Book Description
This newly designed field guides features detailed descriptions of 595 species and subspecies. The 656 full-color illustrations and 384 drawings show key details for accurate identification.More than 100 color photographs and 333 color photographs and 333 color distribution maps accompany the species descriptions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great guide
I have had this book for several years and absolutly love it. Not only is it nicely informative, it holds up well in the feild. I can not begin to count the number of times I have slipped (I generally keep it tucked in my waist band) in creeks on outings. After years of abuse, my cover is a worn, spine wrinkled and paged stained, but it's still solidly bound.

Excellent reference!
The book is great.Wonderful range maps, nice pictures, generally good ID characters.Could use some more info on larval amphibian identification though.

Excellent resource
We live on a lake and frequently refer to this book to identify our water and woodland snakes.This book is very user friendly.

FANTASTIC!
This is a wonderful seller. My guide arrived very promptly and in great condition!! Terrific buy!

Useful... not so user friendly
National Audubon's original field guide, and perhaps the most recent one, is much better organized and easier to use in the field. ... Read more

Book Description
This third edition covers all the species of reptiles and amphibians found in western North America. More than 650 full-color paintings and photographs show key details for making accurate identifications. Up-to-date color range maps give species' distributions. Important information on conservation efforts and survival status rounds out the detailed species descriptions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I would like to see it to be able to review it.
I have never received these books.They were due on June 1-5, 07.It is now July 13th.I placed the order the first week in May.This is slo even for Mexico mail.However, I know the Peterson series and they are usually excellent.

I love this
I love this book because I have the National Audubon Society First Field Guide for reptiles and I would often run in to reptile that the I couldn't Identify. I knew that I needed a bigger better book. So I bought the western and eastern Peterson Field guide for reptiles and amphibians and it had a lot more reptiles and it had amphibians which I never had a book that had information about them before, it has a lot more reptiles and it's shows you were they are each located. It give you a detailed description of each animal and a detailed drawing of each animal. Because of this I have been able to identify reptiles and amphibian that I couldn't before. I don't like that they use drawing of the animals instead of pictures and the drawings just show the heads of the snakes.

must have
great detail & pictures are in color this edition! Maps are in color also! This is helpful when out in the field looking for your "herps". Thanks to Robert Stebbins & all involved in compling all the data needed for the updated guide

A very complete and well illustrated guide
This field guide is very well organized and illustrated.It is quite complete.With over 300 pages of information this is a must for westerners.

Great update to a great field guide
Stebbins does it again.As a biologist who works throughout southern California I find this book indispensable.It is a vast improvement to the last edition (which was very good to begin with) with lots of color photos, many more color plates and the range maps are great too, again with color.It has revised the taxonomy of many species and included a many of the lastest subspecies designations.This book is easy to use from the novice to the advanced and should be in any nature enthusiasts library. ... Read more

Book Description
Why are some frogs able to freeze solid and still survive? How can secretions from amphibians offer scientists clues for treating human ailments? What allows reptiles and amphibians to regenerate their limbs? Reptiles & Amphibians, an exciting new Explore Your World™ handbook, incorporates the Discovery Channel's unique authoritative approach and acclaimed visuals to answer these and other questions in a captivating blend of information and entertainment.

Reptiles & Amphibians features:
¸Background information on evolution, anatomy, physiology, habitats, and life cycles of a range of reptile and amphibian families.
¸A detailed look at how reptiles and amphibians survive-how they eat, move around, defend themselves, and combat temperature extremes.
¸Examinations of metamorphosis, growth and longevity, and vocalization techniques.
¸Practical advice on how to responsibly study reptiles and amphibians in the wild or care for them as pets.
¸An identification guide to more than 160 of the most fascinating herpetological species from around the world, organized by environment.
¸More than 300 full-color photos and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

time for an informational update
As with all the Audubon field guides, the strong enduring points are the quality of the photos; the durable binding and leatherette cover; and the index that is organized and cross-referenced to the photos.

The descriptions are pretty staight forward; but, the summaries are woefully inadequate, even when this book was current. The anatomy, life cycle, and habitats are discussed for each species, albeit vaguely.

In the eventuality that there is an update . . . the details need to be fleshed out more; the range and distribution maps made more concise; and the descriptions of new species discovered plus expanded summations of each species would correct the deficiencies.

This field guide still has its place in the naturalists library, if only for the quality of the photos. For better information, however, you may want to look at the Peterson's guide.

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

The Cloud Reckoner

Reptiles and Amphibians Field Guide
I love these books and can't say anything else than that!

