Longman Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia

Longman Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia

This encyclopedia is not only an important work of reference, but is also a joy to look at and a pleasure to read. No other catalogue of the animal world combines comprehensiveness, consistency of style and beauty to this degree.

The secret is authority and simplicity. The authority comes firstly in the choice of creatures. Pragmatic views were taken. 'Let us be sure,' the consultant editors said, 'since it is impossible to contemplate illustrating every vertebrate animal, that we shall show at least a close relative of every species a family reader or student or artist could want to know about.' The result is an organization by families, through which distinctions between species, both in appearance and habits, can readily be conveyed. ^Tiere there are dramatic visual variations, every species may be illustrated; where a family's members are similar, only the most typical and most interesting may appear, although there is textual reference to their close associates.

The simplicity derives from a refreshingly clear design: nearly 2,000 creatures have been painted separately and individually, in full colour, by renowned wildlife artists; each portrait is accompanied, on the same page opening, by a textual biography-scientific name, common name, size, habitat, conservation status and features of the animal's lifestyle, breeding habits and physiology.

This essential and unparalleled source of visual and factual reference is an indispensable book for everyone who cares about animal encyclopedia.

Parent Council Reviews

This animal encyclopedia indispensable reference for youngsters is well worth every penny and then some! True to DK's customary appealing format, this encyclopedia is bursting with revealing animal photographs and chock-full of interesting facts. Fully cross-referenced to guide readers to related entries and topics, this book also features an extensive index and an accessible glossary. An absolute treasure! 2000, DK Publishing, $29.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: S. Kleven SOURCE: Parent Council Volume 8

Dust jacket is very tatty but actual animal encyclopedia book and pages are perfect.

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