The Amateur Naturalist: A Practical Guide to the Natural World [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Gerald Durrell (Author), Lee Durrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1982

Now available in paperback, a practical guide to the natural world which offers advice on observing, monitoring, recording, studying and helping to conserve nature. First published in 1982.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hamish Hamilton Ltd; illustrated edition edition (September 30, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0241108411
• ISBN-13: 978-0241108413
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,015,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A marvellous guide for the beginner by the ultimate amateur, April 17, 2000

By 

William "williamnedblake" (Kansas City, MO, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Amateur Naturalist (Paperback)

As readers of 'My Family and Other Animals' will be aware, Gerald Durrell's passion for animals was a constant throughout his life, and his legacy survives in the form of the Jersey Zoo, an institution devoted to the preservation of endangered species. Durrell was also a writer of tremendous charisma and charm, recounting his adventures around the world in a prose that is often unmatched in nature writing.

In 'The Amateur Naturalist', Gerald and wife Lee set out to create the sort of guide for which the much younger Durrell, loose among the wildlife of Corfu, would likely have killed (humanely, though). Broken down by habitats, with coloured illustrations and thoughtful, enjoyable text descriptions, 'The Amateur Naturalist' is a treasure trove for anyone interested in studying the world around them, no matter the part of the world in which they might live. Although you needn't be an actual collector in order to enjoy this book, there is also information on how to begin collecting wild flora and fauna (there is no recommendation, however, on the keeping of snakes in the bath or spiders in matchboxes).

For anyone that knows and loves nature, or would like to know more, this is definitely the book to have.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. Simply beautiful., July 17, 2000

By 

Carrie Laben (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Amateur Naturalist (Hardcover)

In one lavishly illustrated and well-written volume, Gerald Durrell takes readers on a pocket tour of the infinite variety of the creatures that inhabit planet Earth and at the same time provides a brief tutorial on the methods and importance of simple, hands-on biological research. This is a gift of the first rank for any scientifically-inclined child, and great for adults too.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If your a young biologist, this book is perfect!, August 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Amateur Naturalist (Hardcover)

In my teen years, I was very interested in biology and the world around me (from insects to birds to fungi). This book gave me inspiration and a basic knowledge of biological collecting and preservation. I am a graduate student in biology now (studying entomology); part of my success comes from having used this book. Thank you, Durrell!