General editor Chris Mattison has an honors degree in zoology from the University of Sheffield and specializes in the natural history of reptiles and amphibians. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and a member of several herpetological societies. He has traveled worldwide to study and photograph reptiles and amphibians in the wild. He lectures widely to audiences in Europe and North America and has authored magazine articles and more than 20 books on the subject.
"This timely third edition combines the latest advances with
traditional knowledge. The large format is necessitated by the
wonderful photographs and drawings that highlight each page.
Mattison, a photographer and naturalist with numerous
accomplishments in the field, explains why reptiles and amphibians,
separate classes of animals, are grouped together in the science of
herpetology (meaning "to creep," derived from the Greek). This book
is truly encyclopedic in coverage; in fact, it is hard to find a
facet not included. The "Special Features" sections in which
contributors discuss their research--canary in the coal mine
analogy, venomous snakebite, sex-free reproduction, etc.--are
fascinating. Hopefully, this volume will engender a better, more
positive appreciation of these oft-misunderstood or feared fellow
inhabitants of the planet. Highly recommended. All library
collections."--D. M. McKinstry "Choice" (5/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] A great classroom reference ... will
wind up on a teacher's wish list because it is attractive and
scientific.--Rachel Forman "Science Teacher" (5/1/2003 12:00:00
AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] A helpful feature in this book is the
use of excellent sidebars ... photographs (all in color) are simply
excellent ... highly recommended.--Johnson Thane "Library News for
Zoos and Aquariums" (1/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] A striking abundance of information
at a glance ... strongly recommended for high-school, public and
academic libraries.-- "Booklist" (4/15/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] A superbly attractive, authoritative,
and highly informative sourcebook on amphibians and reptiles...
Discussions throughout are supported by superb color photographs
and vividly rendered artwork. Technical terminology is minimal and
the text can be easily comprehended by anyone with a high school
education.--Edmund Keiser Jr. "American Reference Books Annual,
Volume 35" (1/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] Clearly written and wonderfully
illustrated... a highly readable and thoroughly fascinating
introduction to the biology, diversity, and conservation of
amphibians and reptiles.--David Seburn "Canadian Field Naturalist"
(12/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] Dramatically photographed and with a
surprisingly informative text.-- "The Globe and Mail" (11/23/2002
12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] Extremely useful both in terms of its
relative completeness and its up-to-date facts... this volume
should be in the library of any nature lover...--Neil B. Ford and
David F. Ford "Quarterly Review of Biology" (12/1/2003 12:00:00
AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] I strongly recommend [this book
for]... anyone seriously interested in amphibians and reptiles. It
is a fine reference source and its visual images are aesthetic
delights that will be returned to many times.--Jay M. Savage
"Herpetological Review" (2/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] Illustrations are generous and of
excellent quality... extremely detailed presentation.--Gillian
Richardson "Canadian Materials" (1/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] Most highly recommended, this book
provides a wealth of information to anyone interested in, or just
vaguely curious about, amphibians and reptiles.--Michal Kubik
"Wildlife Activist" (4/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] These beautifully illustrated
encyclopedias not only detail individual species, but also provide
a wealth of information about how these creatures interact with one
another and people.-- "Science News" (11/23/2002 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of earlier edition: ] Topical arrangement and captivating
photos assure that a quick look-up will take longer than expected
... this book is plenty fine.--T.R. Faust "Choice" (1/1/2003
12:00:00 AM)
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