Product Description
Thomas Henry Huxley PC, FRS (1825-1895) was an English biologist. He was instrumental in developing scientific education in Britain, and fought against the more extreme versions of religious tradition. He had little schooling, and taught himself almost everything he knew. Remarkably, he became perhaps the finest comparative anatomist of the second half of the nineteenth century. He worked first on invertebrates, clarifying the relationships between groups that were previously little understood. Later, he worked more on vertebrates, especially on the relationship between man and the apes. Another of his important conclusions was that birds evolved from dinosaurs, namely, small carnivorous theropods. This view is widely held today. The tendency has been for this fine anatomical work to be overshadowed by his energetic controversial activity in favour of evolution, and by his extensive public work on scientific education, both of which had significant effect on society in Britain and elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description
Emphasizing the central role of evolution in generating diversity, this best-selling text describes animal life and the fascinating adaptations that enable animals to inhabit so many ecological niches. Featuring high quality illustrations and photographs set within an engaging narrative, Integrated Principles of Zoology is considered the standard by which other texts are measured. With its comprehensive coverage of biological and zoological principles, mechanisms of evolution, diversity, physiology, and ecology, organized into five parts for easy access, this text is suitable for one- or two-semester introductory courses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

students want copies for themselves as a resource!
I am a graduate student teaching Zoology, using a borrowed copy of the book. It has the best general information about various Phyla, and clearest pictures of any resource text I've used. ... Read more

Product Description
Emphasizing the principles of evolution and zoological science, this best-selling text describes the diversity of animal life and the fascinating adaptations that enable animals to inhabit so many ecological niches. Featuring high quality illustrations and photographs and an engaging narrative, "Integrated Principles of Zoology" is considered the standard by which other texts are measured. With its traditional organization and comprehensive coverage, this text is suitable for one- or two-semester introductory courses in zoology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Dont use the Book Depository
This book took more than 16 days to get to my house. AND I was sent a hardback when I ordered a paperback. It got to me so late that I just had to go to my campus bookstore and buy a new one....so now I'm stuck with two. I'll never order from this company again. Unless you're in no hurry, I don't recommend using The Book Depository. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great addition to my book collection
This is an old and rare find.An amusing and educational book for any generation.

From a-BER-ant to zoh-AHL-uh-jist
Mr. Elster explains how he was sensitized from a young age to the careful use and pronunciation of words.His special interest led him to produce this book and a sequel ("Is There a Cow in Moscow?).The core of his efforts is an alphabetical guide to selected words that are commonly mispronounced.Each entry provides the preferred pronunciation.Many entries go far beyond this and provide some explanation of the word's origin and evolution, a discussion of alternative pronunciations, and witty chatter or anecdotes about the particular unit of language.The book is worthwhile on several levels, and yet troubling in several important ways.

First, it provides an eye-opening and entirely useful guide to better speech through better pronunciation.Second, it opens up the world of words in new ways to the uninitiated, including the tug-of-war battles that go on under the surface for control of our language.In addition, the book motivates the reader to pay better attention to how he or she speaks, which has a huge impact on how others perceive us.

How is it troubling?Well, unless you were raised by English teachers or sticklers for accurate speech, you will realize that you have been laying verbal eggs all your life by repeating pronunciation errors you learned first from family and friends and never bothered to check out in the dictionary.You may begin to despair that your errors are so ingrained you'll never get it right.If that were not enough, you'll begin to realize that if you DID clean up your act and say words the "right" way, many people will assume either that you're saying them wrong (so common are the mispronunciations) or else you acting affected.What is a person to do?

Mr. Elster does come to the rescue.He suggests that you do your best and pay attention to the way you say words, but not obsess about it.He realizes that every time we open our mouths and speak a word, we are voting in the great ongoing language referendum.If enough people decide to say a word a particular way, the more popular dictionaries will eventually follow, leaving only the language purists to complain.

So, we have here a book that is fun, useful, thought-provoking, clever, and well-researched.If it ultimately causes you to be more careful and deliberate about how you speak, it will help you speak in a way that reflects well on your obvious intelligence, illustrated by your decision to acquire Mr. Elster's unique book(s).