Good For Wilderness Getaways
Though I agree with others a revision is long overdue, and there have been a few new species discovered over the years; namely salamanders. I still find it quite helpful though, in identifying the lizard that just ran across the trail, or for that possible snake sighting. And as bad as my eyes are (Keratoconus), yes the maps could be larger, but I don't find them particularly hard to read. Except for certain species that have very small and restricted ranges. Then finding the little dot can be near impossible. Beautiful photographs. Gives one a better appreciation of these animals; that, along with years of watching the "Crocodile Hunter" God rest his soul.

good for casual use
I have a soft spot for these Audubon guides because the first field guide I ever owned was an Audubon, and it got a lot of use.However, I currently use the Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, and I have found that it is easier to use, and more descriptive than this one.There are two main reasons for this:
1) The Peterson guide has a brief description of each animal on the page facing the image of the animal and points out, sometimes with the aid of small arrows, the most useful identifying characteristics.Like the Audubon guide, it also has a page number you can flip to for more details about the life history etc.
2) The distribution maps in these Audubon guides are fairly small and vague, while the Peterson has a separate section for maps in the back that are much larger and more accurate.Of course it's impossible to say exactly what the range of almost any animal is, but I feel that this Audubon guide definitely has room for improvement.I do enjoy the photography, though; the Peterson uses illustrations, some of which are black and white.

Edition needs refining.
The contemporary edition of the Audubon Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians is decades old. Though it covers many species of snakes, salamanders, newts, etc., it is underrated because of the lack of updating. Some species names are known to be out of date, or invalid. However, even this cannot override the true quality of all the Audubon guides, including this book. Even though a newly revised and updated edition is way overdue, it still presents spectacular photographs of various species. The system is the same, with the description in the back of the book. The Audubon Guide to Weather has been revised and updated over the years and hopefully, this one will be also. ... Read more

Amazon.com
The Reptile Room begins where Lemony Snicket's The Bad Beginning ends... on the road with the three orphaned Baudelaire children as they are whisked away from the evil Count Olaf to face "an unknown fate with some unknown relative." But who is this Dr. Montgomery, their late father's cousin's wife's brother? "Would Dr. Montgomery be a kind person? they wondered. Would he at least be better than Count Olaf? Could he possibly be worse?" He certainly is not worse, and in fact when the Baudelaire children discover that he makes coconut cream cakes, circles the globe looking for snakes to study, and even plans to take them with him on his scientific expedition to Peru, the kids can't believe their luck. And, if you have read the first book in this Series of Unfortunate Events, you won't believe their luck either. Despite the misadventures that befall these interesting, intelligent, resourceful orphans, you can trust that the engaging narrator will make their story--suspenseful and alarming as it is--a true delight. The Wide Window is next, and more are on their way. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson Book Description
Within the pages of this novel, readers will discover one of the books upon which the movie Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is based: The Reptile Room. Like the movie, this book tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children, who despite being pleasant lead unpleasant lives. From the very beginning of this volume, when the children are driving down a bad-smelling road toward a house full of mysterious beasts, continuing on to the last page of this distressing story, disaster lurks at their heels. Unlike the movie, however, this book does not contain moving pictures.

Count Olaf is not only smart, he is also intelligent. A renowned, talented, and handsome actor, he certainly could have his choice of any number of interesting careers, including a herpetologist's assistant, but as the saying goes, "nothing pays like crime." Watch out for the name "Count Olaf" everywhere.

P.S. He is also very good-looking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (319)

Kcs series of unfortunate events - the reptile room
what would you do if you had to live with your uncle with his millions of reptiles and also you were being tracked down by an evil man named count olaf? well that is what exactlly happens in this book to three very unfortunate children named violet, claus, and sunny. Their misrable lives started out when a mystereous fire burned down their house and when they were sent to live with the evil count olaf.
The setting takes place in a smaall town and in Uncle Monty's house and reptile room. Violet is a very smart and clever girl and she loves to invent stuff. Her brother claus is also smart and he loves to read and test out his sister's inventions. the youngest id sunny who likes to chew on thing and says stuff that no one understands so they guess what she's saying.
But now they are in good condition for now cause they were sent to live with thier uncle monty in a place that smelled like horse radish and looked vey dull. Their uncle Monty had a very big house and he seemed like a nice guy to the Bauldilare children because it beat staying with Count olaf and his evil movie group. But there was just one thing that bothered them was that the fact they had to live with a bunch of reptiles as well. but later they dicover that living withUncle Monty was ok and the deadly viper turns out to be the most friendliest of snakes. and that under the protestion on Uncle Monty nothing could go wrong. Until Uncle Monty's " assistant" came into the picture but he didn't fool the Bauldilares so they were well aware of what might happen. but you will have to read the book to find out what will happen next...
the theme is Even though they arent perfect. cause violet, claus,and sunny always thought of Count Olaf and infortunate things that happened to them until they met Uncle Monty. I think that the authors craft is basically trying to make you jump out of your seats and to keep you want to reading and the pacing of this book is very fast throughout the story but it did get kind of slow in the middle then gained pace. i would recommend this book to middle school kids and 4th or 5th graders cause younger kids wouldn't really understand it all that well and it might freak them out!

