"It is massive; the narrative, which is the heart of this book, consists of more than 250 pages, double columned. Yet it is richly illustrated, thought-provoking and offers a pleasurable reading experience…This volume contains a wealth of valuable and historic photos. Those images alone form a treasure trove and make the reading all the more exciting…Another
fine feature is the extensive reference list; even those who have been in the field for decades may be thrilled to find literature that they are unaware even existed." -- Ken Kawata, Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society, 42(12):200, 2007
"…an outstanding and very interesting overview of worldwide facilities, their past and present staff, their achievements, and their most significant publications…This book is a 'must' for zoo herpetologists, their colleagues and
their directors!…Murphy's message is clear: zoo herpetology and herpetological facilities were and still are essential and valuable, and should not be lost." -- Gerard Visser, Curator of Fishes and Reptiles, Rotterdam Zoological & Botanical Gardens, Podarcis, 2007 8(1/2)
"This book is a must for anyone having an interest in Herpetology, and especially those presently working in zoos or aquaria throughout the world. The book will immediately grasp the reader, and
you'll be compelled to read in its entirety without setting it down. You'll never regret having purchased this excellent volume written by another prominent curator from the Dallas Zoo, and presently at the United States National Zoological Park." -- Harlan D. Walley & Theresa L. Wusterbarth, Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, Volume 44, Number 1, March 2008
"It is unique: there has never been a well-grounded document like this devoted to the
historical role and scientific record of any class of zoo/aquarium animal life…this book is an intriguing departure from traditional historical narratives. The bibliographic material, which comprises perhaps 35% of the books total volume, is an unmatched assemblage of pertinent references skillfully mortared together with mini-narratives." -- Ray Pawley, International Zoo News, Vol. 55/2 (No. 363), March 2008 |
