Praise for the previous edition: "Carnivores, sea mammals, primates, large herbivores, small herbivores, insect eaters, and marsupials are the stars in this visually stunning work...Any collection supporting a science curriculum would find this set invaluable...well worth the expense. Highly Recommended." The Book Report, starred review"After a major revision of both text and graphics, this encyclopedia ..., filled with beautiful photographs, drawings, diagrams, and distribution maps, is a delight to use...[good] graphics, an up-to-date bibliography, and an easy to use format...For all life science collections, secondary school through university." Choice"This comprehensive encyclopedia...should reach a broad audience...color photographs, maps, and sketches make the set visually appealing. At the same time, each entry is authoritative and informative enough to be useful to students...an excellent resource. Recommended for all libraries needing a comprehensive, up-do-date animal reference..." Library Journal "...presents the latest facts about some 4,600 mammalian species in clearlywritten, signed entries...The many photographs and illustrations are both beautiful andinformative." School Library JournalIn three comprehensive volumes, The Encyclopedia of Mammals, Second Edition combines the latest developments in natural history and science with a structure that reflects the way the subject is currently studied. The text, written by a team of advisory editors and some of the world's top naturalists, is readable, informative, and richly enhanced with more than 500 stunning full-color photographs and drawings.This revised and updated edition brings to the forefront cutting-edge research in fields such as genetics and immunology that impact our understanding of mammals and their classification.New features include:Current information on various threats to endangered species during the 21st centuryTwo new essays covering recent developments in mammalian conservationA completely new essay in the Primates section on the evolution of hominidsA featured essay on man as a single species.Key features include:Locator maps that show the distribution of species"Animals in Close-up," hundreds of feature articles that emphasize social behavior and the importance of conservationFactfiles that present key details on individual species or groups of animals, including diet, breeding, habitat, and life expectancyScientific and common names for all species in the bookA glossary that explains biological, genetic, and taxonomic termsA comprehensive index and bibliography.Coverage includes:Volume I: Marsupials, Insect Eaters, Elephants, Rodents, Index.Volume II: Primates, Shrews, Bats, Weasels, Bears, Seals, Index.Volume III: Dogs, Cats, Hoofed Mammals, Sea Mammals, Whales, Index, Set Index. Read Less