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Amazon.co.uk Review
DK's astonishingly wonderful Animal--produced in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution and more than 70 expert zoologists--profiles over 2,000 species, from the tiny spider mite to the massive blue whale. To call this book "profusely illustrated" is to seriously under-represent page after page of breathtaking photography capturing the thrumming life with sharp clarity. Even the page borders are covered with collages of animal skins to indicate which class of organisms is represented in that section--every inch of this heavy book is gorgeous.
Besides heft and beauty, Animal has authority. Editors-in-chief David Burnie and Don E. Wilson are top biologists, and they have assembled a crack team of consultants for each section of the book. For instance, Richard Rosenblatt of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography takes charge of the chapter on fish, so all the classification, behaviour and distribution data is up-to-date and full of the kind of detail that comes from years of professional specialisation. In addition to basic size, location and status information, each animal gets a short, one to two-paragraph description, enough to give a feel for the creature:
The blackfin icefish produces a natural "antifreeze", enabling it to survive in the subzero waters of the Antarctic. It lacks red blood cells and hence looks rather pale, but has excellent blood circulation, and a strong heart which weighs as much as that of a small mammal. Its large, toothy mouth led to it being called the crocodile fish by 19th-century whalers.This book is an ideal browsing reference for all experience levels, as well as a delightful addition to the collection of any animal enthusiast or classroom. By necessity, not all species are covered, but as a general source of information down to the genus level, Animal excels. Though a little pricey, this book is extraordinarily beautiful, biologically accurate and packed with furry, feathery, finny, many-legged delights. It is one of the very best science books of 2001. --Therese Littleton --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
What book would you take to a desert island? I have been asked this before, and I remain true to my original choice - it would be Animal. (Virginia McKenna, Actress And Wildlife Campaigner Daily Mail )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is a living example of why the e-book will never entirely take over. It delivers both form and function - to begin with the cover is unusual in that the Zebra depicted actually has a furry coat - a novelty, but it's certainly not a case of form over function. Inside the book it is printed on very high quality paper and beautifully illustrated with just the right level of detailed text for the "average person" covering all the major species and conservation issues in some detail. There is no single author to this book, rather, it is collection of high quality contributions from specialists in particular fields ensuring accuracy and currency of the information. This is a genuine "coffee table book" (but not just a picture book) that you will browse time after time, and, as a result, develop your knowledge of the natural world. I am not surprised that this book was Virginia McKenna's (of Born Free fame) choice of a luxury item on "BBC Desert Island Discs". It also represents superb value for money - the production quality and knowledge captured in this book make it seem alomst underpriced. Recommended.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book for my inquisitive three and six year olds, who have suddenly and thankfully, finally found a love of all things animal! We have been taking them to zoos since they were babies and maybe, with the distraction of the playgrounds and ice cream stalls, have never taken much of an interest in tired and bored looking captive animals.
Thankfully exposure to shows like Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, as well as Barneys Latin America on CBBC (highly recommended too!) have shown him that animals can do a bit more than sitting motionless in an enclosure.
This book, as you can see from the Look Inside preview, has just about every animal from every continent, pictured and with just enough summary information to keep them interested, along with info on their size, habitat and geographical location. There is additional information and larger sections on more widely known animals like Elephants, Bears and Sharks.
For the price, this cannot be beaten, it is nearly 4cm thick and the pages are printed in thick durable paper. In my opinion this book should be regarded as the number one reference guide for animal lovers everywhere.
Thankfully exposure to shows like Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, as well as Barneys Latin America on CBBC (highly recommended too!) have shown him that animals can do a bit more than sitting motionless in an enclosure.
This book, as you can see from the Look Inside preview, has just about every animal from every continent, pictured and with just enough summary information to keep them interested, along with info on their size, habitat and geographical location. There is additional information and larger sections on more widely known animals like Elephants, Bears and Sharks.
For the price, this cannot be beaten, it is nearly 4cm thick and the pages are printed in thick durable paper. In my opinion this book should be regarded as the number one reference guide for animal lovers everywhere.
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This second edition of 'Animal' is a fantastic book that I am really pleased to be the owner of.
I bought it for my children (age 15 and under) who love reading up on different animals, but have spent far more time going through it than them. The first thing to notice is the soft furry front cover - almost feels like you are touching Zebra skin!
The book is well organised into sections as follows:
1. Introduction (Evolution, classification, etc) - 20 pages
2. Habitats (around the world, on land and in water) - 55 pages
3. The Animal Kingdom (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) - 420 pages
4. Invertebrates - 75 pages
5. Glossary and Index - 25 pages
The pages are on nice quality paper, and the content has a good level of depth with stunning photography of animals big and small.
It is a very heavy book so probably not suitable for younger children. I owned the first edition about 6 years ago, which was also brilliant and of similar size, but that was soon vandalised by my little angels. They are older and even more obedient now so, touch wood, this book should last longer.
At under £20 it is a really good investment. You will not find another book like it as a reference on animals.
I bought it for my children (age 15 and under) who love reading up on different animals, but have spent far more time going through it than them. The first thing to notice is the soft furry front cover - almost feels like you are touching Zebra skin!
The book is well organised into sections as follows:
1. Introduction (Evolution, classification, etc) - 20 pages
2. Habitats (around the world, on land and in water) - 55 pages
3. The Animal Kingdom (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) - 420 pages
4. Invertebrates - 75 pages
5. Glossary and Index - 25 pages
The pages are on nice quality paper, and the content has a good level of depth with stunning photography of animals big and small.
It is a very heavy book so probably not suitable for younger children. I owned the first edition about 6 years ago, which was also brilliant and of similar size, but that was soon vandalised by my little angels. They are older and even more obedient now so, touch wood, this book should last longer.
At under £20 it is a really good investment. You will not find another book like it as a reference on animals.
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