This book should be standing next to your dictionary on the shelf.
This is a book which, unfortunately, many people don't know about but would do well to have in their collection.Mr. Elster appears to have researched the words covered in the book very well, and he tells the history of many of them.A pattern that quickly becomes evident is how some words are continuously mispronounced for many years, whereby eventually the erroneous pronunciation can become the standard - resulting in dictionaries adopting them over the correct traditional pronunciations.Some people may think this is no big deal, that we can just keep changing our language according to how most people say things, even if they're just plain wrong.To me, there's something really sad about that.This book is so valuable because it captures most of the words that are most often violated, and it makes a point of what's happening.Probably the best example in the book is the word "flaccid".When you read what Elster says about it, you realize how wrong it is to say it any other way than "FLAK-sid".After many years, the incorrect way of saying it became standard, because not enough people give a damn enough to buy a book like this and start caring about how they speak their own language. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Errors have persisted through several editions.
This book has decent pictures for use in a zoology laboratory.However, there are rampant errors, particularly with respect to incorrect labeling.The problem is likely in the formatting, rather than errors on the part of the authors.The names of structures are seemingly correct, but the lines point to the wrong structures in many cases.Most significantly, I personally know professionals who have provided the publisher with detailed accounts of the errors, simply because they are academics who care about student learning.That was two editions ago . . .; nothing has changed. As usual, it is all about money, and I guess it takes money to pay someone to correct problems. Apparently, there is not a problem paying folks to go around universities trying to sell books. Surely I'm preaching to the choir here. Use this book if you must. If you have the time to take your own pictures and label them, that would be better.

Detail Pictures
This manual has amazing detail pictures on every single page. The only objection that i have is that is not a step-by-step manual. It does ilustrates very well the animal and all their organs but it doesn't tells you how to do the same. After all it is just a Photographic Atlas. But a have to say the picture cuality and the detail that you can appreciate are pretty amazing. I actually love it. ... Read more

Product Description
B logging has revolutionised the way we communicate our interests and spread news. This book is a compilation of various articles from the blog, Tetrapod Zoology(currently hosted at www.scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology). As of early 2010,Tet Zoo - as it's affectionately known - is in its fifth year. It's become reasonably popular (it has a daily readership of several thousand) and is now well known internationally. Or, it is, at least, among people interested in zoology and in scientific blogging. Welcome to the world of Tet Zoo: mphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals(the tetrapods), living and fossil. Their evolution, ecology, behaviour and biology. Think killer eagles, dinosaurs, giant caimans, mystery cats and lake monsters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Tetrapod Zoology
I found Tetrapod Zoology in 2006, my senior year of high school. Naish's enthusiasm for the subject that titles his blog was contagious and I soon found myself perusing through my previously dusty childhood collection of ZooBooks with a rekindled fascination of the animal world and have gone so far as to work on a Bachelor's degree in animal biology.

This book represents the first year of Tetrapod Zoology. The 46 chapters are a couple of pages each and individually represent a single blog post. While the text of each chapter is the same as the original 2006 blog, the author has provided updates in the books introduction.

The conversational style of a blog does seem strange to read in the pages of a book, but makes the author seem generally more personable. The book covers a wide breadth of subjects (anything relating to animals descended from a four legged common ancestor appears to be fair game) and should be fascinating for anybody with a love of the natural world.

Obviously most of this material can be viewed online for free, but the sheer volume of material alone justifies the purchase of it in the format of a book. Moreover there is an index for topics found within its pages that make the material more accessible than the online version.
I hope that this is merely the first in a large collection of TetZoo books.
... Read more

Product Description
Principles-oriented introductory zoology text for non-majors or combined majors/non-majors (freshman-sophomore level).An introductory general zoology text that is manageable in size and adaptable to a variety of course formats. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

New edition out soon
The much awaited new edition of this book should be out by the summer of 2007.The old edition's taxonomy has gotten rather dated.This new edition will be a must for serious marine biologists who want to identify California's wonderfully diverse marine invertebrate fauna.

Great information, a must have for the west coast naturalist
Even though the latest edition was published in 1975, Light's manual is still a "must have" for the west coast naturalist.This book contains taxonomic keys and information about the majority of intertidal invertebrate animals that live along the California Coast.

The keyshave supplementary illustrations that help the reader figure out whatanimal is in their bucket, or in the tide pool at their feet.