the mysterious tale of unfourtunate events
This book that I'm reading is called The Reptile Room.This book was written by Lemony Snicket.This book is fantasy because it's not real and it could never happen.The book is the second book of a series of thirteen books.The series is known as "A Series of Unfortunate Events".
This story is about the three Baudeliare children. Their names are Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. Violet was the oldest of the three and she loved to invent things.Klaus was the middle child and he was always reading.Sunny was still a baby and she loved to bite things especially hard things.In this story these three orphans go to live with their uncle who is a herpetologist (someone that studies snakes).Uncle Monty hires a man to help him on his journey to Peru.When this man arrives, the Baudelaire children realize he is not who he says he is.He is Count Olaf, a relative who is trying to steal their fortune.
Count Olaf kills Uncle Monty but luckily the children catch him and tell the banker (who controls their fortune).To find out the rest of the story......read the book.
I really enjoyed the book, so much so that I plan to read the entire series.My sister liked the series so much that she has read each book twice.I enjoyed the book because I like the characters and the fact that I learn more about the characters with every book I read.I also enjoy that the book is suspenseful in that the author holds out what happens until the very end of the book.This book is best suited for 4th, 5th, or 6th graders who enjoy mystery and fantasy, and sometimes unhappy endings.

A creative work of art By AC from North Boulevard
The Reptile Room

The book I am reviewing is the Reptile Room and is by Lemony Snicket. I think this book deserves a five star rating because it has details supporting the story. These books are about three orphans who are trying to escape from evil Count Olaf, who wants their fortune. The children have a lot of miserable things happen to them. In this book Count Olaf disguises himself as a reptile scientist in order to trick the children. If you like this book read the other books 1-13.the series is Series Of Unfortunate Events.

The one with the best guardian perhaps.
I really liked this one and the fact that Uncle Monty was the so into snakes and such is a great idea because kids are either fond/curious about them, or are freaked out. He presents these animals to the kids with childlike wonder and he would probably make us love them too if he wasn't killed off in the end by Olaf and co.You must understand if you haven't read this book, my saying this isn't a spoiler, it's just the way things go with the series, expect the worst and expect Olaf because they are often the same thing.

I feel obligated to answer a number of reviewers who don't seem to understand a layer to these novels.They complain of Lemony Snicket writing a bunch of annoying explanations and definitions in his books that are clearly goofy. If the story is read farther you realize that Lemony is actually character himself and a pen name for Daniel Handler who's written a handful of books that aren't for kids. This is Lemony's account, not Daniel Handler's and he uses this device repeatedly and to great effect, in my opinion. The book also establishes the Olaf disguise, something that will come back in the future.
Realize that the author knows the plot is repetitive and is using it not because he's bereft of ideas, but because theme variations are often more interesting than completely different ideas.

A black comedy for beginning pessimists
The Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, are three children who should never, under any circumstances whatsoever, try to play the lottery.Having narrowly escaped the wicked wiles of their pseudo-relative Count Olaf in the last book, the orphans are sent to live with Dr. Montgomery, their semi-relative who doubles as eccentric scientist.They are taken to Dr. Montgomery's swampy abode which is also his laboratory and specimen storage facility.

That his special interest is reptiles, specifically snakes, should make any keen reader of Lemony Snicket's stories shudder inwardly.The children, still traumatized by the death of their parents at the beginning of "The Bad Beginning" immediately feel kinship with the jolly, infectiously-happy Dr. Montgomery.He takes them on a tour of his massive, rambling mansion, and then invites them to join him on a reptile-hunting safari to South America.Violet, Klaus, and Sunny have difficulty grasping this grand improvement in their lives, and begin to relax once more.Lemony Snicket, however, is just setting them, and his audience, up for bigger disasters.Once it is revealed that Dr. Montgomery's assistant is not who he seems to be, the children's newfound paradise begins to unravel.

Lemony Snicket is a markedly original writer, frequently casting the random aside to his audience.His subject matter is pure dark comedy, framed in the appearance of a children's story.He is skilled indeed in his suggestion of tension, making the reader sense dark events about to occur just after the current page.

Perhaps we should not shield our children from the pitfalls found in real-life:death, deceit, evaporated dreams, and the evils wrought by the bad upon the good (all topics that are explored with evident glee by Snicket).However, I would hazard to suggest that this is not truly appropriate material for a child of nine.Let them have their illusions about life being fair and magical until the age of 12, THEN you may expose your children to this woefully malevolent book series.

Adults without children:read if you like inane and insane quick-witted dialogue and maniacal events.
Adults with children:read with your children if they're at least 12.
Children under 12:wait until your parents are asleep, and then read at night, making sure to stuff a blanket at the foot of the door, so as to prevent your nightlight from being spotted.(P.S.I'm kidding, you should really read it during school.)

Addendum for the audio edition:Tim Curry evokes the true soul of each character in a wonderfully acerbic performance.His barely-restrained, malevolently pleased readings as narrator should be an additional charge itself.He is truly the best choice to perform this book and does not disappoint.The audio version rates 5 stars due to Mr. Curry's performance.Highly recommended.
... Read more

Book Description
Discover the intriguing world of reptiles -- their natural history, habits and lifestyles.

