A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife Paperback – July 19, 2012

What a wonderful volume this "complete guide" is! Though its author, Richard Sale, has pointed out in a separate review that there are some glaring statistical errors in the U.S. version of the book, I suppose one ought to suggest viewing it skeptically but I certainly am not one of those naysayers. From the first long section on the Arctic in general to the detailed accounts of the many birds and/or mammals that make the Arctic their home, permanently or just part-time, I found page after page of utterly detailed but always fascinating accounts. Perhaps one should never consider this a volume with which you might want curl up before a fire on a winter night, but even that is not out of the question. As I read article after article, I only wanted more and I suspect anyone with even a budding interest in the Arctic will too. One could wish a few more pictures of some of the wildlife featured in the book but in nearly every case, the excellent line drawings which accompany the major divisions, more than make up for this lack.If there is anything "wrong" with this fine piece of scholarship, it is the book's unbelievable weight. Even in a paperback edition, I found my hands actually aching after a few minutes just trying to hold it open to read. As another reviewer on this site has suggested, one surely would never want to carry this tome into the field but as a reference to all the birds and mammals of the Arctic, it is unparalleled and that should surely be "the bottom line" when considering the merits of any book.

This book is so incredibly in-depth on arctic species - from thousands of birds, fish, mammals, etc. There are great photographs as well as scientific illustrations for almost every species mentioned.There is also a great exploration guide for each species - both as an introduction to the type of animal and where they predominate and also by specific species within those categories. The book then provides information on specific environmental habitat for that breed, their food sources, how they feed (methods), reproduction, how they live (where they sleep), specific sizes, confusion with near species, how they communicate etc.The beginning of the book also goes into great detail about the different types of arctic habitat, seasonal changes and the delicate ecosystems as well as environmental changes and threats due to global warming and pollution. The text is scientific, so it sometimes takes a little reading to be able to draw parallels between species and changes in environment (not as direct as say, Greenpeace would be.) But definitely a must have for an encyclopedic library on Arctic wildlife.

It's a good book.. my only complaint is that the maps are really small... I was hoping to find something more geared towards adventure planning but that's not what this is

Encyclopedic. Use it as a second book The bradt book is more concise and serves as a base for which to read. However, this wonderful book has all of the important detail including the snow and geology

I work in the arctic and see the wildlife. This book is an excellent reference guide! I find it especially useful in identifying all the different species of birds.

This guide helps you identify and understand the habits of arctic wildlife. As a wildlife photographer, I know that the more you know about the subject you're photographing, the better your photographs will be.

I am very pleased with this glove for my work around my houseProtects my hands from cuts and abrasions.

I think this book is an excellent on-stop guide to Arctic fauna. Easy to use, comprehensive, and a good selection of photos, illustrations, and maps.

An excellent addition to my other arctic books

This guide takes into account all birds and mammals found in the circumpolar Arctic, which includes some areas outside the traditional definitions of what constitutes "the Arctic." It also treats the climate, environment, human habitation, etc. A very good read. Species descriptions are exceptional, as are the photographs. My only objection is the weight of the book. It is not handy to carry in a backpack or on a charter plane with weight restrictions. But that's the cost you pay for a quality reference book, which I will use in my office if not on an actual trip.

The Guide is well organized. I was easily able to navigate through several sections in a short period of time to find the particular wildlife I was searching for. Good reference book.

Does as it says in it's title, excellent guide . Only problem is that it's heavy!! Well worth buying and taking if you are either on Arctic trip or interested in it's wildlife

Very comprehensive and well produced book. Anyone travelling to this area needs this book to ID all of the wildlife.