Customer Reviews:
 The best bat book in the English Language January 21, 2008
I already own about 6 bat books, and I think this one is without a shadow of a doubt the BEST. It has everything : great pictures and very well written text. You will enjoy this if you're into bats.
Two books on Bats; Jan 2008 January 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There are two books on bats by Phil Richardson and both have the same title: "Bats". This has caused a certain amount of confusion and if either of these books are accessed on Amazon, one arrives at the same series of reviews where it is not always clear which book a review refers to. I certainly was confused. Both books are available at present.
The first book was published by Whillet Books in 1985. It was reprinted several times and a revised edition appeared in 2000, which has also been reprinted. It is a very good introduction to bats particularly the 16 species that live in the U.K. The writing is lighthearted and the zany illustrations by Guy Troughton complement the writing excellently. The book is given a very direct feeling by the accounts of the author's hands-on experiences in the field with the Northampton Bat Group. He explains many behaviours but is not afraid to discuss the things that are not understood. If you live in Britain and want an introduction to the bats that live here it is a must.
The second book was published in London in 2002 by the Natural History Museum and reprinted in 2004. This book complements the first excellently but has a completely different feel. Gone is the humour, and the drawings are mainly replaced with excellent photographs. Though British bats have a place, the author looks, mainly, at the differences in behaviour and structure that occur in the 900 odd species that do not occur in the British Isles. Like the first book, echolocation, bat detectors and general construction are considered, but as bats that live in warmer parts of the world do not need to hibernate they can have a very different life style and eat a wider range of food. Almost 1 in 5 of all mammals are bats and if you want an introduction to their diverse world you will not regret buying this book.
 Bats(life series) May 5, 2003
7 out of 12 found this review helpful
This book is truly accessible to the non-scientific reader. Phil Richardson (or Mr. Richardson as I know him from A-Level Chemistry) manages to utilise his teaching experience to ensure the casual reader is not scared off by new scientific terms. This author introduces new scientific words gradually and with care without compromising the quality of the content.The book is well put together and each section maintains it's own subject content. On my first parse I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting. However, the book leaves one question unanswered. Maybe a volume two is in need. I'll be waiting for it. Magnifique.
An engaging lucidly written, well illustrated introduction. May 10, 2002
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
Like his first book on Bats in the Whittet series, Phil Richardson manages to impart a vast amount of information in attractive, lucid text.
The colour illustrations and layout are to a very high standard. A natural gift to anyone showing an interest in wildlife, especially mammals.
An informative and entertaining insight August 27, 2001
35 out of 35 found this review helpful
I found Phil Richardson's book to be a highly informative and entertaining introduction into the little known of world of a much misunderstood mammal. The style of writing is ideal for anyone with no or little knowledge of the subject and certainly never becomes too technical for the uninitiated. The entertainment side comes from the inclusion of various amusing anecdotes of Phil's activities with the Northamptonshire Bat Group and Phil's own batty cartoons. On the serious side, a wide range of information is offered on bat life. This ranges from the differing species in the UK, use of echo location, bat roosts, various aspects of bat behaviour, bat droppings, the work of bat groups, how bats are protected by law and much more besides. I do feel that, due to the highly reclusive nature of bats, there is plenty of information on offer here that can be a real eye opener to anyone with even a passing interest in wildlife issues.
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