A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guide Series) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Joseph T. Collins (Author), Isabelle Hunt Conant (Artist) (Editor), Tom R. Johnson (Artist) (Illustrator), Suzanne L. Collins (Photographer) (Illustrator) "Interest in herpetology continues to proliferate on two broad fronts-among scientists who are using reptiles and amphibians ever more frequently for studies on many subjects,..." (more)
Key Phrases: brown crosshands, single anal plates, chestnut pigment, United States, Rio Grande, Big Bend (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The first edition was published in 1958, the second in 1975. This third edition of the invaluable field guide features new information, color plates, and new maps. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) (Booknews )

Product Description

This newly designed field guides features detailed descriptions of 595 species and subspecies. The 656 full-color illustrations and 384 drawings show key details for accurate identification. More than 100 color photographs and 333 color photographs and 333 color distribution maps accompany the species descriptions.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Fourth Edition edition (May 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395904528
• ISBN-13: 978-0395904527
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,821 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A useful and beautiful book for the amateur naturalist., January 22, 1999

By	Jeff Card ([e-mail]) (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

As a casual amateur watcher of frogs, turtles, snakes, and lizard-like beasts, I recommend the Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North American. The first part of the book consists of 48 colour plates, each illustrating about 10 similar species. Following the plates, the main part of the book consists of a very readable summary description of each species, together with a map showing its geographical range. Special line drawings illustrate particular features of some of the species, that help in their identification, and add to the reader's appreciation. The volume is well-indexed, and includes a glossary, and a reference list. It is sturdily bound in an attractive cover. I am writing this at a computer in a cold northern January, and I look forward to the spring and summer when I can sortie into the open spaces with my Guide, to enjoy a renewed appreciation of these marvellous creatures. Search as I might, I cannot find anything negative to write about this beautiful book.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most accurate and authoratative field guide available., February 16, 1999

By A Customer

Beautiful color photographs, realistic paintings of each species illustrating diagnostic characteristics, and wonderful accounts on each form, from two of the most respected herpetologists to ever live. The color maps are not as good as the original black and white versions, but color photographs by the foremost authority on North American wildlife photography, more than make up for this. The maps are still better than those used in any field guide covering the same geographic area. Every kid should have at least one.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bible of Amphibians and Reptiles of this region, April 4, 2001

By	Webster Forrest (London United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was my bible as a boy. For anyone who enjoys watching small creatures in their natural habitats, the life-histories of amphibians and reptiles can be very enjoyable. This book is educational and extremely comprehensive. Even after moving to Europe, I kept my copy of this book, purely for sentimental value (none of the species from back home are to be found over here).

The book is written for those who want a lot of information, yet it is accessible for anyone from a very inquisitive boy or girl, through to university students who want to identify species in the wild. (I know, I used my copy from the age of ten to twenty-five on countless field trips and excursions.)

It's sturdy and affordable, especially considering the amount of information it contains. There are many b/w illustrations within the text showing specific identifying features, and a nice set of colour and black and white plates. More useful than Audubon, if you like these peaceful little animals this book will be with you for a long time.