From Library Journal
The publisher calls this a pocket guide to cetaceans, and that's a fair description. Arranged by families, then alphabetically by species, the book compresses much information onto each page. In addition to identification tips such as fin placement, coloring, a size scale, and the like, behavior notes and range maps are provided. Brief introductory materials include a cetacean overview, anatomy, behavior, conservation, and whale-watching advice. While this book contains good facts, its practical use as a field guide may be limited. The identification key illustrations for the smaller whales and dolphins are so small that they are not very useful. Comparisons of animals likely to be seen together would have been helpful. Those academic or public libraries wanting a compact encyclopedia with good concise information should consider purchase. Those needing a field guide may find this tool limited.?Nancy Moeckel, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, Ohio
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The Eyewitness Handbooks series, so popular with young readers, is now producing illustration-packed books for adults. In this guide to whales, dolphins, and porpoises, arranged by family orders, Carwardine explains that new species of these elusive creatures are still being discovered. The book's description of 79 species is based upon the author's and illustrator's own observations and the works of many other specialists. General information on diet, habitat, anatomy, behavior, and conservation prefaces the specific descriptions. For the casual whale watcher or earnest conservation buff, here is an invaluable guide. Glossary and association addresses included.
Denise Perry Donavin
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