There areentries that are unavoidably out of date due to the publication date.Thereliability and usefulness of the taxonomic keys and supporting informationin this book, however, still ring true.

A wonderful reference book tothe invertebrates of California.

The only reason I didn't give the book 5stars was that its publication year (1975) is causing its contents to slipout of date.

Anyone up for putting together a new edition? ... Read more

Product Description
Molecular Zoology Advances, Strategies, and Protocols

Edited by Joan D. Ferraris and Stephen R. Palumbi

Contemporary tools of molecular biology continue to open new areas of biological research and to provide important answers to classic problems. Zoological questions of mating strategies, physiological adaptation, genetic exchange between populations, cell lineages during development, and many others are now being powerfully addressed using tools from the molecular arsenal. To provide broad access to these tools requires an authoritative reference that highlights recent advances, lays out future strategies, and provides working protocols to a wide audience of zoological scientists.

Molecular Zoology: Advances, Strategies, and Protocols outlines the core concepts of these critical molecular techniques and provides specific instructions for their use. The book is divided into two main parts: Research Strategies and Protocols. The first section features detailed descriptions of the research approaches that incorporate molecular tools in the study of developmental, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary processes. In addition to charting recent advances, this section shows how to interpret results and describes the advantages and disadvantages of alternative approaches. These chapters function as entry points to molecular zoology for broadly trained zoologists without formal molecular training, graduate students, and molecular biologists in other fields. The second section is a compilation of over 60 protocols which have been developed, tested, and perfected by leading researchers in the field. It provides step-by-step coverage of each protocol, featuring for each a summary of its underlying rationale, a list of necessary reagents and solutions, and a discussion of potential obstacles to a particular technique.

Specific techniques covered in the book include:

• Applications of parametric bootstrapping in molecular phylogenetics
• Microsatellite analysis of genetic mating systems and genetic relatedness
• Use of RAPD-PCR markers in genetic structure and genealogies
• PCR-based cloning across large taxonomic distances
• Cell lineage analysis using retroviral vectors
• Osmoregulatory gene characterization and expression
• Regulatory element identification and transcription factor analysis
• Protocols for in situ hybridization, DNA footprinting, gene knockout, ribonuclease protection assay, and coupled transcription/translation reactions.

Molecular Zoology: Advances, Strategies, and Protocols is an authoritative resource designed to provide both basic and in-depth explanations of molecular investigation procedures for research scientists in all areas of organismal and integrative biology, including zoology, marine biology, and ecology. With its extensive coverage of molecular protocols, graduate students in biology will also find this book to be an indispensable manual for laboratory work. ... Read more

Product Description
How can a high school student find the perfect college for his or her interests, strengths, and personality? College Matchmaker, 2007 Edition is a comprehensive book of college lists designed to help students pinpoint their ideal colleges, and it’s produced by the same experts behind the top-selling Best 361 Colleges.

Surveying thousands of undergraduates to provide a microscopic level of detail, lists include everything from academics and dorms to the best places for hang gliding or studying animal nutrition. By consulting and cross-referencing lists, a student will be able to find that one perfect fit–for example, a liberal arts college with great study abroad opportunities, or a college offering a mythology major and a fantastic lacrosse team. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Lists almost any criteria a college applicant or parent might find important
Nearly three hundred original college lists, all compiled by the staff of The Princeton Review, lists almost any criteria a college applicant or parent might find important, from outstanding academic programs by major to schools with the highest percentages of students receiving financial aid, academic opportunities outside the classroom, and more. Any collection, whether it be high school or public lending library, catering to college-bound patrons needs this.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch ... Read more

Product Description
General Zoology Laboratory Manual is ideal for the laboratory that emphasizes the dissection and microscopic study of live and preserved specimens. Recognized for its accuracy and readability, this manual is comprehensive in its representation of the major groups of animal phyla.This new edition is suitable for a wide range of course needs and structures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Zoology lab book
The Zoology lab manuel I recieved from the seller using Amazon was a great choice. I got it right in time for school to start. I would do business with them again. Great condition!

