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 Field Guides
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.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is.
Delete...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.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lasse.
DeleteA great guide sharing the dragonflies, what a beautiful variety of illustrations. Take care, have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI would never have dreamed that there were so many different dragonflies! That is just astounding, and so is the amount of research and field work the author must have done to write this impressive book.
ReplyDeleteAnd he did it really well!
DeleteThe dragonflies are so pretty! I have some of them in my garden. Lovely illustrations and great review, David. Hugs and kisses, Marit
ReplyDeleteI agree with Granny Sue, all the way through I was thinking how much he had to do to gather all the info and draw the illustrations plus seeing all 500 of the to know what they look like. wow
ReplyDeleteI always find dragonflies very beautiful and charming. Sounds like a fabulous book.
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot of beautiful dragonflies here in NJ and my reference books are a bit short on the species. This sounds like a great addition.
ReplyDeleteOh, I need this book! I spend time each day sitting by my little backyard pond admiring the dragonflies that visit. I'm particularly taken by a bright red one that I've been seeing daily. I would like to know more about them and to be able to accurately name them.
ReplyDeleteThis is the book for you, Dorothy.
DeleteI have always thought dragonflies and damselflies were magical! :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a good book for the collection. Dragonflies are interesting little creatures :-D
ReplyDeleteSome not so little, and some are ferocious predators too.
DeleteAnother amazing book. It's wonderful that there are people who research and document these interesting dragonflies so others like myself can learn about them.
ReplyDeleteIt looks very interesting and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy it
Riveting is a word I would use of your book reviews. I did buy An Identification Guide of Bumble Bees of North America from an online store of wild bird products solely on the fact you praise many of Princeton University Press publishings. I would have preferred a few more photos than those offered, but it is a good guide in showing all the varients of color a species may have. I am ordering Common Bees of Eastern North America (Princeton Field Guides), and also their field guide of Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History; solely on the fact you praise their guides. I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I do love your photos of everything you see in nature while looking out for birds. Makes your walks outdoors really come alive.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yvonne. You are not too shabby at naming things yourself!
DeleteThis book would serve me well as I am at a loss trying to identify dragonflies. I don't use the apps that many of my friends do for insects and flowers. My simple little phone is limited in that regard. A reference book and online information appeals to my brain.
ReplyDeleteThe phone apps are useful but not always accurate. I very much prefer a good physical field guide.
DeleteLas ilustraciones de ese libro, son maravillas.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
The precision of those illustrations is amazing and I imagine that the text is equally impressive. I think I read somewhere that dragonflies are the most effective of nature's predators with a kill rate far in excess of any bird or mammal. They hardly ever miss.
ReplyDeleteThey are very efficient predators, John, due in no small measure to their incredible flying capability.
DeleteThis is a fantastic review! Ed Lam's guide sounds like a must-have for dragonfly enthusiasts, with its stunning illustrations and comprehensive information. The attention to detail is impressive, and it’s great to hear it engages readers from the start. Well done on the insightful critique!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melody.
DeleteHola David, como estas!
ReplyDeleteshocking picture, is super!
Dragonflies are incredibly beautiful with pretty colors, many come to my garden
Have a nice nite 💐༶🐻✨🌻☀️🌿
A beautifully illustrated guide from what you have stated and I have viewed. I hardly see a dragonfly here, and we have 29 species and 5 being endemic to Tasmania.
ReplyDeleteYou would have to learn the details of their habitat and visit those areas. They are unlikely to be flying around randomly.
DeleteThis seems to me a beautiful book David.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly there is no translator working anymore, you also don't have google translate on your blog, like I do.
For me it is now difficult to understand what you write.
Greetings Irma
Hi, Irma: I am not sure what is going on. I just tried the translator on my blog and it seems to be working.
DeleteI have seen it and I am happy with it, otherwise I do not understand what you are writing about.
DeleteGreetings Irma
A book where computer graphics created flawless details.
ReplyDeleteComputer graphics?
DeleteGracias David. Me gustan estos libros que nos enseñan con tanto detalle. Las libélulas o dragonflies son insectos muy elegantes y con un colorido espectacular.
ReplyDeleteBuena semana.
Un abrazo.
I can tell by your review that you thoroughly enjoyed this field guide. I love the dragonfly standing on its head. Great picture. Fun review..xxoo
ReplyDeleteFrom your first photograph of Mr Lam's illustration (and before you wrote a single word) I immediately thought how lovely that picture would be on the wall. What a great reference work this would be.
ReplyDeleteAnd I suspect that you and I are not the only ones who feel this way, Sallie.
DeleteAnother great book! They certainly do have wonderful illustrations. I will be putting this on my list. Thank you David!
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are amazing.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the review.
All the best Jan
Este libro me vendría muy bien. Besos.
ReplyDeleteAle świetna książka! Szkoda, ze w Polsce nie ma takiej. Sa inne, ale z fotografiami, nie z rycinami.
ReplyDelete