Guide to Deserts (Firefly Pocket series) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1554072131 ISBN 13: 9781554072132

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2006

Synopsis

A richly illustrated and comprehensive survey of the world's great desert regions.

This compact reference begins by defining deserts and the climatic conditions that bring about their existence. With spectacular photographs, the authors examine the various desert landscapes and the effects that wind and water have upon these ever-changing environments. Other features include:

• An examination of the natural diversity and amazing adaptations of desert flora and fauna
• An in-depth study of desert mineral and agricultural resources
• A survey of desert peoples: their customs, their religions, the ecological and social issues they face, and their continued survival in these harsh climates
• Guidance on desert locations to visit for their important archaeological, cultural and historical features.

Guide to Deserts also includes a 150-page atlas section mapping the world's deserts region by region and charting area, resources and threats -- both natural and those caused by human beings. At home, at the office, in school or for travelers on the go, this portable guide is an ideal resource.

About this title

About the Author:

Andrew Warren is a geomorphologist at University College, London, with a specialty in desert sand and dunes.

Tony Allan is a professor at King's College, London, and specializes in water policies for desert regions.

Review:

The book is compact and comprehensive. The photographs and maps are excellent. The reader is left with the realization that there is no such thing as "the desert." There are many deserts, and quite a variety of them. This book leaves readers with an understanding of the richness that must be preserved. (Rebecca Bell The Science Teacher 2008-09-01)

Provides those new to the study of deserts with comprehensive information about this climate... a useful supplement to larger volumes on geology, geography, and ecology. (Shannon Graff Hysell American Reference Books Annual)

After reading this book I realised that I have never been to "see" a desert... I have not really looked at the desert for its own sake. This is a mistake I will not repeat... This book is very interesting to read just because it puts deserts in perspective... [It] will give added value toa trip... It gives a wonderful background on where desert's ecosystem fits in the world's biosphere. The authors have convinced me that deserts are important and I will pay more attention in the future. Buy this book for yourself. (Roy John Canadian Field Naturalist, vol. 1q20, no. 2, Apr-J)

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1554072131
• ISBN 13: 9781554072132
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: Warren Andrew, Allan Tony