How would you rank the Handbook of the Mammals of the World volumes?

boro745

boro745

Active Member
Hi! I currently own the first two volumes of the Handbook of the Mammals of the World, and I am thinking of buying another one for Christmas. But I'm not sure on which one to buy, so I would like to hear your opinions and see how you would rank the nine volumes. Should I consider buying a birds volume instead? Are they too outdated? Thanks!
 
It is important, what group of Mammals you like, of course, but I would recommend vol. V Monotremes and Marsupials. The Primates is essential, but paintwork highly diminish it's value. If you like Rodents, you need to buy 2 volumes. The volume VIII is bit weird mix. Volume IV is beautiful, but covers only 147 species, while the vol. IX Bats feels cramped with astounding number of 1402 species. BTW, if you going to buy one, why not buy the new Checklist ?
 
I basically agree with twilighter. Volume V is probably the most interesting, but the Checklist covers all the living mammal species known before publication and may given you an idea of which volume you want to buy next. Obviously, a lot will depend on which mammals you are most interested in.

You can get a 13% discount here: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Lynx Edicions.

This website gives you an idea about what's in each volume: Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Volumes 1 to 9
 
Checklists are more up to date. And I doubt they will update the Primate's volume regarding the illustrations.
 
Thanks for the replies, if it wasn't for the artwork I would buy the 3rd one without a doubt, but I think the illustrations bring the while volume down, I think I have narrowed it to 2 books, volumes 5 and 6, I know that volume 6 doesn't cove all rodent species, bit it covers most of which I am interested in.
 
In that case, I definitely recommend the Marsupials and Monotremes volume as the better option :)
 
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