Costa Rican Natural History (Paperback)

~ Daniel H. Janzen (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This volume is a synthesis of existing knowledge about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. The major portion of the book consists of detailed accounts of agricultural species, vegetation, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects.

"This is an extraordinary, virtually unique work. . . . The tremendous amount of original, previously unpublished, firsthand information is remarkable."--Peter H. Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden

"An essential resource for anyone interested in tropical biology. . . . It can be used both as an encyclopedia--a source of facts on specific organisms--and as a source of ideas and generalizations about tropical ecology."--Alan P. Smith, Ecology

Product Details

• Paperback: 823 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (September 15, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226393348
• ISBN-13: 978-0226393346
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #185,838 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #4 in

  Books > History > Americas > Central America > Costa Rica

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive overview of Costa Rican flora and fauna, December 26, 1999

By	Alex Filipkowski "afilipkowski" (Colorado) - See all my reviews

In this biological bible of Costa Rica, Janzen leaves no stone unturned. From evolutionary history to weather patterns to animals and trees, he covers all facets of basic natural science. This book is a must for anyone pursuing biological study or ecolgical interest in Costa Rica or anywhere in the New World tropics

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jam-packed!, May 30, 2004

By	noname "invisibird" (Westchester, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I found this hyper-detailed book to be absolutely invaluable while I was in Costa Rica!

A book I found equally indispensable, which I read BEFORE I got there, was "Costa Rica: The Last Country the Gods Made." Both books should more than adequately prepare you for a trip around 1 - 3 weeks.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars COMPENDIUM, February 26, 2004

By	G. Phelps "whitfieldhouse, currently in China" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

At a hefty 800 plus pages (with 174 contributors, no less!), this collection has something for everyone--and manages not to skimp on the essentials or pad itself with filler. Though it would serve well as an introduction, "Costa Rican Natural History" is even better as a companion (especially to my favorite book on the country, "Costa Rica: The Last Country The Gods Made").