Vietnam

Starred review from May 29, 2006
This single volume presents the entire geograpy, geology, and natural history of Vietnam in lively, accessible language, making it the perfect companion for any visitor to Vietnam, with excellent and thorough information on the incredibly rich natural resources of the country, covering everything from orchids to monkeys. Species descriptions, of both flora and fauna, are well-written and engaging, and followed by short sections indicating where to find them. The accompanying illustrations are good, but too few; often many words are used to describe an animal, where a good picture would do a better and more useful job. The authors give an overview of conservation and environmental history that brings to bear the political legacy of the country. . The diversity and fragility of Vietnam's natural history is stunning, and this book does an admirable job of celebrating that wealth, while clearly delineating what threatens it, including unexploded mines and poachers. For nature lovers travelling to Vietnam, this guide is a must-have.

Starred review from June 15, 2006
For many, the name Vietnam connotes war and loss. Yet the country itself harbors an incredibly rich natural history, and despite the assault on its landscape and wildlife during its years of war, this complex and diverse land is revealing newly found species or rediscovering presumed extinct species at an exciting rate. Authored by experts Sterling, Martha Maud Hurley, and Le Duc Minn -the director, a scientist, and a Vietnam specialist, respectively, from the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History -this volume fills a major gap by collecting and collating, in English, widely scattered information about Vietnam's natural history. Well organized into chapters that cover humans, biogeography, flora, and fauna; northern, central, and southern Vietnam; and conservation efforts, the text is written in a highly accessible style that will attract interested amateur naturalists and travelers as well as scientists. The authors not only describe the country's complex natural history but also provide the political context needed to understand the critical role its biodiversity plays in the world. To reaffirm: this is essential for all natural history collections. Libraries with the budget may want an extra copy for their travel collections. (Color illustrations not seen.)" -Nancy Moeckel, Miami Univ. Lib., Oxford, OH"

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