Here is an original and exciting new look at the fascinating world of reptiles. Stunning real-life photographs of snakes, crocodiles, lizards and turtles offer a unique "eyewitness" view of some of the world's most curious living creatures, their intriguing characteristics and unusual behavior. See a snake eating a rat, a lizard in mating display, a crocodile's pantry, a baby snake hatching from its egg, and a turtle defending itself. Learn how crocodiles look after their young, how snakes measure the size of their prey, how lizards store fat in their tails, and how chameleons swivel their eyes. Discover how baby reptiles are independent from birth, how snakes are charmed, how geckos walk upside down, how crocodiles swallow stones so they sink under water, how a snake is milked of its venom, and much, much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Reptiles Alive!
Dorling Kindersley does it again.Their "Eyewitness: Reptile" book is full of beautiful photographs and fascinating facts.This book, as with the others in the DK "Eyewitness" series, can be enjoyed as casual reading by readers of all ages, as well as used as a helpful resource book.

Great deal!
this book was a great deal, in really good condition, and my son loves it! Thanks!

This won't be our last Eyewitness book!
This gift from my mother in law for my son sat unused on the shelf for about 2 years before he discovered it at the age of 6.Now suddenly it's the favorite "toy"; dragged to school, on short car trips across town and kept close during every spare moment at home.He knows instantly how to find his favorite spreads on the alligator snapping turtle and the crocodile skulls - invaluable for impressing his friends, teachers and complete strangers.This book inspired a very keen interest, to say the least!

Yes, the Eyewitness series is *technically* for an older reading level but they still makegood picture books for younger kids because the pictures are visually stimulatingand graphically laid-out on a plain white background (non-distracting). The information is also broken up into small groups of text next to specific photos or illustrations, arranged interestingly around the page.When a picture sparks his interest I can read about that item to my son and leave out other items until he's ready to explore further.In this way, our one-spread-per-night "story" time stays fun for his young mind without being overwhelming.

Just for example, the spread on Turtles and Tortoises starts with a technical definition in the main body, then the "tidbits" of info spread around the rest of the space give interesting anecdotes about their shells, common and uncommon species, turtle mythology, the largest turtle on record and Lonesome George, the last giant Galapagos island tortoise.Just enough educational material upon which to start research for a school paper, but not so much that it becomes discouraging.

What it all comes down to is, this book impressed me so much that I will be ordering several other of the Eyewitness series books as my kids grow, both for their enjoyment and as good reference materials for school.Excellent!
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

Great for toddlers/preschool
My 3 year old son loves these books,and they have really helped get him excited about animals and nature.Now when we go for walks he can name every bug, bird, snake etc. that we see and tell me a little about them.

A very intresting book with every type of reptile.
This is a very good book and is my second favorite Eyewitness book coming after Eyewitness SHARK. This book tells about every reptile: Snakes, Allogators and Crocidiles, Lizards, Turtles and Tuateras.I love this bookbecause it tells you very intresting facts about reptiles. You should buythis book because it is awsome! ... Read more

Book Description
This outstanding clinical reference provides valuable insights into solving clinical dilemmas, formulating diagnoses, developing therapeutic plans, and verifying drug dosages for both reptiles and amphibians. The information is outlined in an easy-to-use format for quick access that is essential for emergency and clinical situations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A fastshipment!
Hi!
I just want to make you now that I'm satisfied because the service. I might buy more products later.

Your friendMarlene.

A must have for serious Keepers and Breeders
Simply put, I am still in awe over the amount of information in this book. This is a MUST have for any reptile Vet, and anyone who is serious about keeping or breeding reptiles.Do not let the cost put you off. The info inside is worth much, much, more than they ask.

Bible on reptile medicine
Very comprehensive, much better than 1st edition.Recommend to anyone seeing reptiles in practice.

Don't wait
It is over a hundred dollars but put it off this is the book. You won't need any others.

Best in the market
Its definitely one of the best books on reptile surgery in the market if you're into real herping ... Read more

Book Description
This is the first guide yet produced to the amphibians and reptiles of New York State, a large and heavily populated state that hosts a surprisingly diverse and interesting community of amphibians and reptiles. This much needed guide to the identification, distribution, natural history and conservation of the amphibians and reptiles of New York State fill a long-empty niche. The book is the first comprehensive presentation of the distributional data gathered for the New York State Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project.With more than 60,000 records compiled from 1990-1999, this extraordinary and up-to-date database provides a rich foundation for the book. This volume provides detailed narratives on the 69 species native to New York State. With a heavy emphasis on conservation biology, the book also includes chapters on threats, legal protections, habitat conservation guidelines, and conservation case studies. Also included are 67 distribution maps and 62 pages of color photographs contributed by more than 30 photographers. As a field guide or a desk reference, The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State is indispensable for anyone interested in the vertebrate animals of the Northeast, as well as students, field researchers and natural resource professionals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fabulous regional and NY herp guide
The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State is a very well written, compact, and excellently illustrated account of the species found in the state. The 6 authors are highly respected herpetologists, which lends a greater credence to the book than is often present in books that summarize species' natural histories.I appreciate the citations throughout the text.The colors in the photos are realistic, the photos are sharp enough, and the captions are extremely informative.I appreciate that several photos are shown for most species, including juvenile or alternate color morphologies.The essays, figures, and tables are interesting and succint.This book could be your primary guide to herps of New England, with the caveat that range maps are shown solely for NY state.

