I doubt that anyone would take issue when I state that the field guides produced by Princeton University Press, now over several decades, are of universally high standard, and reflect the prevailing excellence of works in the genre.
This new opus by Ed Lam rises to the challenge and then exceeds it. It is quite remarkable in its clarity and scope and the illustrations rank in a class by themselves. It is inconceivable to me that one person could produce these exquisitely detailed images and at the same time write a sound, concise, informative and technically accurate text.
There is a plateau where Ed Lam resides to which I cannot climb!
From the front cover to the back cover excellence exudes. Immediately on looking at the front cover, I imagined the picture on my wall!
And just take a look if you will at this introduction to the book.
You haven't even read the first word of the introductory text and already you are hooked!
What follows is a concise summary of dragonflies, starting with the simple question, "What are dragonflies" and going through to collecting them. In between you learn how to identify them, find them and everything else you need to know.
Then we are treated to an examination of all 329 North American species, grouped by family. This, the central core of a field guide, is fabulous. The gob-smacking illustrations are supported by a concise text, accompanied by a range map. Now you know where you are and what you should be looking for!
At the end of the book a full section is devoted to 'in-hand characters', so essential to accurate identification of similar species. In fact, some species cannot be identified without this knowledge, and the detail displayed in the pictures is phenomenal.
If I had one minor complaint it would be that a glossary would be useful, but you can dismiss that instantly. It would be like meeting a Nobel laureate and remarking that his tie wasn't straight!
It is a terrific guide and one that will find constant use in my world. I'll be out this afternoon and will doubtless encounter meadowhawks. If I could induce them to sit still I would read to them what is written about them!
Whatever your level of proficiency, you will benefit from this work, and perhaps even more important you will revel in the beauty of it all.
Well done, Ed Lam!
Dragonflies of North America - Princeton University Press
Ed Lam
Paperback - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691232874
448 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)
1,850+ colour illustrations
Publication date: 15 October, 2024
Thank you. This sounds like a wonderful guide for both the expert and the enthusiastic amateur.
ReplyDelete...very interesting critters.
ReplyDeleteHi David, From what I see in your photos from the book it seems outstanding. You do a great job when you write about such books.
ReplyDelete