Introduction to Horned Lizards of North America [Vinyl Bound]

Wade C. Sherbrooke (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0520228278 | ISBN-13: 978-0520228276 | Publication Date: May 8, 2003

* Features detailed species accounts; gives information on horned lizard biology, ecology, and evolution; and describes the role of these fascinating reptiles in mythology, culture, and art
* Covers the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and includes all species of horned lizards

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Horned 'toads' have long inspired curious humans, from ancient Indian rock artists and the earliest Spanish explorers to modern scientists. These lizards specialize on ants for food, employ distinctive defensive tactics for different enemies, arch their bodies to collect rainwater, and exhibit numerous other adaptations to arid environments. Wade Sherbrooke's wonderful book, packed with facts and personal insights, will give everyone from lay naturalists to seasoned field biologists a new appreciation for these magically bizarre animals."--Harry W. Greene, author of Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature

"Written in language understandable by anyone, Sherbrooke's newly revised little book on horned lizards is an exceedingly useful reference that covers most of what is known about these interesting and unusual lizards."--Eric R. Pianka, author of The Lizard Man Speaks

"Wade Sherbrooke has provided in this very readable book a concise introduction to the evolution and natural history of the horned lizards, their impact on human art, and their future in an increasingly human-dominated planet. No one has more first-hand knowledge of the life history of horned lizards than Dr. Sherbrooke, so this book represents more than a summary; Sherbrooke provides insight into the life and times of horned lizards as no one else could. Amateur and professional alike will find much to enjoy about this book."--Darrel Frost, American Museum of Natural History

Praise for the first edition:

"[This is] the horned lizard bible deluxe."--Coevolution

From the Back Cover

"Horned 'toads' have long inspired curious humans, from ancient Indian rock artists and the earliest Spanish explorers to modern scientists. These lizards specialize on ants for food, employ distinctive defensive tactics for different enemies, arch their bodies to collect rainwater, and exhibit numerous other adaptations to arid environments. Wade Sherbrooke's wonderful book, packed with facts and personal insights, will given everyone from lay naturalists to seasoned field biologists a new appreciation for these magically bizarre animals."-Harry W. Greene, author of Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature "Written in language understandable by anyone, Sherbrooke's newly revised little book on horned lizards is an exceedingly useful reference that covers most of what is known about these interesting and unusual lizards."-Eric R. Pianka, author of The Lizard Man Speaks "Wade Sherbrooke has provided in this very readable book a concise introduction to the evolution and natural history of the horned lizards, their impact on human art, and their future in an increasingly human-dominated planet. No one has more first-hand knowledge of the life history of horned lizards than Dr. Sherbrooke, so this book represents more than a summary; Sherbrooke provides insight into the life and times of horned lizards as no one else could. Amateur and professional alike will find much to enjoy about this book."-Darrel Frost, American Museum of Natural History Praise for the first edition: "[This is] the horned lizard bible deluxe."-Coevolution

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Vinyl Bound: 191 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (May 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520228278
• ISBN-13: 978-0520228276
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,143,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful, Complete Guide To Phrynosoma, February 14, 2004

By 

Bugs "Patrick" (Los Angeles, Ca.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Introduction to Horned Lizards of North America (Vinyl Bound)

This book is one of the finest guides to nature I have ever seen. The distribution and life cycles of all the species of Horned Lizards in North America, Mexico and Australia are simply, but amply explained along with oustanding photos. Origins, distribution maps, habits, habitats, ecology, etc. are thoroughly discussed in an easy to understand language suitable for all ages and education backgrounds- from hobbiest to scientist.

A short history of American Indian relations to Phrynosoma is discussed along with photos of their art work depicting horned lizards.

The book format is a sturdy pocket sized field guide and makes for a good example of how all field guides should be constructed- my hats off to Mr. Sherbrooke for this eloquent, informing book!

On the back cover is praise for this edition from Coevolution which pretty much sums it up: "[This is] the horned lizard bible deluxe". I agree!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but could be improved, March 27, 2009

By 

Wayne (MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Horned Lizards of North America (Vinyl Bound)

If you are interested in horned lizards, this is THE book to have. It has excellent species descriptions and very easy to use identification keys for all North American species, background on recent taxonomic revisions and evolution of the group, and excellent description/detail on most aspects of horned lizard biology and ecology. My only complaints about the book may be unique to me; these things may not bother most readers but they bothered me. I would call them distractions, annoyances rather than major flaws.

Except for the final section, I did not find the author to be eloquent. I would use the adjective "adequate". He frequently uses awkward and redundant phrasings. This didnt bother me at first but when it happened over and over it did. For example, in speaking of predation on lizards he mentions that the they will run off then stop and blend in to the background, and the predator has to try and "relocate the lizard again".
That is redundant. He speaks of "behavioral acts" rather than behaviors, which would work just as well, and in speaking about eyesight he refers to "visual images" rather than images. These are only 3 of many such examples. He also uses technical terms then explains them quite succinctly in parentheses, rather than just using the simpler terms or putting technical terms in bold and having a glossary. All of these slow down and needlessly complicate reading of the book. I dont want to overstate them, but I really think a good editor could make this good book a much smoother read for the layperson it is primarily intended for. I thought a lot of the photos or their reproduction could have been much better, and one photo purported to be a lizard getting slammed down by a bird doesnt even show the lizard at all.

But these do not change the fact its a good book with much interesting, useful, and necessary information and it is a must have for horned lizard enthusiasts. With better editing and photos it could easily be a 5 star.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth every penny, January 17, 2007

By 

Jerry K. Hatfield "dragonhunter" (Lubbock, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introduction to Horned Lizards of North America (Vinyl Bound)

This book is a one of a kind resource on the Horned Lizards of North America. It covers every interesting aspect of these amazing creatures from almost every angle possible. I don't know why it took me so long to get a copy. It is well written and packaged in a nice size for taking to the field. Anyone interested in North American Horned Lizards cannot not afford to be without this handy resource.