Primates of the World: An Illustrated Guide

Primates of the World: An Illustrated Guide is stunning. There is simply no better way I can think of to gain an appreciation of the primate family than to peruse Primates of the World: An Illustrated Guide.

The illustrations are rich and individual. They bring out the characteristics of each species in a unique manner. Simply seen as art, the illustrations stand alone as remarkable. Adding in their curatorial and conservation value, these illustrations by François Desbordes accompanied by Jean-Jacques Petter’s authoritative text, ranks Primates of the World: An Illustrated Guide as one of the top illustrated and photographic guidebooks I have reviewed. Alongside The World’s Rarest Birds and The Unfeathered Bird, this book is simply remarkable.

The text includes easy-to-read sections on primate evolution, adaption to various ecological systems, social behaviors, and competition. Each primate is beautifully illustrated. Descriptive life histories are also provided alongside population distribution maps.

This is a very powerful, comprehensive, up-to-date, and beautifully illustrated book. I will let the images speak for themselves.

Gibbons. Illustration by: Francois Desbordes.

Gorillas. Illustration by: Francois Desbordes.

Lemurs. Illustration by: Francois Desbordes.

Please note: All images © Princeton University Press. No part of this book may be distributed, posted, or reproduced in any form by digital or mechanical means without prior written permission of the publisher.
How to order:

How to order:

Paperback: Primates of the World: An Illustrated Guide

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Authors: Jean-Jacques Petter and François Desbordes, translated by Robert Martin

ISBN: 9780691156958

Gabriel Thoumi, CFA, Certified Ecologist is a frequent contributor to Mongabay.com.

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