A unique collection of concise but detailed information on 10,000 animals, plants, fungi and algae of the British Isles. Every species with an English common name is included. The compendium is in two parts. The first, smaller part, looks at various terms that people interested in natural history may come across. The second provides information on individual species or species groups, with entries on those with English (common) names, as well as selected families, orders, classes, etc. In the case of marine organisms, entries are given for intertidal and subtidal invertebrate species, and generally speaking for fish species that might be observed inshore. Indication is often given on distribution as well as whether a species is common, scarce or something in between. For some species a note is made of population size and trends. Comments are made where appropriate on etymology, both of the English name and the binomial. No other natural history dictionary or cognate publication relating to the British Isles is as comprehensive in taxonomic cover.

The go-to guide for identifying grasshoppers and related species that occur in the British isles. Grasshoppers and their allies draw attention to themselves not only by their active movements but also by their bright colours and song. This brand new beautifully illustrated field guide covers the 70 or so species of grasshoppers, cockroaches, stick insects, earwigs and praying mantids that may be encountered in the British countryside. A comprehensive introduction covers life history and field techniques, and is followed by detailed species accounts that include important identification details, along with information on food, habitat, conservation status and range, supplemented with distribution maps, sonograms and life history charts. Together with stunning photographs and Richard Lewington's exceptional artwork, this book is set to become the definitive guide to the orthoptera of the British Isles.