Buy new:
$36.53
FREE delivery: Saturday, April 27
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
List Price: $50.00 Details

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Save: $13.47 (27%)
FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, April 27
Or fastest delivery Tuesday, April 23. Order within 18 hrs 2 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$36.53 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$36.53
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Thursday, April 25 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Tuesday, April 23. Order within 18 hrs 2 mins
Used: Good | Details
Sold by Zoom Books Company
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime!

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

See all
David Burnie
Follow
Jane Burton
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife Hardcover – October 10, 2001

by Don E. Wilson (Author), David Burnie (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 214
See all formats and editions

There is a newer edition of this item:

Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide, 3rd Edition
Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide, 3rd Edition
$17.27
(431)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$36.53","priceAmount":36.53,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"36","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"53","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"5dGqr3DqezBsO3nn7ZWMZdcDM7fUpCHXYkF%2FjH6ZhlrLgAsoPMbrW0epQy05dm%2F8tlE7CkqV%2FZX%2BBjdSRtr9FI1QLAnTILXUTUJk3d99zkVAtC4MUeBiVS4tBtiYALwYCjRS0o4VWRg%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$19.57","priceAmount":19.57,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"57","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"5dGqr3DqezBsO3nn7ZWMZdcDM7fUpCHXpkD%2B01c22OfXoxON67Zz5%2Fk6oQUetiI7LZLDYDCBLU8iTysod1GxIHQe2PF%2B%2FBA9vg8BTDRHM3HdCKChzD3i7fA5hw2th0c7MGueLK8EwBsnmSBzrUIWEMci8ooXiZc3hR8%2B7kl%2B0R9OyW4SgVmKVSR2GRG%2F41gN","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Unrivaled in its breadth and visual impact, this unique guide sets out to illustrate, describe, and explain the incredible range of creatures that make up the animal kingdom. Exceptional Coverage. This authoritative volume starts with a clear introduction to the animal world, examining the reasons for the apparently infinite variety of animal forms and major evolutionary developments. Animal anatomy, life cycles and the principles of classification are also explored. This is followed by a superbly illustrated survey of world habitats, showing how they have adapted to each environment, and the threats that face both wildlife and plants today. The main part of the book, an up-to-date and comprehensive animal catalog, looks in detail at each major group and provides fascinating profiles of over 2,000 individual species. Visually Breathtaking. Spectacular photographic portraits bring a vast array of animals vividly to life, with special features on well-known and important animals such as the Galapagos tortoise. Each species profile is supported by maps and symbols showing distribution and habitat, as well as key information on size, population, and conservation status, forming an invaluable reference database. Outstanding Reference. Clear, comprehensive, and thought provoking, the Smithsonian Animal is essential reading for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    624 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    DK
  4. Publication date
    October 10, 2001
  5. Dimensions
    10.75 x 2.25 x 13.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0789477645
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0789477644
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife
$36.53
Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Zoology: Inside the Secret World of Animals (DK Secret World Encyclopedias)
$28.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life: The Definitive Visual Guide to Prehistoric Animals (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)
$28.49
Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Over 2,000 species, from the tiny spider mite to the massive blue whale, are profiled in DK's astonishingly wonderful Animal, produced in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution and more than 70 expert zoologists. To call this book "profusely illustrated" is to seriously underrepresent page after page of breathtaking photos capturing each creature in sharp images, thrumming with life. Even the page borders are covered with collages of animal skins to indicate which class of organisms is represented in that section--every inch of this heavy book is gorgeous.

Besides heft and beauty, Animal has authority. Editors-in-chief David Burnie and Don E. Wilson are top biologists, and they have assembled a crack team of consultants for each section of the book. For instance, Richard Rosenblatt of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography takes charge of the chapter on fishes, so all the classification, behavior, and distribution data is up-to-date and full of the kind of detail that comes from years of professional specialization. In addition to basic size, location, and status information, each animal gets a short, one- to two-paragraph description, enough to give a feel for the creature:

The blackfin icefish produces a natural "antifreeze," enabling it to survive in the subzero waters of the Antarctic. It lacks red blood cells and hence looks rather pale, but has excellent blood circulation, and a strong heart which weighs as much as that of a small mammal. Its large, toothy mouth led to it being called the crocodile fish by 19th-century whalers.

Biodiversity has never been more at the forefront of biologists' concerns, and Animal reports on the issues critical to ecology, from habitat loss to the species that are most endangered within each class.

