Smithsonian

One has to hand it to DK publications. They know how to put books together with remarkable photography and beautiful layouts. In addition, with this book, the structure and content is really well put together. Of course, it's impossible to cover all species in detail but they have made a valiant attempt to give a comprehensive picture of most living things (or, at least, the Phyla to which they belong). And, I learned that the Dicotyledons of the plant kingdom are now know as the Eudicotyledons. With all that concentrated firepower with their photography...why oh why have they opted to present a stuffed and dried Platypus with its ruffled fur, sad eye and dried out bill. Actually, If you really want to know something in detail....say about the lichens, then you are not going to find it. It is too superficial (despite the wonderful photos). But I found the tree of life at the start to be really helpful....even if "trees of life" seem to be going out of fashion. Especially helpful with the relationships between the very early form of life such as Archea, Bacteria, Protocists...though I note the omission of any role for virus and bacteriophage and the Archezoa. Though Classification of living organisms seems to be a constantly moving feast. I probably would not have bought the book if I had to pay the full price but I was able to pick it ups for a song at a charity sale...so really hard to pass up. I confess, I really like to book. Five stars from me.… (more)