. I also couldn't find a chart of the entire skeletal system. There are drawings and photos of all sorts of conditions and pieces/parts of anatomy that may be helpful at some point, but so far, this book is rather disappointing.

Average customer rating:

Great Book, Lots of great information
THE BEST!!
Torin's Book Review
The best horse book!
Very Well Done

The New Encyclopedia of The Horse

Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0789471817

Book Description

In this superb expanded and updated volume, equestrian expert Elwyn Hartley Edwards traces the evolution of the horse, covering every major breed of horse and pony as well as the contribution the horse has made to civilization -- in the wild, at work, at war, and in sport and recreation. Chronicling the history of the horse, The New Encyclopedia of the Horse encompasses the early domestication of the horse. This expanded edition features new information on Western riding as well as classical riding styles, and current international sporting events. There are also completely new chapters on horse management, training, and equipment. Visual Breed Guide: There are more than 150 of the world's major breeds of horse and pony photographed in specially commissioned full-figure portraits as well as hundreds of action shots. The origin, history, and uses of each breed are explained, and each breed is brought to life by historical anecdotes and fascinating, little-known facts. Outstanding specimens of familiar as well as obscure breeds are featured, including Dutch Warmbloods and Camargues, Icelandic and Timor Ponies, Morgans and Shetlands, Andalucian and Lusitano, and the Cutting Horse. Brand New Chapters: The new sections on horse management, training, and equipment explain the basics of the proper care of the horse. Information is also included on farriers, feeding, grooming, horse behavior, training techniques, and which equipment to use, including saddles, bridles, and bits. Truly encyclopedic in scope, this is the essential reference for every horse lover.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book, Lots of great information.......2006-08-16

This book has answered many of my questions I have had about horses. I even learned information I never thought to ask about.
I love it.

THE BEST!!.......2006-06-28

I love this book! It has so much info! It tells about lots of breeds, and they're all mixed through the book. I'm glad that it tells about my favorite breeds as well as others that I've never heard of, or I don't know a lot about. This book has over 400 pages, but it dosen't cover horse care. My local librery bought it for $40, but I don't know how much it costs here (Amazon). Get this awesome book, it covers so much, including the Spanish riding school and a horse called Coogenhogan. This book is high on my wishlist, and it's a wonderful book. I would like to know about the revisesd edition, if there is one. Buy this book, no matter how much it costs!!!!

Torin's Book Review.......2005-12-20

The New Horse Encyclopedia
The New Horse Encyclopedia is your average encyclopedia. With facts diagrams, photos and all that jazz. You can find anything in there that you need to know. I'm not saying it's fun to read but it is easy to understand and it is quick and decisive in telling you stuff you need or want to know about horses. If you don't mind reading facts and if you don't know much about horses than this is the book for you. If you don't like reading facts than don't pick up this book.

The best horse book! .......2004-08-04

I am very new in horses. Living in a small city my whole life, I never had the opportunity to own a horse, or even be around them much. But I have always loved them, and know that someday I will have one when I live in an appropriate area. So I want to take my time from now until then to do as much research as I can on horses so I am prepared.
Going to book stores, I do not have much luck finding books that are informative. Most of them focus on one small category of horse ownership or history, os just focus on photos.
So I came online and looked through all the horse books on Amazon and read reviews. This book got great reviews and multiple times refered to as the best horse book that exists. So I figured I'd take a chance and order it!
I was not disappointed! This book covers EVERYTHING! It has a 2 page spread dedicated to each breed and includes their history, size comparison to humans, temperament, etc. with beautiful photos of each breed.
It also has so much general information on horses including evolution, veterinary care, grooming, showing, etc.
If you are looking for one big horse book that covers all topics and breeds, I very highly recommend you go with this one!

Very Well Done.......2003-06-24

This is a fabulous work. The book is large every page is like 2 pages of a regular size book. Great photos on all of the major breeds. The history section in the front is very informative. I read it cover to cover over time and this is the book I refer to when I want to show a breed to a friend.