This book is an ideal browsing reference for all experience levels, as well as a delightful addition to the collection of any animal enthusiast or classroom. Of necessity, not all species are covered, but as a general source of information down to the genus level, Animal excels. Don't be put off by the price! Extraordinarily beautiful, biologically accurate, and packed with furry, feathery, finny, many-legged delights, Animal is one of the very best science books of 2001. --Therese Littleton

From Publishers Weekly

Stunning photographs (e.g., of wolves snarling over a half-eaten meal or a falcon's perspective as it perches on a city roof) will elevate this book beyond a coffee-table or reference shelf existence. Every aspect of the book seizes attention. The first 80 pages clarify information on classification, habitats and behavior with charts, maps, photographs and illustrations. The remaining six chapters focus on numerous specific species and subspecies, divided into broad groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates. Readers learn, for instance, that the curlew's long, curved beak is touch-sensitive for seeking out food hidden in mud and sand; plovers, on the other hand, though they share the curlew's habitat, have short bills for picking up food they can see. The editors provide endangered-species information at the end of each chapter. The varying size and shape of the photographs some cropped cleanly around their subject, some showing the interaction of the animal with its environment compel the reader onward, as do the assorted full-page spreads and action sequences (e.g., of a whale breaching). Text entries are both edifying and brief. But for its heft, this book is almost impossible to put down. (Oct.)Forecast: With so much visual and textual stimulus for both children and adults, this title is destined to become a staple in bookstores.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ DK; First Edition (October 10, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 624 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0789477645
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0789477644
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.55 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.75 x 2.25 x 13.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 214

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. David Burnie

    David Burnie

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  2. Jane Burton

    Jane Burton

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  3. Don E. Wilson

    Don E. Wilson

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
214 global ratings
Why sell a book that's falling apart?
1 Star
Why sell a book that's falling apart?
My book came with pages falling out! I don't remember seeing in any description that the book would have pages coming out! Very disappointed! The books is full of awesome material and would otherwise be a great book
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Darrell Heath
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful reference work for just about anyone
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2007
Verified Purchase
Usually when I'm looking at books such as this at my local bookstore I'm very disappointed in that they feature lots of pretty pictures but are very skimpy on information content. But DK Publishing's "Animal" goes way beyond striking a happy median here, it really is one of the most beautiful and informative books of its kind that I've seen in years. Aside from the tons of striking photographs there is a lot of good basic zoological information as well. Early chapters cover such essential topics as anatomy, ecology, habitats, evolution, classification, etc and then dives into a very good general survey of the animal kingdom. Species accounts are short but informative and the various expert contributors do a decent job of selecting various representatives for each group being covered. Some of which I, as a biologist, have never even heard of. At the end of each group account there is also a list of critically endangered species from that particular taxa. The lay out for this book is very well done and easy to use, as are other books from the DK/Smithsonian line. Each animal class begins with an introductory life history summary for the group and then moves on to introduce various species within the various orders and families of the group in question. The information is brief but succinct and all easily at your fingertips.

Now, while this is an excellent encyclopedia there are a few minor quibbles that I have with it. Namely that the invertebrates get very short shrift in the book. Invertebrates represent the most diverse and abundant animal life on the planet yet they only get about 73 pages of coverage in a book that is over 600 pages long! In most books of this kind I find a similar bias towards the coverage of vertebrate life over that of the invertebrates so I'm not too suprised to see the same kind of treatment here. Another nit picky quibble I have is that it would have been nice to have seen a "suggested reading" list as well as more info on conservation efforts for various species and habitats. Still, I can't think of a better and more informative (as well as readable) encyclopedia out there and if you or someone in your family likes animals this is a must have addition to your reference library.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
a gentle sound
5.0 out of 5 stars Angel's book
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2011
Verified Purchase
I'm a first grade teacher in an underperforming school in CA teaching Sheltered Immersion students. In early October I decided to maintain with my students a daily 20 minute or so routine in a journal they dubbed "The Animal Journal." Daily we suggest animals until we choose one, taking turns or using resources, and briefly, rapidly, research the animal. And now we are into our 38th entry. Basically it's a paragraph writing exercise, and it will continue throughout the year. We have access to the internet, and I have many books in my boxes but sometime in later October Angel brought this gigantic volume to our room. It is now the first go-to.

Angel loves this book, he is struggling to learn to read, as all beginning readers struggle, and he is doing very well thank you. I think this book is really the reason why, that and his love for it. He had torn the cover so it is taped and worn from use. Despite the fact I can barely heft it up on the table- he can find a raccoon (I timed today) in 47 seconds, pretty impressive and not using the index. At least not yet but he is catching on to it.

The reason I want to bring this forward is because SOMEONE in his life, his grandfather -there is no available father-provided him with this opportunity something that I am so excited to see emerging from this class. And from there the book surely is one he will grow into. First he is captured through the multiplicity of images, his love of seeing how they are organized, and one day as he forces his reading to expand he is amply motivated to read about what he loves. He will acquire all the knowledge that he can from this DK Press book. I'm often reminded of Ramona the Brave, a book I read them, and how much she enjoyed scaring herself with her gorilla pictures in her animal book.
In a few of our entries such as "gray wolf" the drama of the picture of them tearing the flesh of some poor animal brought everyone up for a glee filled shriek.
After we read what it says, we write our journal, using this book for the background they then frame simple sentences from hearing, we illustrate using the images.

