The Birds of the Western Palearctic: 2 Volume Set: Volume 1, Non-Passerines; Volume 2, Passerines [Abridged, Box set] [Hardcover]

D. W. Snow (Editor), C. M. Perrins (Editor), Robert Gillmor (Contributor), Brian Hillcoat (Contributor), C. S. Roselaar (Contributor), Dorothy Vincent (Contributor), D. I. M. Wallace (Contributor), M. G. Wilson (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 1998 | ISBN-10: 019854099X | ISBN-13: 978-0198540991 | Edition: Concise

Here is the distilled essence of the definitive account of the birds of north-west Europe--BWP, as it is generally known to thousands of users. The abridgment has been made by members of the original editorial team under the general supervision of Professor C.M. Perrins of Oxford, who acted as Consultant Editor. Dr. D.W. Snow has condensed the original text with masterly skill, retaining all the essential information in a fraction of the space. The Concise BWP also includes much significant new material. Accounts of more than eighty species have been added and the descriptions of field characters have been revised throughout. The population and distribution sections have been rewritten to take into account new information that has become available since BWP was published. The distribution maps have also been revised and brought up to date. They are now printed in full color for maximum clarity and include hill shading to indicate the relief. More than 230 magnificent new color plates have been specially commissioned for this edition to illustrate newly added species or to replace earlier paintings used in BWP. Where the original paintings have been retained, they are now reproduced using the latest electronic scanning techniques. For greater convenience, all plates now appear in the text. Indexes in seven European languages are included in addition to the indexes of English and scientific names. The Concise BWP is an essential reference book for all who are interested in the birds of Europe, whether at the professional level or as amateurs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`a condensed and revamped version of the greatest ornithological publishing venture of recent times ... looks set to be every bit as well-received as its predecessor' Birdwatch Bookshop

`a brilliantly conceived work, a definitive reference and superb value for money - without doubt a winner' Birdwatch

`It is simply the best book on birds ever published...the illustrations are exquisite. Not only are they of great use to birders, but they also sinply come alive on the page as works of art in their own right' Daily Star

`Today I would recommend this concise version without any hesitation at all. It is a joy to use and still got more information than I am ever likely to need. A triumph' Birdwatching Magazine

`It is simply the best book on birds ever published...the illustrations are exquisite. Not only are they of great use to birders, but they also simply come alive on the page as works of art in their own right' Daily Star

`an old favourite ... reborn in a new guise ... as brilliantly conveived work, a definitive reference and superb value for money - without doubt a winner' Birdwatch

`BWPC looks set to become every bit as invaluable as its predecessor ... in value-for-money terms it is unbeatable ... Buy it, keep it in pride of place on your bookshelf and enjoy it time and again.' Dominic Mitchell, Birdwatch

`BWP has now got an attractive and notable abridged edition which, however, is more than simply a condensation of the nine-volume standard work. A great deal of thought has been put into the full colour illustrations ... the diversity of information that can be seen from the maps has increased considerably ... this is an excellently compiled and handsomely produced book that can without reservation be recommended to the collector of beautiful and prestigious ornithology books. BWPC offers a wonderful, and particularly for the observer very useful, gallery of Western Palearctic birds that can be found nowhere else in comparable space or comprehensiveness with such a richness of individual illustrations.' Der Falke 45, 1998

`those who want to identify west Palearctic birds from descriptions and colour illustrations, to know where they occur, when and where they breed, and their status and population trends, will find their needs amply met in the Concise Edition. The volumes are attractively produced, but more important is the content, which is clearly presented and concise, and information should be readily located thanks to indexes of vernacular names in eight European languages. David Snow and Chris Perrins are to be congratulated on the production of this fine work.' Bulletin of the British Ornithological Council, 1998 118(1)

`excellent two-volume Concise Edition of Birds of the Western Palearctic ... Thanks to a more modern and attractive layout, the new edition is inviting and the text ... is much more readable ... an attractive buy, even for those with the original.' David Tomlinson, New Scientist

About the Author

David Snow was formerly in charge of ornithology at the BM (HN) at Tring. C. M. Perrins is Professor at the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, Oxford University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1830 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Concise edition (February 12, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019854099X
• ISBN-13: 978-0198540991
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.5 x 6.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,238,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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