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Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia — Set/Series

"Originally published in German in 1967 and translated into English in the 1970s, Grzimek's earned a reputation as the most comprehensive and authoritative information source on animals. Now this acclaimed encyclopedia is being completely revised to incorporate more than 30 years of scientific knowledge and discovery... Retaining the character of the first edition, the editors focused on updating the information and revising the text, but the most significant change is a vastly improved structure. Well-organized sections replace the long, endless narratives characteristic of the first edition, thus making the revised edition much easier to use, especially for the nonbiologist... Over 5,000 color illustrations and 3,500 maps were created specifically for this edition. Approximately 3,500 new color photographs are included as well... Even after 30 years, the original Grzimek's is still considered a core title for reference collections. Biologists and nonbiologists alike will appreciate the excellent organization, well-written text, and beautiful illustrations. Gale will also publish e-books of the volumes, available through netLibrary, as the printed editions come out. Judging from the volumes released thus far, users will not be disappointed with this new edition. Highly recommended for all types of libraries."
-- Library Journal (February 2003)

"A celebrity. The first edition -- 13 volumes published 1972-75, and cited in Books for College Libraries 3rd ed., Guide to Reference Books, Public Library Catalog, Walford¿s is surely the most widely available reference on the animal kingdom (humans are granted ten pages)."
-- SciTech Book News (December 2004)

"The second edition of Grzimek's, essential in reference for more than 30 years, builds on the work's high quality. Expanded from 13 to 17 volumes, it includes recent knowledge and is repackaged with new photographs, drawings, and layout. The original work used narrative style, but the second edition divides chapters into specific topic areas, still enjoyable to read but easier to find...Besides the introductory material, the strength of the work and the bulk of the material are found at higher taxonomic levels. Family chapters precede selected species accounts that include excellent watercolors, distribution maps (new to this edition), common names in English, German, French, and Spanish, signigicance to humans, and conservation status..Excellent layout, stunning artwork, and unmatched coverage. Summing Up: Essential. Academic and public libraries."
--Choice (September 2004)

"This substantial reorganization now clearly separates the general descriptions of animal orders and families from the species accounts. Distribution maps have been vastly improved, and the text is accompanied by numerous color photographs, plates, and other graphics. Nearly 100 ornithologists, curators, professors, and zookeepers contributed to the bird volumes, and a brief bibliography has been appended to each section. Taxonomic controversies are carefully noted. Don't discard the earlier set, however; much of the anecdotal material in the original Grzimek set, deleted for space, remains valid and suppliements the revised text well."
-- College & Research Library News (February 2003)

"... Over 5,000 color illustrations and 3,500 maps were created specifically for this edition. Approximately 3,500 new color photographs are included as well... Even after 30 years, the original Grzimek's is still considered a core title for reference collections."
-- Library Journal (February 2003)