A week ago I decided to see the cost, if you look this is very, very, very reasonable, the volume is huge. And fully in color. So I said rather off-hand that they could have one "if they wanted"-and if they got ahold of twenty dollars I'd then order. The thing I did not expect was any 6 year old would remember and do this. So far in a week seven students have brought the funds, and a father came in to look, who will order his after pay day. I have others thinking it over too, so I am writing a letter to inform my families so they know what's going on. My first order for one came in today. Brand new the volume is very impressive. Monday will be quite exciting when I deliver it to school.

Let me tell you what new word we included in today's piece on raccoons-arboreal-I think it's pretty wonderful that the language of this book is seeping into their writing. Now it's normal for the children to ask me, is the animal a vertebrate, what continent does it inhabit, what is the name for their young, what is the diet of this animal, are they prey or predator, and it goes on and on as basically I model a topic sentence and supporting sentences within a journal that they value so highly it's starting to be pretty obvious that they are becoming as in love with their animals as Angel is this book.

What do I suggest?
Get one and give it to a teacher you know- or a child you love, start with the book at age 6. Invest time with them in the book, draw from the pages, look up animals you see, use it as a reference. Go from there on-line and teach them how to use other kinds of resources. And then ....ask them to think of a child that doesn't have the care that they have, maybe one in a place like I work. And get them that book as well.
This is the book I feel ought to supplant our science textbook, and I can more than demonstrate why.
Hey, just ask Angel.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
B.J. Turney
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Animal Book to Date
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
My grandparents got this book for me as I as growing up loving learning about animals and now got it for my nephews. This is one of the few most well articulated, heavily detailed and thorough animal book I've ever come across. From animal size, location, endangered statues and how it lives with each catagory well organized and all with invaluable info. This is the gold standard for all animal books that want to be thorough in any accurate sense and one that ages very well compared to most. I recommend this to anyone interested in learning about animals as its sheer scale and breathe of detail is staggering.
Helpful
 Report
Peppercorn
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing reference on animals for detailed information and knowledge source
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2009
Verified Purchase
I enjoy exploring any scientific or technical info topic that relates to or has to do with animals, I've often sought a single book, one that stands apart from all other texts, to serve as my main info reference and source of inspiration. For me, as I continue to explore the vast topics of zoology, natural history, and wildlife biology, Animals the definitive guide is exactly that.
The Definitive Guide to the World's Wildlife' is an ambitious and visually spectacular guide that will widen your understanding of the amazing animals with whom we share our planet. It is a reference book, a picture book, and a text of incomparable breadth.It contains a wealth of information about members of each major group of willdlife: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates. Descriptions for each animal group includes facts, photos, and special-interest topics. There is also a fantastic introductory section that examines the many topics that relate to animals and wildlife--habitats, classification, life cycles, behavior, anatomy, and much more.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Zé Caeiro
5.0 out of 5 stars Me gustó mucho . Es como se describe. Gracias.
Reviewed in Spain on April 23, 2019
Verified Purchase
Me gustó mucho .
Es como se describe.
Gracias.
Report
Pushpita Ghosh
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book with Excellent Illustrations
Reviewed in India on January 30, 2018
Verified Purchase
Excellent Book with excellent Illustrations.
Everybody will love to read it.
I got at Rs 459/- from Amazon.
Great Value for money.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Say No More 67
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great publication in DK's Visual Guides series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
All the superlatives given by other reviewers are spot on. It continues DK's line of excellent popular Visual Guides, like  Universe  , Earth: The Definitive Visual Guide (Dk)  and  Human: The Definitive Guide to Our Species  among others.

I've ordered a used copy of the 2001 hardcover edition, and its simply stunning. It's hard to put down. The quality of the glossy paper and the vivid pictures still hasn't faded a bit after 14 years, and its hard to compete with the wealth of information and the way it's presented.

Pay attention to the fact that there a few editions including a compact one.
The Hardcover edition, with more than 600 25cm * 30cm high quality paper is a massive one both in size and weight.

With a 1p price tag for many used copies of the older editions, it may be considered as an insult to say it's worth every penny, so I'll just conclude with a warm recommendation.

The format is such that allows both adults and children to enjoy.

Contains the following sections:
INTRODUCTION
HABITATS
THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
MAMMALS
BIRDS
REPTILES
AMPHIBIANS
FISH
INVERTEBRATES
each divided to smaller chapters.
Also available are TOC, Glossary and Index.

There's a newer 2012 edition  Animal  that also has a Look Inside feature here on Amazon, that for some reason is not available here.
I can confirm that it is almost identical to the content of this earlier 2001 edition, so if it's not for a present, but for personal use, I guess the much cheaper old edition would do.
One person found this helpful
 Report
D. Evans
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in Japan on June 26, 2012
Verified Purchase
This book was very informative. It is full of color pictures and useful information.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Shauny
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, lovely pictures and information
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2022
Verified Purchase
Likes
The pictures and writings

Dislikes
It makes me sad that so many of the animals in this book are under threat of extinction
Report