Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol. 7

Edited by Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliot and Jordi Sargatal
Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, 2002 www.hbw.com
Hardcover, 250x320mm, 613 pages, 145 Euros.

Published earlier this year, Volume Seven of this magnificent set, continues with the high standard of its predecessors. With its breadth and depth of coverage, the HBW fills a niche for which there is no comparable work. Each and every one of the world's bird species - some 10 000 in total - are described and illustrated, with woodpeckers, barbets, jacamars and honeyguides being the subject of this latest volume. A total of 16 volumes are mapped out, with one being released every 18 months. The world's leading authorities on their respective families contribute particular sections, and the world's finest bird illustrators produce brilliant colour plates. A collection of stunning photographs - depicting birds engaged in behaviour and showing their habitat preferences - add to the splendour of what is undoubtedly the definitive bird book.

As might be expected, these books do not come cheaply, but at 145 Euros per volume, they are comparable to other ornithological monographs. Furthermore, anyone collecting the set can be sure to see their asset appreciate in value over the years. For anybody interested in birds, each volume is a treasure in which you might lose yourself for hours on end. None of us will ever see all the world's birds, or probably even half of them, yet here we can compare the huge Magellanic Woodpecker with the tiny Rufous Piculet, and read about their biology, ecology and status. Lovers of art can only marvel at the attention to detail and accuracy of the colour plates by the likes of Ian Lewington, Hilary Burn, Tim Worfolk, Chris Rose and others. The photographs have been sourced from the world's finest natural history photographers.

If you have a collector's instinct combined with a passion for birds and books, this series is going to be hard to resist. Just a word of warning, strengthen your bookshelves in advance - each book weighs about 4 kilograms.

If this review has captured your interest, visit the publisher's superb website at www.hbw.com - special offers on bulk or staggered purchase options are available.

- Duncan Butchart -

Posted: Birds by CC Africa, Date: 22 November 2006