Overall good item.
The item had some water wear which was not described by the seller, but other than that it was in good condition and delivered very promptly.

general zoology manual
book was in good shape, fast shipping

ILLUSTRATIVE AND DESCRIPTIVE BREAKDOWN OFSPECIMENS
This "General Zoology Laboratory Manual" is a well-structured atlas, whose versatility would be appreciated by both students and teachers. The quality photos and electron micrographs used in this book are attractive.
Its primary target are Zoology undergrads; however, most High School biology tutors would find it irresistible. Its charts and pictures are accompanied by descriptive illustrations, which include accurate breakdown of the specimens' anatomy, morphology, and taxonomy.
This book assembled all those animals with characteristic features of zoological importance. Its scope ran from the lower invertebrates to the more advanced vertebrates. It is a fine practical guide.

Great Buy! Shipping was fast and transaction was smooth as..
Great Buy! Shipping was fast and transaction was smooth as Mr. Clean's noggin. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you are entering business, academia, or atechnical position, all job seekers face the same dilemma: How do youdevelop a powerful resume? From College to Career shows you how toincorporate all your experienceswork, academic, volunteer, andhobbiesinto a cohesive whole that opens doors with potentialemployers. The difference between academic, technical, and businessrsums are explained, and samples for each are provided. Each rsumcomponent is discussed, along with examples of effective content anddesign. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

FromCollege to Career
The book is in great condition and it is outstanding!!! Easy to read and follow. My resume turned out fantastic!!!

Complete resume building
From College to Career by Donald Asher is the most definitive resume book I have ever come across. Using the chapters and the examples you are able to create a resume that is likely to rival those of seasoned professionals. The book provides not only examples of cover letters, resumes, thank you letters, it also provides tips and tricks to getting your foot in the door. If you have to buy one book for resumes or are looking for a book to give you that edge I would highly reccomend From College to Career. ... Read more

Product Description
Laboratory Studies in Integrated Principles of Zoology uses a comprehensive, phylogenetic approach in emphasizing basic biological principles, animal form and function, and evolutionary concepts. This introductory lab manual is ideal for a one- or two-semester course. The new edition expertly combines up-to-date coverage with the clear writing style and dissections guides that have distinguished this manual from edition to edition. Another option is to use Custom Publishing to create a manual based on the exercises that best suit your course needs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Laboratory Studies in Integrated Principles of Zoology
The book was how the seller described the book, fast shipping; all good =) I do recommend

books for college
Book received sooner than promised...in great condition.and i saved BIG bucks over the college bookstore price!!!

Re-Sold for Experts Only....
If you're not skilled in science...I wouldn't even buy this great book!!!This is for the professional students attending college!!!

Laboratory Studies in Integrated Principles of Zoology
I received the product on time and it was in good condition. I am very glad that I made this purchase instead of paying the ridiculous amount at a regular bookstore.

Very good
It was a great deal, the book came in in time and in good conditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Biological Trivia of a High Order
Willy Ley is best known for his writings on rockets and space, but he had an interest in a wide variety of things.In this volume, he writes entertainingly on such diverse items as unicorns, pterodactyls, seaserpents, and even carniverous trees, all fron a popular-scientificperspective.Someone wanting information about clues to the possibleexistence of dinosaurs in a Babylonian wall pictorial, or apparent humanhandprints in sandstone around the time of the dinosaurs, will find allthat and more in this book,

It was published in 1959, and a little of theinformation is dated.But not much. ... Read more

Product Description
This new anatomy and physiology textbook for veterinary-related professions provides accessible, well-written coverage of this complex subject. It begins with basic information, explaining fundamental concepts and principles before moving on to discussions of anatomical structures. Content focuses on small animals, using the dog as the main example, but also includes exotic species as required for pre-veterinary nursing and veterinary medicine courses of study. The clear layout, explanatory illustrations, and In Practice tips throughout the book help readers develop an excellent understanding of the material while demonstrating how specific points relate to everyday clinical scenarios. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
As a busy mom studying to be a veterinary nurse, this book in invaluable. I have referred to it many times and I would recommend it to anyone in the veterinary industry.

Not that great
If I had the choice, I would probably not buy this book again. The pictures and text are great, but the information you need for veterinary school is just not in here. However, this is the INTRODUCTION book and there is another book of the same series that gives supplemental information. Maybe if you buy these two books together then it would be helpful.

As for the anatomy section of this book, it is somewhat helpful and can be useful if you have several books and want a point-of-view from different authors, then yes, get it. Though I must admit, I hardly used this book because some muscle topics are covered while others are not even mentioned!

