Billed as a practical guide to the wild and domestic creatures of Great Britain, this is not a field guide, but a substantial reference on the animals most likely to be encountered in Britain. The book explores the relationships of the animals to people of these islands.
Hart-Davies, D. 2002. Fauna Britanica. UK, Weidenfeld and Nicholson. ISBN 0 297 825321.
Harback. 22.5x29.0cm. 416 pages.
This book is remarkable in respect of the breadth of its coverage: as well as extant native species, it deals with those that are now extinct in Britain, going as far back as dinosaurs, as well as introduced and domestic animals. Inevitably, with such ambitious breadth, the detail for each individual species, or group of animals, is rather less than in
Stefan Buczacki's identically titled volume.
dip into it on those miserable days when you cannot get into the garden: you will be amply rewarded
However, if you also have a particular interest in farm animals, for example, or one of the other groups not covered by Buczacki, then this book may suit you down to the ground.
The book is very readable and stunningly illustrated throughout, both with photographs and, particularly in the case of domesticated animals, images from historic paintings. Definitely a book that should not be hidden away - dip into it on those miserable days when you cannot get into the garden: you will be amply rewarded.
