Animal: The definitive visual guide to the world's wildlife - Tapa dura

It's a rash (or very assured) publisher who would describe any book as "The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife". No doubt one or two professionals may balk at the omission of certain species, but for the general reader (and it is to that individual that this sumptuous book is addressed) the inclusiveness will seem encyclopaedic. The arresting cover image of the eyes and nose of a baboon in extreme close-up typifies the unorthodox visual approach of many of the 5,000 breathtaking images. (There is a wonderful shot of a lynx appearing to wink at the viewer, also seen in extreme close-up.) David Burnie and his team took over four years to create this unique book, with research provided by 80 leading experts. Animal profiles over 2,000 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, while over 5,000 full-colour photographs vividly capture the drama and beauty of the animal kingdom. There are extensive features on habitats, anatomy, life-cycles, reproduction and social behaviour, while unique freeze-frame action sequences present key features of animal life. Some might argue that television has thoroughly colonised this kind of material, but a glance at the pages of this volume will quickly give the lie to such an idea. Expect this to figure in many Christmas book round-ups.

With almost two million species identified to date and even more than that awaiting discovery animals are the most varied living things on the planet. For over a billion years they have adapted to the changing world around them. Together they make up the animal kingdom - a vast collection of living things that are linked by a shared biology and that occupy a dominant place in life on earth. Unrivalled in its breadth and visual impact this unique guide sets out to illustrate describe and explain the incredible range of creatures that make up the animal kingdom. From the largest mammal to the smallest invertebrate Animal is the ultimate reference guide to creatures in the wild capturing their beauty and diversity with award-winning images breathtaking design and authoritative text.