If you want just a very very brief introduction to anatomy then this is your book, otherwise purchase something that will cover all topics.

Useless for veterinary medicine students
This book, another by Dr. Aspinall, is NOT suitable for those studying veterinary medicine.It is NOT comprehensive, and does NOT cover the subjects you will do to a suitable level even in first year.It may be suitable for the veterinary nursing students but if you are on the veterinary medicine course, do NOT buy this book.

For the Veterinary Technology Student
This is a great book for the veterinary technology student. It is written in easy to understand text and has many diagrams that are well presented and very helpful. Although the majority of the book is devoted to the dog and cat there are also chapters on birds and exotic species. I highly recommend this book, especially for the beginning student. It is a great book for studying on your own or as a classroom aid. ... Read more

Product Description
You don't need this book. Really! However, for some of you, it may be the most useful science supplement you can buy, and that is why we are excited to offer it. How The Young Explorer Series Uses Notebooks The Young Explorer Series is our favorite science program for young scientists, and with good reason. The Charlotte Mason approach provides lots of information in a readable, engaging format. Lessons are designed to be spread over multiple weeks, with significant portions devoted to hands-on experiments and to notebook keeping. Notebook Keeping Explained Notebook keeping is simply a system for assisting your child to document what he has learned in each lesson. With the use of this book or even an ordinary 3-ring binder, your child will write out the highlights of each lesson. If your child doesn't enjoy writing, don't let that discourage either of you. The author of this book encourages you to have your child dictate his thoughts to you or illustrate them. Noteb ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

fast service
if it is as good as the first to Apologia books, I will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
What separates people from apes? How can a Great Dane be related to a Chihuahua? Is there evidence that people and dinosaurs lived at the same time? What should you do if you encounter a bear? How can you tell if a snake is poisonous? Come find out answers to these questions and many, many more with Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 3! This third book in the zoology series takes students on a safari through jungles, deserts, forests, farms, and even their own backyard to explore, examine and enjoy the enchanting creatures God designed to inhabit the terrain. Families will snuggle together and discover the amazing animals from primates to parasites, kangaroos to caimans, and turtles to terrifying T-Rexs- this safari doesn't end there! Students will also keep a record of where each animal is found on a map and learn to identify animal tracks. As with all the Apologia elementary books, students will continue the practice of narration, keeping a notebook of what they have learned, and enjoy many hands on projects and experiments throughout the course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Sixth Day Science Book
It's such a relief to find a science book where your kid loves learning. Each day he looks forward to it, and our one-on-one discussions are just awesome!

Best Science curriculum
The apologia science books are my favorite for home schooling.The elementary series gives the kids an in depth learning experience.The Land animals is the third in the series of biology/zoology.There are two main ways to teach a subject like science.The first way is often within a school setting.It is to give the students a little bit of every aspect of science every year adding to that knowledge year after year.This series uses the second method of delving into a subject deeply and thoroughly.I have chosen science curriculum that use the second method and my children know and love science to a greater degree then most students.

Within the Land animals book this year we will be marking where the animals live on a world map, we will be learning and drawing their tracks we will be doing great science experiments that are easy and use readily available materials.We will also be keeping a science notebook.My kids beg me to do Science everyday.

Nothing but good things to say....!
Mrs. Fulbright has done it again!Yet another fantastic book!As a Registered Nurse (with a love for science!) and a homeschooling mom, I am SO happy to have found these series of science books for my family. I own all 5 elementary text books. They are wonderful tools to teach and stimulate an interest and love for science. I am amazed just how much even my first grader is picking up on topics I would otherwise deem above her.Two big thumbs up! (any plans for an anatomy book?)

