Organized in a clear and concise fashion this handbook gives a comprehensive summary of 79 species of turtles. The foreword by June Whitfield Gibbons puts the book, originally published in 1952, into historical perspective and supplies information bringing it up to date. The original text considers in its first part turtle physiology, reproduction, growth, adaptation, behaviour, and evolution. The latter half of the book is organized according to keys that give identifying characteristics, life histories, and illustrations of each species. Under headings of geographical range, distinguishing features, description, habitat, habits, breeding, and feeding, the volume provides detailed accounts of the various species and sub-species.