Finally
This Book is long overdue for those of us who had to consult with the online herp atlas everytime we needed to find out if a species had been recorded in a certain county.This book is set up and flows very nicely with excellent pictures and species accounts, habitat descriptions, counties of occurance, and so on.I have been very impressed already with this book and how much easier it will make things when I need New York based data for site evaluations and habitat assessment.This book is very informative and well written and my hats off to the authors for compiling all of the data used and keeping it readible.This book is an invaluable resource and is cheap enough to keep it accessible to everyone.A must have for anyone in NY that is interested in herps, some of the information is also valid for surrounding states. ... Read more

Book Description
Few writers have attempted to explore the natural history of a particular animal by adopting the animal’s own sensibility. But Verlyn Klinkenborg has done just that in Timothy: an insightful and utterly engaging story of the world’s most famous tortoise,whose real life was observed by the eighteenth-century English curate and naturalist Gilbert White. For thirteen years, Timothy lived in White’s garden. Here Klinkenborg gives the tortoise an unforgettable voice and keen powers of observation on both human and natural affairs. Wry and wise, unexpectedly moving and enchanting at every–careful–turn, Timothy surprises and delights. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

From difficult start to fan
I have enjoyed other writings of Klinkenborg - appreciated their direct style with carefully chosen words and well-formed thoughts.As I began Timothy; or, Notes of an Abject Reptile a found the short and often fragmentary sentences slowed my reading.As I progressed I was further slowed by unfamiliar vocabulary - huckaback, shambles, scute, taw ...Then I discovered the glossary in the back which provides a definition when context is insufficient.

As I delved further into the book my complaints turned to admiration.Klingborg's fragmentary sentence structure fits perfectly into the very concrete thought patterns he attributes to Timothy the tortoise.While Timothy may be philosophical at times it is a philosophy of life firmly planted in the natural world not the abstract philosophy of humans.The vocabulary is necessary to embed the story in a particular place and time - a critical aspect of Timothy's world.

Wisely, Klinkenborg does not carry the conceit of narration by a tortoise to the extreme.Timothy reports and/or comments on more that she would have actually been in a position to observe - most notably the travels of her owner's nephew, Gilbert White's observations re: sex and instinct in the "natural kingdom" (which, naturally, excludes humanity).But in these observations, Timothy quietly exposes the foibles of man.

Combining these elements, Klinkenborg creates a story that not only holds your attention but also requires introspection of the reader - what is the reader's (and Timothy's) place in the world?

5 stars plus!
Timothy is a tortoise. She understands and speaks English---albeit in incomplete sentences. She knows some geography. She knows the thoughts, the worries and beliefs of the inhabitants of 18th century Selborne, England. She knows what goes on in their churches and their homes, even though she has presumably never entered any. She knows what takes place in winters, even though she has hibernated through every one.

Never mind!

Suspend your disbelief. Accept that Timothy is omniscient. Enjoy her descriptions and commentary. It reads like poetry, with lots of witty bits and little jabs at the absurdity of humans. It had me laughing out loud at times.

On Easter: " 'The lamb who was slain now liveth again,' he [Mr. Gilbert White] believes. And so he says aloud to his parishioners. Though on this earth, the lamb who is slain is supper."

This book is a rare treat, so read it slowly. There's a glossary in the back to help with the names of local areas, the obsolete and botanical terms.

BTW, The Natural History of Selborne by Gilbert White, which inspired this book, is available to download at Project Gutenberg [...]. A search for "tortoise" points to several letters that mention an unnamed, old Sussex tortoise.

At a Snail's Pace
I plodded at a tortoiselike pace through this tedious, monotonous work of fiction that sluggishly shares the assumed thoughts of a snobbish tortoise. Yes, yes. I get it. Klinkenborg deliberately paced his novel to evoke the slow-creeping crawl of Timothy, but, like this book, a dozing tortoise seldom holds my interest.

The Observer observed
In Timothy, Verlyn Klinkenborg gives voice to a tortoise. The real Timothy was a Mediterranean tortoise who found herself transported to England, where she was kept and observed by the late eighteenth-century curate and "pioneering naturalist," Gilbert White. But step by step and sentence by sentence, it is Timothy who explores the mind of her observer and assembles for us a portrait of Selborne village, Gilbert White, and her own views (or are they Klinkenborg's?) on life, adaptability, and nature. Timothy is a beautiful and deceptively nuanced book.

Unique and unforgettable!
I picked up this book because I'd read a review that compared it to GILEAD, one of my favorite novels of the past 10 years.While the stories are wildly different, the comparison is a good one.Both novels are meant to be read slowly, and will evoke deep emotions about life and humanity.

Timothy the tortoise is about as unlikely a narrator as there is.Snatched from his Mediterranean birthplace, he winds up in the garden of Rev. Gilbert White, whose meticulous diaries about his 18th century parish still exist today.Timothy's reflections on the humans around him and on the cycles of life in the village are informed by his slowness, of course, and by his extraordinary longevity (tortoises often live 80 years or more, significantly longer than the humans of White's day).The novel's appreciation of the intricacies of nature, the beauty of the seasons and the value of slowness are meant to be savored, and his reflections on humans and their follies come as sly and often moving little revelations scattered throughout the novel.

