Customer Reviews

North American Wildlife (revised and updated)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I am a librarian, and my library has the 1982 edition of this book. When I saw there was an "updated edition," I bought it for the library so we could have a current version of the book. Well, the book just arrived, and lo and behold, the "updated edition" is the 2002 *printing* of the *same book*! Don't be fooled; this is the same information they sold you 22 years ago. The only thing new about it is the banner across the front that says "Updated Edition."

OK, this book isn't necessarily something a Phd would use in the field, but for general, all around reference to many species, I can't think of a better guide. In fact, there are many species I could NOT locate in some of my Peterson's Field guides that were included in this book. If you are out and about in nature, this allows you to carry ONE book instead of a stack of them. No cabin or campsite should be without it. The only negatives I could give it are the fact that the insect section and mammal sections are somewhat small, but the wildflower, tree and bird sections are more than enough for the nature hobbyist that isn't working on a degree.

Sad that the updated version is only a re-print... I was hoping for new, expanded info or perhaps some added species, but this still gets 4 stars from me and is a great gift for any nature enthusiast.

Reader's Digest North American Wildlife is an "Illustrated Guide" to plants and animals found from Florida to Alaska. From birds to ferns, frogs to manta rays, seashells to mushrooms it is found in this colorful guide.

This is a book that is intended to be used as you explore nature. I found this book to be very useful and makes the enjoyment of the outdoors a more fulfulled experience. If you see a bird or a plant and want to know the name of it... check this book first and you will most likely find it. This is a treasure trove of information the entire family can use. Fascinating and enjoyable to use over and over again in the years to come, I have found this book to be indispensible.

Fully illustrated, easy to use with identification charts this should be with you on all serious nature walks.

Bought this book years ago from a Reader's Digest offer. Moved to the Northwoods of Wisconsin 6 years ago and have not found a better all around guide to ALL of the flora and fauna I encounter here. I have specific guides to wildflowers, birds etc. but I usually find what I'm looking for in any catagory in this book faster and easier and more frequently than any other. I just bought another copy as a gift for my son & his family who also live Up North.

I just bought my second copy of this book. The first one I bought in 1986, and I left the book outside and it was rained on. I reordered one the next day, because I am always carrying it around with me. The bird section is what I use the most, but I have identified many trees with it, turtles, lizards, and I like to reference the small mammal section to find out about their habits, ie. the raccoon. Since I use the bird pictures the most, they are extremely accurate. I recognized a bird that I had never seen before but I recognized it because I had seen it in this book. The book may not be a field guide, which are normally broken into separate books, but if you want just one good book, then this is it. I can't live without mine. I never use my field guides.

This one volume covers all facets of wildlife from the birds and bees to hard to identify plants,it is a virtual nature library in one volume.Mine is always kept "handy" and bristles with bookmarks for quick referencs.

I received this book as a young child and read it cover to cover over the years. It was an invaluable family resource that was kept in the kitchen and travelled with us. I took the book with me several years ago when I went to college, and my mother missed it so much that she requested a copy also.

It's not as precise as regional field guides on specific types of wildlife, but if you're going to keep one nautre book this is the one to have.

This book contains very clear drawings and descriptions of the most common plants and animals in North America. I especially like the section covering ecosystems in the beginning of the book. All you need to do is find the system you are located in and the most common inhabitants are listed (with page number) on the side. I think this is a great book and would definitely recommend it to a friend.

I used to love looking thru this book when I was little, my mom's copy was so worn out. I love the illustrations of everything and the descriptions. I think it's a great nature book.

My parents gave me a copy of an earlier edition for Christmas in 1986. I find I use this book more than any of my other nature reference books, mainly because the illustrations are so good and the quality printing makes them shine. I use the book often and recommend it highly. The text is concise and clear. An excellent choice for people who want a thoughtfully executed general reference book. Lately, I find myself using the wildflower and bird sections most often... but there's something here for just about anyone at just about any reading level.

I wasn't sure if this book was still in print. I'm glad to see it on Amazon... now I can order it for friends.