Average customer rating:

No good deer books
Informative book
A M A Z I N G

The Encyclopedia of Deer
Leonard Lee Rue III
Manufacturer: Voyageur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0896585905

Book Description

This comprehensive new reference work provides a unique source of information about all 45 of the worlds deer species, covering everything from the ubiquitous North American whitetail to the hairy-fronted muntjac of east China. "The Encyclopedia of Deer" thoroughly covers each species physical characteristics, behavior, range, and population (many species are rare and/or endangered), and its relationship to humans in the areas in which it lives. The text is complemented by Rues amazing photographs, which capture deer in every season and activity. Dr. Leonard Lee Rue III, the most published wildlife photographer in North America, has spent much of his life studying, photographing, and living with wildlife in its natural habitat. This lifelong dedication and knowledge is sure to make "The Encyclopedia of Deer" a valuable reference work for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

No good deer books.......2007-02-09

There are nice pictures and nice tidbits of info about deer but generally there are no good, unbiased deer books that exist. Most books are loaded with jargon about hunting and "management" practices. Sadly, I have yet to find a good deer book with unbiased educated information about deer. I wish the book had more pictures for each type of deer and more specific info about the animals. Many deer books just talk about deer and people, something I don`t care about. If I wanted to read a hunting magazine I`d buy one for my bathroom reading.

Informative book.......2006-11-19

Good book about deer around the U.S., along with moose and reindeer. Includes info about deer habitat and breeding, etc. Better price buying through Amazon.com than Barnes and Noble.

A M A Z I N G.......2005-04-22

THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK EVER! ITS GOT REALLY GREAT PICRURES AND NICE LITTLE TID BITS OF INFO ON TONS OF DEERS! REALLY GREAT FOR ARTS AND CRAFT INSPERATIONS! I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.

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Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animals

Manufacturer: Book Sales
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785819584

The SIMON & SCHUSTER ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ANIMALS: A VISUAL WHO'S WHO OF THE WORLD'S CREATURES

Average customer rating:

Amazing
A book to teach children to respect animals.
good, but lacked regional information
Excellent coverage, but taxa biased
The advertisement should make clear geographic coverage.

The SIMON & SCHUSTER ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ANIMALS: A VISUAL WHO'S WHO OF THE WORLD'S CREATURES
Philip Whitfield
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife

ASIN: 0684852373

Amazon.com

Dr. Philip Whitfield, lecturer in Zoology at King's College, London, has compiled this weighty, authoritative, and beautiful volume about the five classes of vertebrates: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. An overview of each class serves as an introduction to its members and includes descriptions of the class's distinguishing features, history, and major families, plus cladograms showing the possible phylogenic relationships within the class. Because most readers are more comfortable with the traditional classifications of kingdom, phylum, order, etc., within the chapters themselves the families are arranged in accordance with that system. The section on each family, in turn, begins with a brief overview of the family, followed by representative examples of family members. Each included species is then described separately. The entry includes a full-color painting of the animal, the animal's common and scientific name, its size, breeding patterns, feeding habits, geographic range, and more. Relevant controversies of classification are also mentioned; for example, Whitfield notes that zoologists have recently decided to move the Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares, and pikas) out of the rodent order and grant them status as an order unto themselves. If you haven't been keeping track of who is related to whom, a detailed index with both common and scientific names alphabetized together can help you find the animals you seek. With its more than 2,000 beautiful illustrations and informative text on everything from Aardvark to Zosterops japonicus (a.k.a. the Japanese White-eye, a small green bird), The Encyclopedia of Animals is an excellent reference tool--and a browser's delight. --C.B. Delaney

Book Description

Authoritative and beautiful, written by expert zoologists and illustrated with nearly two thousand original full-color paintings by the world's finest wildlife artists, The Simon & Schuster Encyclopedia of Animals is one of the most extraordinary references ever published. No other guide to the animal world combines such comprehensiveness, consistency of style, and elegance.