There's something to appreciate on every page of this short and lyrically written novel.I enjoyed it while sitting in my garden, like Timothy.It's one of the most memorable and unusual novels I've ever read.You won't be disappointed by taking a chance on this one.



... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (10)

First-class Field Guide
This is a first-class field guide, with a fully comprehensive coverage of all creatures (including vagrants - even species with only single records) excellently organised, well illustrated and light and handy in size. Thoroughly recommended (the best I have yet found).

Brendan Jackson

This is a superb book!
The computer enhanced illustrations for this book are incredibly clear and easy to identify. We used this in Galapagos and loved it. If it covered some of the plants as well it would be the only guide you'd need.

Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition
An excellent, easy to use book that is well laid out with good illustrations.Ron

This is still the Galápagos guide you want - this 2nd edition is even better than the 1st!
Original review of 1st Edition, November 9, 2005

This is the Galápagos guide you want!

Andy Swash (photographer) and Rob Still (computer design wizard) have conspired to produce the handiest and most authoritative guide to the wildlife of these enchanted islands. They have pioneered the use of computer enhanced photographs, which combine the advantage of a photograph as an accurate record of an individual, with the artists ability to stress those features that are representative of the species. In one pocket-sized, 168 page, full-colour photographic guide you have all you need to identify almost all of the archipelago's wildlife including every living species of bird, mammal and reptile.

And since WILDGuides are a non-profit organisation which supports conservation throughout the world, you are helping ensure that the wildlife you enjoy today will still be there for others to enjoy tomorrow. Check out their other titles, all of which share the enhanced photography approach.

The prefect guide for the curious visitor and expert alike. Look no further!

----------------

Comments on 2nd Edition, September 5, 2006

This second edition (white cover) differs from the first (blue cover - see review above) as follows:-

* it includes new species for the islands, such as Green Heron and Grey-headed Gull
* all range maps have been revised and updated
* the cetaceans section has been completely revamped
* a new section on "electronic media" is provided
* the species checklist has been brought right up-to-date

The guide remains the top recommendation for wildlife observation on the islands and WILDGuides are still a non-profit organisation with an impressive record of donations to conservation.

One of the best books we bought for our trip
We bought this book as one of 5 guides to the Galapagos which we took with us on our trip in Oct 05. It was really excellent, so good in fact, that our wonderful naturalist guide asked if we could send him a copy. I just gave him ours and now I have to order it again for us!It's organized by type of animal and bird, which makes it easier for novices to experienced wildlife observers alike to identify animals and birds. It has a nice sturdy format also, which is good for taking along onto the islands.

I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Book Description
Nagging, snide comments, passive-aggressive tendencies, running away, childish insults; sometimes even the most loving couples can revert to their primitive nature. Don Ferguson, a psychologist and relationship therapist, has discovered that no matter how evolved we think we are, our reptilian brain is still primed for instantaneous reactions and fight-or-flight. This syndrome can rule relationships and in the end destroy them. Through the latest neurological research, Ferguson has discovered how to manage our primitive reactions with thoughtful, “new brain” interventions. Written in a highly entertaining and readable way, Reptiles in Love has an answer for helping couples to stop attacking each other and transform their dysfunctional, prehistoric relationship into a more evolved and loving partnership.   

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Customer Reviews (4)

Important book
I really appreciate this author for his deep knowledge of human interactions, and capacity to frame things in a way that the reader can relate to.While the book uses humor (occasionally corny), the real meat of it is the way that it asks the reader to put thoughfullness over instinct. "Reptiles" finds a way to keep couples "in the game."I heard the author give a talk a few months after the book was published; he is a really smart guy and made a lot of sense. Worth reading!

An absolute must read
Disguised as a humorous discussion about bonded couples, Dr. Don Ferguson's Reptiles in Love is a bible of information to build happy, healthy, more loving relationships.What makes lasting couples different from pairs that split? How can couples that seem to have "fallen out" of love bring joy back into their marriage?With years of experience and research in the field of marital and couples therapy Dr. Ferguson gives us instructions.An absolute must-read for anyone who has broken up despite mutual love because of destructive behavior.

Practical and Fun
Dr. Ferguson has written an excellent book for either therapists or couples. He defines a cause and provides solutions for communication breakdowns in relationships. "Reptiles in Love" is an enjoyable read full of practical techniques and humorous anecdotes.

Reptiles in Love- A very human look at the complexities of intimate relationships
This book is an intelligent, humorous, practical and supremely human guide of how to understand and get the most out of being in an intimate loving relationship.I appreciated the complete lack of psychobabble and the clarity with which complex and confusing interpersonal experiences are explained along with practical suggestions to deepen the joy of relating to those we love most. ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive key for identifying specimens of amphibians and reptiles in the U.S. and Canada--the first since 1983--incorporates the wealth of scientific findings generated by molecular systematics (the study of DNA to determine genetic relationships) and simplifies identification by making geographic origin a leading factor. A dichotomous key (that is, one that gives the user only two choices at each level of morphological scrutiny), it is designed for use in college-level herpetology or vertebrate biology courses. It will be especially useful as an effective tool for teaching the principles of taxonomy and for introducing students to the systematics of amphibians and reptiles. While it can serve to identify specimens in the field, it is intended primarily as a teaching tool for classifying preserved specimens whose geographic origins are known.

