The Pelagic Dictionary of Natural History of the British Isles

This impressive compendium sits somewhere between dictionary and encyclopedia, providing information for 10,000 species of animals, plants, fungi and algae of the British Isles. Detailed descriptions are given, not only about identification and taxonomy, but also distribution, population trends, and even origins of the species name. Did you know, for example, that the species name for Chaffinch means ‘unmarried finch’, because Linnaeus, who named it, only ever saw males? The Crab Hacker Barnacle owes its name to a competition winner; presumably Barnacle McBarnacleface already existed.

Sometimes you have to delve a little deeper into the text to look up the words used in the entries (at least I did), but that’s part of the fun, getting lost in the various definitions. There’s also a handy section at the beginning defining common biological terms.

This would be a very useful addition to any library, classroom, or bookshelf of anyone interested in natural history, or indeed crossword fans!

Book reviewed by Henrietta Pringle