This catalogue of the animal world depicts species in detail -- mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish -- illustrating each in color, a stunning guide to the staggering diversity of vertebrate animals. Organized by the taxonomic categories of order, family, genus, and species, the text gives an overview of the characteristics shared by animals within each family. When a family's members are similar, the most typical and most interesting are depicted, with more species included for every dramatic visual variation. Each illustrated animal is described in detail, and every entry includes information on size, breeding patterns, feeding habits, intriguing adaptations and behaviors, common and scientific names, conservation status, geographic range, and habitat.

Written by leading scientists in each field, and incorporating innovative graphics -- cladograms -- in to illustrate the evolution and diversity of each class in the animal kingdom, this remarkable book is an essential reference for every home.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2001-02-09

I love this book. I adore all animals, and I've wanted an encyclopedia of them for a long time. I finally bought this one, and I love it! The drawing are beautifull, and the information is very helpful. It has all the old favorites, like lions, zeberas,ducks, bullfrogs, etc., but it also has obscure animals, like piped currawongs, malleefowl, bandy-bandys, and cane rats. You can learn so much from this book. You can use it as a reference, or just read it straight through . Everyone who loves the animal kingdom should have this book.

A book to teach children to respect animals........2000-07-15

Have you ever seen an "okapi," a "serow," or a "hutia" ? Neither had I. This is a book for everyone. Children will be fascinated and adults enlightened. It is a heavy book you would not want to carry home from the library. I recommend you purchase your own copy. Once you see how beautiful this book is, you will also want to recommend it to your school librarian as a reference book. There is a classification section and a complete index which one would expect from such an encyclopedic work.

I was shocked to read in the foreword that within the next 80-100 years, many of the beautiful creatures described in this book would become extinct. This is definitely a book for all those who value our fascinating planet.

If you love animals, this is your ultimate guide to learning more. With over 2,000 illustrations of mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and amphibians, this is truly an incredible visual catalogue of who is who in the animal kingdom.

Each illustrated animal is described in detail. The feeding habits, behaviors, geographic range and habitat is also included. The publishing company also employed some of the world's finest wildlife artists to beautifully create each picture.

good, but lacked regional information.......1999-11-28

This book was good for a 'getting to know you' on certain types of animals, however, it lacked many specific regional animals and it didn't clearly state where the animals were located. This is definately a reference and not for someone looking to figure out what's lurking in their backyard.

Excellent coverage, but taxa biased.......1999-06-27

This book is monumental and for the price it is certainly a steal. Classification is current and coverage is amazing. As I mentioned, there certainly is a taxonomical bias in this book. The fish class is by far the largest vertebrate class; however, many more pages are spent on mammals and birds which when combined still have less species than the fish class. This is acceptable, considering many more people are interested in birds and mammals. However, this means that the coverage of the fish class is not as taxonomically specific. As such, most of the coverage of the fish class is only down to order, not family or subfamily as it sometimes is in the bird and mammal sections. Coverage of all the fish families would entail much more work and there is already an entire book (Fishes of the World by Joseph S. Nelson $125) written on this (but much poorer illustrations, just line drawings).

Overall an excellent book! It is a good starting book for the aspiring zoologist. After reading/looking at this book one will be interested in why there are so many different species out there, how they are different, and what path led to them becoming as they now are. After this book I would recommend additional books in Mammalogy (Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology; by George Feldhamer), Ornithology (Ornithology; by Frank B. Gill), Herpetology (Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles; by George Zug), and Ichthyology (Biology of Fishes, Carl E. Bond). After these books one can always expand to the invertebrates (especially the insects) and even switch kingdoms to plant, fungi...

The advertisement should make clear geographic coverage........1998-11-11

Down in the South Hemisphere, we have a completely different fauna. Let alone Australia, which besides South has a fauna of its own. This book should specify, it is written only for Europe and North America? Are the South american and Australian animals included?

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