The original Grzimek's Tierleben Enzyklopaedie was prepared under the editorship of the distinguished zoologist Bernhard Grzimek (1909-1987), Director of the Frankfurt Zoo. Published in 1967 and then in English in the 1970s, it was widely considered the best complete reference work on animals ever to appear. Now the Gale Group has undertaken a complete revision of the series, under the guidance of Dr Michael Hutchins, Director of Conservation and William Conway Chair of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, and an expert editorial board. The series has been expanded from 13 to 16 volumes, with newly commissioned colour images, 3500 new maps and updated information. The Encyclopedia has also been made easier to use.