(1978) 2004 3rd edn reprint. Collins. London. Small 8vo. Pp288. Colour paintings by Denys Ovenden, b/w line illustrations, distribution maps, international bibliography. Fine unread copy.
Notes: An useful and scholarly field guide with excellent paintings by Denys Ovenden. Nicholas Arnold's book describes "every species of salamander, newt, frog, tree frog, toad, tortoise, turtle, terrapin, gecko, agama, lizard, chameleon, slow worm, skink, amphibian and snake found in mainland Europe. [The eastern Atlantic and eastern Mediterranean islands are also included]. ...Fully updated to reflect the ...increase in knowledge of the past 20 years". Every European species is "described in detail with notes on range, size, habits, behaviour and [with snakes] the type and virulence of its poison. The final section ...deals with the identification of the eggs and tadpoles of frogs, toads, newts and salamanders. There is an introduction for each group ...with keys to aid identification".