a great indication of Fulbright's quality material
We have already completed the other 4 Fulbright books and I think what you are about to read gives a far better review than I might muster. We received our Zoo 3 book yesterday.Let's just say, I didn't get past the bubble b4 dd8 took the book out of the box.Ds6 sat down next to her and they started.She put it down to go to the bathroom ds11 took it and tried to hide in his bed.Ds6 follows.In comes dd8.Ds11 reads aloud.I finally swipe the book to take to an appointment where ds12 reads over my shoulder.I come home ds11 takes the book again and he and ds6 forgo playing outside w. friends to read the book.I check in on ds11 at 9:30, an hour after his bedtime to find him with his reading light, reading the book.This morning, ds6 up first comes to me in bed at 6:30, "Momma, where's the science book?"He takes it from ds11's bed and starts looking.Ds11 (who slept in til 8:30 b/c he stayed up 'til about 10:30 reading said book) wakes up, not good morning mom, but, "Where's the science book? I left it on my bed."I just had to make him put it down so he could carry on with our last day of school (YIPEE!)So right, now ds12, ds6 and dd8 are on the couch, with the book.Dd10 says she'll just wait until they're all finished then she can sit down and enjoy it by herself (smart girl!)
If you're looking for quality that will encourage your children to love learning, this series is a sure bet.The material is well presented, easy and enjoyable to read and fosters a real love of science.I have read through almost all of the book and can't wait to complete the series.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Exploring Creation Series!!!
This author never fails!!! We couldn't wait until this book was available and are planning to use it this upcoming school year! Although I have already completly read the book (I just couldn't wait) and it is AWESOME! My children love this series and we have used them and own them all!They have beautiful pictures, an easy to read text and easy to understand, however the information is not light~ it's extremely informative in a fun to read way! This particular book has a really cool "Map It" activity so it ties in science with geography!! Plus it also contains the really fun experiments that my family loves to do! I just love it and all the books in the Exploring Creation Series! Thank you Jeannie Fulbright!! ... Read more

Product Description
The age of zoological discovery has not passed. Every year, spectacular and exciting new species are being located and classified, adding to our knowledge of the animal kingdom. New whales, deer, snakes, sharks, and birds are just some of the creatures we have learned about in the past decade. Moreover, the seas and forests continue to conceal unsolved mysteries of zoology. Are there undiscovered big cats and unclassified apes hidden in the world's forests? Do large animals of unknown type lurk in deep lakes or in the oceans? The discoveries, rediscoveries, controversies, and mysteries of modern zoology are collected here in "Shadows of Existence", a thoroughly researched and up to date guide to the wonders of nature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Another Powerhouse in the Area of Cryptids & Zoological Discoveries
Like the author's previous 1995 publication "Rumors of Existence," "Shadows of Existence" is just as informative and exciting to read. Anyone with a lifetime fascination of the animal kingdom, and new discoveries of species will enjoy this book. Makes one wonder what creatures are just waiting to be discovered next. Covers every spectrum of the world of zoology, and provides a critique of other books. One disappointment though, the author offers very little hope or belief in the whole Sasquatch/Bigfoot phenomenon, even omitting what I consider one of the top 5 works on the subject from his extensive review section; the John Green classic "Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us."

Mysteries Magazine review
Matt Bille's first volume of cryptozoological lore Rumors of Existence (1995), confined itself to surveys of newly discovered or rediscovered species, and to those creatures that were presumed extinct, despite persistent modern sightings. This sequel, 11 years in the making, is a more ambitious work, as it includes not only new chapters on animals from the foregoing categories, but also separate sections on classic mystery animals (such as Bigfoot, Nessie, and other aquatic monsters) and lesser-known cryptids, such as the puma-sized yarri of Australia.

Bille's straightforward and informative text is enhanced by 40-odd illustrations from artist Bill Rebsamen, rightly dubbed "the John Audubon of cryptozoology." Aside from providing full sources for the entries in his text, Bille also provides a 50-page listing of books and articles he referenced when writing this book.

This book is highly recommended for crypto-beginners and veteran aficionados alike for its comprehensive coverage and accessible style.
Mysteries Magazine

Shadows of Existence: Discoveries and Speculations in Zoology
In 1995 the book Rumors of Existence was published by Hancock House. Within the pages of this book, biological and zoological plethora was presented. Matt Bille, within his "Rumors" book, evaluated new discoveries, supposed extinct and mysteries animals with an even and balanced keel.

While books dealing with mystery animals appear every year. They have a primary focus on one specific animal or "cryptid". The tendency of these books is to be either on, or about, Bigfoot or Lake Monsters (to use the generalized terms), While the presentation of evidence is through eyewitness reviews, video or picture analysis or behavioral or morphological comparisons. While this makes for good reading, and baseline bibliographical or historical background, the core of an investigative method is missed.

