The Amateur Naturalist

As readers of 'My Family and Other Animals' will be aware, Gerald Durrell's passion for animals was a constant throughout his life, and his legacy survives in the form of the Jersey Zoo, an institution devoted to the preservation of endangered species. Durrell was also a writer of tremendous charisma and charm, recounting his adventures around the world in a prose that is often unmatched in nature writing.In 'The Amateur Naturalist', Gerald and wife Lee set out to create the sort of guide for which the much younger Durrell, loose among the wildlife of Corfu, would likely have killed (humanely, though). Broken down by habitats, with coloured illustrations and thoughtful, enjoyable text descriptions, 'The Amateur Naturalist' is a treasure trove for anyone interested in studying the world around them, no matter the part of the world in which they might live. Although you needn't be an actual collector in order to enjoy this book, there is also information on how to begin collecting wild flora and fauna (there is no recommendation, however, on the keeping of snakes in the bath or spiders in matchboxes).For anyone that knows and loves nature, or would like to know more, this is definitely the book to have.

In my teen years, I was very interested in biology and the world around me (from insects to birds to fungi). This book gave me inspiration and a basic knowledge of biological collecting and preservation. I am a graduate student in biology now (studying entomology); part of my success comes from having used this book. Thank you, Durrell!

Durrell is a wonderful scientist, an excellent writer and a born philosopher. For anyone who is interested in nature (as everyone should be) you will come to understand it and love it through this book. Great pictures. Let spiders live! It's not out of date and it should not be out of print either!

I am only a teen, but I love this book! Why is it out of print?! I owe it all to this book! When i grow up, I'm gonna be a naturalist and It's all because of this great book. It is well illustrated and has many interesting diagrams. it tells about every landscape you could possibly think of! If you like nature, you want this book! Thank you Gerald Durrel!