The dichotomous keys are supplemented by 257 line illustrations depicting the distinguishing morphological characteristics of salamanders, frogs and toads, turtles, alligators and crocodilians, amphisbaenians (wormlike lizards), lizards, and snakes. The drawings, along with frequent references to the species descriptions, maps, and photographs in the Peterson Field Guide Series, make the key user friendly and increase its appeal to undergraduate and amateur herpetologists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

This is a great overview of herps!!
This book provides an extensive key to amphibians and reptiles in North America. If you are studying herpetology, this book has many diagrams in it that really help with keying out dinstinguishing characteristics. Plus, the book is set up simply in plain English. Other keys that I have used were not as extensive as this one, and they were usually confusing. This key takes away all the ambiguity.

Excellent for serious biologists
This breaks down characters for families very easily.The only draw back to this book is that it doesn't contain common names, but that can always be looked up.I recommend this book to any biologist or herpetologist.It also shows what the basic characters are with pictures.

An excellent dichotomous key for herpetofauna.
This key is a must for anyone that is seriously interested in reptiles or amphibians.For instructors of Herpetology lab this book will prove to be invaluable, the illustrations and current phylogenetic classifications willaid in teaching. ... Read more

Book Description
Find out why boa constrictors swallow their meals whole . . . learn why gila monsters' tails are so fat . . . and meet a lizard that is larger than most people.

As young readers turn the pages of this beautifully-illustrated book, they will find that reptiles aren't really so "yucky." In fact, reptiles are among nature's most exotic and intriguing animals.

Jerry Pallotta's well-researched text and Ralph Masiello's vivid illustrations will enthrall young and not-so-young readers alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Glenn@ Ashely River El.
I thought The Yucky Reptile Book was good because the pictures were creative and colorful. One animal I liked was the leatherback turtle. The turtle had dark colors and was extremely scary when I looked at it. I think Ralph Masiello's books are incredible. Other kids should read these books.

Lana at Ashley River El.
The Book The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book we read in class had creative and colorful illustrations. The pictures looked very realistic and had intersting details.

Megan Patrick @ Ashley River El.
I've just read The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book by: Jerry Pallotta,illustrated by: Ralph Masiello.It has amazing reptiles that I have never knew even existed.Reptiles are my favorite type of animals.I am in 5th grade and I really don't read alphabet books,but this reptile and alphabet book is extraordinary.I like this book.Ralph Masiello is a great illustrator.He draws incredible reptiles in The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book.

Solo Cook at Ashley River El.
I liked The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book because of the illustrations. I think Ralph Masiello is a geinius! Jerry Pallotta and Ralph Masiello make a great team. All of their books are artistic, creative, colorful,have intersting details, and are realistic looking.

MychaelAt AshleyRiver El.
I like a book called the Yucky Reptiles.It has some good illustration from Ralph Masiello. It has some nice colors.It talks about the alphabet. And it names the reptile with the letters ofthe alphabet. ... Read more

Book Description
The most accessible recognition guides. A systematic approach, authoritative text, and clear photographs make the Smithsonian Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians the most comprehensive and easy--to--use pocket guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the world. Packed with over 600 color photographs of more than 400 species, this handbook is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily. Expertly written, each entry combines a precise description with fully annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each species. A comprehensive introduction describes the anatomy, lifecycle, and behavior of the major groups of reptiles and amphibians, while the initial steps of identification are facilitated by a clear visual key. Each entry in the Smithsonian Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians is accompanied by a map showing the geographical distribution of the species while the text and color--coded bands give the internationally accepted scientific name and provide at--a--glance information on size, diet, habitat, reproduction, and population status. A concise glossary explains all technical and scientific terms used in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a useful book
I've the same book but a french one, it is the most useful book a reptiles' lover must have. It is simple to read, to understand. There's a good introduction to reptiles classifications (which is not obvious for begginers), the "identity card" for each animal is well conceived.
A good book to bring for travelling.

One great book.
Like all the books in this series "Reptiles and Amphibians" gives a species by species look at a huge variety of creatures.From Chameleons to Cobras this book has a great selection.There are not many field guides out there with such fantastic and detailed photos so I suggest it for anyone who loves the to some "unlovable" slimy or scaly creatures of our world. ... Read more

Product Description
This circular is a complete revision of Ferner's 1979 Marking Techniques Circular.Techniques covered range from tow clipping, shell notching and paint marking to PIT tagging and Radio Telemetry.This is the only up-to-date marking manual currently available. A must for any herpetologist or field biologist. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Outstanding Book
I would like to say that I am extremely happy with this book.The pictures are huge and are printed on extremely high quality glossy paper.I would recommend this book to everyone that lives in Florida or is considering moving here.

