Macmillan Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia

Animals: A Macmillan Illustrated Encyclopedia #1-3

by Philip Whitfield (Editor), Gerald Durrell (Foreword)

This "Who's Who" of the animal kingdom is a fascinating reference book examining nearly 2000 species in detail, from mammals and birds to reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.

Top wildlife artists have illustrated each one in full color, making the book a visual treasure as well as a comprehensive catalog of the staggering diversity of vertebrate animals.

The text is organized by order and then family, with an overview of characteristics shared by animals within each family. Each animal is described in detail, including its breeding patterns and feeding habits, along with other intriguing adaptations or behaviors. Information such as common and scientific names, geographic locations, habitat, and size can be seen at a glance for every species.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animals has been written by leading scientists in each field and has now been revised to incorporate cladograms for each class, new scientific findings, and the latest status of animals threatened with extinction. It will stand as the best and most accurate presentation of the animal world available.

Genres: Reference, Animals, Nonfiction, Science, Art

600 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Jamie Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very important to me throughout my childhood as a reference. I read it casually, and in depth by turns and learned so much about animals around the world. It is, in my opinion, among the very best and most helpful of books and I think everyone should have access to it.

[First Second Books]

A book from 1984 with 600 pages of animals facts and amazing drawings. I scored a copy for $1 and when it arrived I realized it was a first edition. Looks like I'm going to have a good week!

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing missing that would be of interest is the weights for all the critters.

[Bindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loooooved this book, I trifted it. I’m obsessed with the drawings!

[Ralph Zoontjens · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books as a child. It reminds me of visiting my grandma who eventually gave me the volume. The richly illustrated descriptions teach so much about the world's vertebrate creatures, even though some are already extinct by now.

[Chaotician · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know most encyclopedias are boring, but not this one. Pictures galore! No, it really is an interesting book. A good one to curl up with too, just don't look at the worms.