Bugs Britannica

This is a book as much to browse for pleasure as to learn hard science. Under the "bugs" umbrella are included most of the invertebrate groups (so a much broader range than just insects), but some groups get more detailed coverage than others. For example, crustaceans and arachnids are covered in a fairly general way compared to butterflies and moths, for which many individual species get an entry on their own. I don't think this is a bad thing: readers are more likely to want to read about animals they are more likely to notice. Entries (at least, all the ones I've read) have useful and fascinating material about the biology, ecology and behaviour. In addition there's a delightful collection of more anecdotal material that rarely appears in more formal texts, which you normally only get by chatting to specialists. It's a great book to pick up and dip into at random (there's sure to be something entertaining) or in which to look up information about a species or group of animals. Illustrations are good quality and imaginatively chosen: pictures of animals always help one visualise what you're learning about, but there are also a good range showing the relations between "bugs" and people (such as a graphic poster warning of the risks of malaria-carrying mosquitos, or incorporation of bugs in works of art or trademarks).

This is a lovely book, truly lovely. Beautifully produced and packed full of information this is NOT a spotter's guide. It is a wonderful evocation of the vast variety of insect life to be found in Britain, not just habitats and habits but a record of their interactions with humans, as the book itself says "where bug lives and human experience meet". There are stories galore in here concerning ants to woodlice, ladybirds to leeches and bees to fleas. But that's not all. By including such diverse beasties as amoebas, jellyfish and slugs, this book is a comprehensive melange of all things bug.Unless you are at all phobic about creepy crawlies, you will find loads to fascinate and delight in here.Be warned though, like its sister volumes, Birds Britannica and Flora Botannica it is a mighty tome so you won't be taking this one to the beach or on the train with you, but a "Coffee Table Book" it ain't. It's not for show, it's a dipper into, it's a book for losing yourself in, it's a book you will love if you are in any way interested in the fauna of this country. Sometimes the smallest characters have the best tales to tell.

A lovely colourful book with interesting facts

An excellent book, which includes a few pages on slugs, unusual in this type of book but indicative of the wide range of coverage the book gives to British "bugs". As well as some great pictures, each section gives a general commentary, often including history and observations made by well-known naturalists, as well as what I'd describe generally as "just enough" science, i.e. better in some parts than others but overall very good coverage. Very well-presented, well-structured and very well-indexed, this is both a great reference book and really nice to just dip into for some fascinating information. A really good book on the subject.

Absolutely fascinating. Authors recommend 'dipping in' and it would be great for this, but I couldn't resist starting to read it from cover to cover. It's a big book and I haven't finished it yet but I will! It deals with every kind iof invertebrate, from worms to crustaceans and insects and in particular their impact and interaction with people. And the photos are superb.

This book, like the rest in the series, is excellent and informative. It is NOT a field guide for instant identification but still useful for these purposes. On the other hand it is crammed with information more in the line of an encyclopedia of bugs and so is actually readable.

Poor quality print

Bought as gift for my little brother, he loved it. Very informative with nice detailed images.

A wonderful book, full of anecdotes and useful information.