Surprisingly informative, and "fabulous" photos
My kids and I went on a kick of reading reptile books at a difficulty level similar to this one.After a week of going through various titles, I was surprised to learn more about alligators from the short section in this book than I had learned from all the previous stuff we had read together!Ditto for cottonmouths, and other reptiles.

The photographs are superb, and there are enough pictures of each species to give a true feel for what it looks like instead of a single profile view of each.

the perfect resource for your children
we LIVE in central florida and my nature loving kids are constantly bringing home wildlife. the vivid accurate photos in this book allow them to ID their living treasures with confidence. (then they get additional info from the internet). the book is also full of useful info, and conservation topics.

Must have for FL relos
This book was given to me when I relocated to Florida, and I have thanked my benefactor many times over. Living in Florida means living with and respecting the wild critters, who are part of the beauty of this wonderful state. The colorful photos make it easy to identify the animals who slither through my new world and give me valuable information about which ones I should admire from afar.

Just wonderful!
If it's slithering, clawing or hopping around your Florida yard you'll find it in this book.The photographs are very well detailed for easy identification.I also recommend Florida's Fabulous Insects for other creepy crawlies. ... Read more

Product Description

A hidden world of amphibians and reptiles awaits the outdoor adventurer in Georgia's streams, caves, forests, and wetlands. Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia makes accessible a wealth of information about 170 species of frogs, salamanders, crocodilians, lizards, snakes, and turtles. Throughout, the book stresses conservation, documenting declines in individual species as well as losses of local and regional populations.

Book Description

This lightweight and portable guide covers the 150 reptiles and 80 amphibians you are most likely to encounter across the five countries of East Africa--Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Encompassing a wealth of landscapes rare in tropical Africa, from deserts to rain forests to snow-capped mountains, this vast region is home to such famous national parks and game reserves as the Serengeti and the Selous in Tanzania and the Tsavo and the Maro in Kenya. Here you will find a corresponding wealth of secretive yet often unwittingly conspicuous tortoises, lizards, crocodiles, snakes, and frogs. Reptiles and Amphibians of East Africa offers concise and accessible, identification-oriented text, color photographs, and color distribution maps for each species.

Distilled and adapted in part from the highly acclaimed A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by the same authors, this new guide is pocket-size, easy to use, and affordably priced. Reptiles and Amphibians of East Africa is an indispensable resource for any ecotourist, anyone on safari, and even the casual visitor to the region, all of whom will see many of these species without even hunting for them.

Customer Reviews (6)

Essential for anyone seriously interested in reptiles
This is, hands down, the most useful and often-used text in my collection.If you want to know about *any* genus of reptile or amphibian, it's in here somewhere, with sufficient info to at least get a handle on what that group is like.Whenever I run across a name I'm unfamiliar with in a paper, I haul this book out.

That said, it's a bit old, and much of the taxonomy is outdated.However, they also have an index of common and scientific names, so you can find the old name if it's changed.Given that taxonomy changes every time someone sneezes, that's a pretty minor drawback.

Also, it's *HUGE*.Were someone to break into my home, I would have little difficulty blugeoning them to death with this massive tome.It's definitely *not* pocket reading, and you might actually be hard pressed to find bookshelves that can accomodate the size and weight of it.I've had to resort to just keeping it on the floor.

"The Big Red Book", as it's colloquially referred to, is absolutely essential.I've had it since I got my first snake, and my prof, who's been in herpetology for over 30 years, has a copy too.

There's no other word for it but "vital".

Base Texts are Essential, just like this one!!
I actually bought this book many years ago and consider it one of the best investments I have ever made. As a taxonomist and herpetologist for the past 15 years it has been the book I could always rely on for a quick, easy to look up reference for what someone else is talking about.

I read many articles, both scientific and general, many times they are not specifically about species I am immediately familiar with. This book has been my lifesaver. All packaged in one (rather hefty) volume in a way that is easily looked up I can find out exactly what someone else is talking about, see a picture, and get a little bit of information about the species. Its does not contain intimate details of each species, but that is not what it should be used for. It is like a big dictionary, but with pictures and a little extra information. I recommend this book not as one of your major texts but as a comprehensive list that will let you know what you are reading about when you are forced to admit you are outside your general knowledge. It will back up all your other readings.

The Best Reptile Book On the Market
This book is great both for serious and collectors of all ages. It's common name index allows for simple look up and every kind of reptile and amphibian is in it. There are alot of great photos to help id the animal.

Herp Atlas
Probably the most comprehensive atlas of reptiles and amphibians, widely used in pet owners' as well as serious hobbyists' circles. It is arranged alphabetically by scientific name, while the index is arranged by common names. This generously illustrated book (mostly in color) provides generalinformation on snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, foodanimals as well as other terrarium related topics. A must in everyherpetoculturist's library.

Fantastic
This is a very fine book.It includes information on thousands of different herps that proves to be useful when you work at a pet store like I do.Although the info on each species is not very indepth, it does tellyou where the species are from thus allowing you to create a naturalisticterrarium. ... Read more