Bats A world of science and mystery

Drawing heavily on their own fieldwork and research interests, Fenton (Univ. of Western Ontario) and Simmons (American Museum of Natural History) provide a wealth of information about the biology and natural history of bats. The book is primarily aimed at general readers, and so relies minimally on technical jargon. Boxed inserts provide interesting nuggets of information or firsthand anecdotal accounts that complement the text. The authors do not shy away from several controversial issues. The impact of bats on public health, for example, is presented as a contentious topic, often marred by considerable friction between bat conservationists and public health officials. The book is heavily illustrated with full-color photographs; however, the quality of these images varies greatly. Numerous typographical errors, periodic formatting issues, and the occasional contradictory statement suggest that the text could have benefited from a stronger editorial hand. A strong conservation theme runs throughout the book, and the importance of human perception and human intervention to bat conservation is repeatedly stressed. Showcasing the enormous diversity of bats worldwide, the book will interest general readers who want to learn more about this unique, intriguing group of flying mammals. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates and general readers. --Danny A. Brass, independent scholar