What Matt Bille has done on the other hand, is review a larger percentage of mystery animals, but with a context that connects to actual discoveries. We are not talking about proof positive of a "Bigfoot" body, or the dead body of "Nessie". We are looking instead at the presentation of newly discovered species, rediscovered species, and animals unknown to science currently. They intertwine together, demonstrating the complexity of zoological classifications and behavior within the realm of biology, anthropology and associated disciplines.

In Shadows of Existence, Matt Bille has extended the initial concept from his first book, and fleshed it out to a larger degree, a review once more of our mysteries planet, but also a resource and correlation for researchers to continue from. Answers are not provided, supposition is minimized, and the evidentiary items are presented in a fluid and readable manner. Matt has done the foot work, and provided the everyday man the information in a manner that is not condescending or overly simplified manner. A difficult balance of language and information, that in and of itself can be admired as a writer's specific style.

Matt Bille does touch on the classic mystery animals, such as Bigfoot and "Lake Monsters". Any at the close of each section therein, offers a tidbit of thought for the reader:

"Is there anything real for these searchers to find? As so often happens in cryptozoology, the answer may still be, "we don't know."

"It is, in my opinion, very unlikely there is a breeding population of huge apes living unknown to science on the North American continent. I'm not denigrating the witnesses, many of whom are unquestionably sincere. I just feel it's more likely the sincere ones are mistaken than it is that sasquatch exits."

"I genuinely wish to be found wrong in this judgment. I hope sasquatch really is out there somewhere, watching with puzzlement and perhaps even amusement as we humans blunder around looking for him."

While looking at the main-stream "mystery animals" is one inclusion, it is not the primary focus of the book. This is quickly identifiable, as only a small section is attributed to "The Classic Mystery Animals", and it is for this reason Matt Bille's books are more important. His delving into mystery whales, cats, bears, seals and squirrels, to name but a few, demonstrate that the world is not fully established in a zoological manner and that mainstream science still looks and finds animals across the globe.

In few books in the mainstream can one read of unusual sightings by researchers in deep sea submersables like the Deepstar 4000 or Alvin.Prehistoric tree discoveries, like the Wollemia nobilis. Or the chronicling of the mysteries of an as yet described species of beaked whale Mesoplodon Species A.

Yes some of the content is a continuation of Matt Bille's 1995 book Rumors of Existence. But, after a decade Shadows of Existence fleshes out additional information, new discoveries, new resources and a fresh look at the world of zoology and biology.

We need every so often to be reminded that our world is still full of wonder and discovery. We need to be reminded that mystery animals and cryptozoology do not need to be isolated to classic creatures, but encompass the zoological gamut. And, if for no other reason, Matt Bille's book harbors a reminder that even if mystery animals do not exist, there are innumerable discoveries to be made that perhaps could not be done if one does not search.


Craig Heinselman
Editor CRYPTO
Peterborough, NH

Fascinating facts, instead of ficition!
Many books are written about that subject, but this is simply one of the best.
It's well researched, and covers most of the latest finds of new and rediscovered animals in more then 60 chapter's. The fantastic thing about the book is the fact, that you learn, you dont have to dream about animals like Bigfoot or Nessie, the world is still full of other more realistic discoverys, like many large new mammals found in Vietnam/Cambodia for example. The sea still holds large numbers of undiscovered cetaceans, large parts of New Guinea are still unexplored by Naturalists etc.
The book makes a fascinating read and has a very reasonable price.
It also includes some nice color art of animals discovered.
If you have a deeper interest in some of the described animals, at the end of the book, you can find a list with Internet-Sites, about most of the new animals discovered, where you can read more or see the photographs.
Since the publication of the book, allready new discoverys where done, for example by the CI Expedition to the Foya Mountains in New Guinea.
That gives me hope, that another book of Matthew Bille will follow in the future, with more fascinating disoverys.

An outstanding sequel
Matt Bille has surpassed himself in this sequel to Rumors of Existence, adding accessible treatment of some classic cryptids to his coverage of more new and rediscovered animals (those wrongly thought to be extinct). Any reader interested in cryptozoology, whether an armchair "buff" or active field researcher, will find Bille's latest worthwhile. Don't miss it! ... Read more