Bob Gibbons – författare

An authoritative photographic guide to Europe’s spectacular Alpine floraEurope’s Alpine Flowers covers the flowering plants and conifers that occur regularly on mountains and in Arctic areas north of a line that runs from the Pyrenees to Southern Romania. For many botanists—and gardeners—the alpine flora is the best it gets. There are many species adapted to a harsh climate of extreme winter cold and strong winds, including some of our most beautiful rock plants, such as gentians, saxifrages, and crocuses. These also include subtle and rare flowers that require care to discover and identify. With outstanding photographs and concise text that covers key features, this guide enables confident identification in the field.Covers the plants most likely to be seen above an elevation of 1,000 metres, concentrating on plants confined to high mountain areas of Europe and to the ArcticMore than 1,800 color photographs illustrating almost 1,800 speciesConcise, descriptive species accounts including details of habitat, altitudinal range, flowering period, and distributionFeatures easy-to-use text with minimal botanical jargon and illustrations of essential biological termsWith sections on flower identification, the alpine and Arctic environments and their habitats, and the best places to see alpine flowersComprehensive index including synonyms

An authoritative photographic guide to Europe’s spectacular Alpine floraEurope’s Alpine Flowers covers the flowering plants and conifers that occur regularly on mountains and in Arctic areas north of a line that runs from the Pyrenees to Southern Romania. For many botanists—and gardeners—the alpine flora is the best it gets. There are many species adapted to a harsh climate of extreme winter cold and strong winds, including some of our most beautiful rock plants, such as gentians, saxifrages, and crocuses. These also include subtle and rare flowers that require care to discover and identify. With outstanding photographs and concise text that covers key features, this guide enables confident identification in the field.

Covers the plants most likely to be seen above an elevation of 1,000 metres, concentrating on plants confined to high mountain areas of Europe and to the ArcticMore than 1,800 color photographs illustrating almost 1,800 speciesConcise, descriptive species accounts including details of habitat, altitudinal range, flowering period, and distributionFeatures easy-to-use text with minimal botanical jargon and illustrations of essential biological termsWith sections on flower identification, the alpine and Arctic environments and their habitats, and the best places to see alpine flowersComprehensive index including synonyms

A visual feast for both armchair naturalists and active travellers, this book provides a visually stunning and very informative guide to the world's most spectacular displays of wild flowers.From the Mojave Desert in the USA to the Italian Dolomites, and from South Africa's Cape National Park to the Stirling Ranges of Australia, this book showcases the most spectacular displays of wild blooms on the planet.Each site account begins with a locator map and info panel detailing timing, key species etc. This is followed by an informative and readable account by the expert author (who has personally visited nearly all of the sites covered) accompanied by a handful of stunning images of each location showing off the displays of flowers. In addition there are chapters on the animal life that can be found at these sites, and on the conservation status of the locations covered in the book.Many people travel widely in search of spectacular displays of flowers, but are guided only by word-of-mouth information, or by what organised tours are available. This book sets out to rectify this gap. However, it aims to be much more: the most 'flowery' places in the world are exceptionally spectacular at their best, and the beautiful photography in the book allows a broad audience to enjoy these sights without even leaving the house.

A comprehensive pocket-sized field guide, covering around 80 species of trees and large shrubs that are common in Britain and the rest of Europe. The introduction explains the basics of tree forms and their identification. Each species is illustrated by the author's remarkable photographs. The text covers information such as ID features for bark, flowers, fruit and leaves, blossoming and fruiting times, distribution, habitat, status, confusion species and interesting facts such as plant uses.This book is as visually impressive as it is useful in the field, with many stunning full-page and double-page photographs to support the authoritative text. Printed on quality paper, the paperback format with flaps adds to the book's durability in the field and provides built in page-markers for quick reference. Part of the Pocket Guides series covering British and European wildlife, including garden birds, butterflies, insects, wild flowers, tracking and signs, and orchids.

A compact guide covering everything you need to know about insects of the UK.This pocket-sized book is an essential guide to insects, helping you to identify around 240 of the most easily noticed British species selected from a range of orders and families. The introduction covers the characteristics of an insect, where to find them as well as the conservation work in demand around the world, then entries on each species are divided into simple sections covering general information followed by its flight period, habitat and similar species.As visually impressive as it is useful in the field, Pocket Guide to Insects features many stunning full-page and double-page images supporting the authoritative text. Part of the Pocket Guides series covering British and European wildlife, including garden birds, butterflies, mushrooms, wild flowers, trees and shrubs and tracks and signs.

A compact guide covering everything you need to know about insects of the UK.This pocket-sized book is an essential guide to insects, helping you to identify around 240 of the most easily noticed British species selected from a range of orders and families.The introduction covers the characteristics of an insect, where to find them as well as the conservation work in demand around the world, then entries on each species are divided into simple sections covering general information followed by its flight period, habitat and similar species.As visually impressive as it is useful in the field, Pocket Guide to Insects features many stunning full-page and double-page images supporting the authoritative text. Part of the Pocket Guides series covering British and European wildlife, including garden birds, butterflies, mushrooms, wild flowers, trees and shrubs and tracks and signs.

A comprehensive pocket-sized field guide, covering around 80 species of trees and large shrubs that are common in Britain and the rest of Europe. The introduction explains the basics of tree forms and their identification. Each species is illustrated by the author's remarkable photographs. The text covers information such as ID features for bark, flowers, fruit and leaves, blossoming and fruiting times, distribution, habitat, status, confusion species and interesting facts such as plant uses.This book is as visually impressive as it is useful in the field, with many stunning full-page and double-page photographs to support the authoritative text. Printed on quality paper, the paperback format with flaps adds to the book's durability in the field and provides built in page-markers for quick reference. Part of the Pocket Guides series covering British and European wildlife, including garden birds, butterflies, insects, wild flowers, tracking and signs, and orchids.

A comprehensive pocket-sized field guide, covering around 80 species of trees and large shrubs that are common in Britain and the rest of Europe. The introduction explains the basics of tree forms and their identification. Each species is illustrated by the author's remarkable photographs. The text covers information such as ID features for bark, flowers, fruit and leaves, blossoming and fruiting times, distribution, habitat, status, confusion species and interesting facts such as plant uses.This book is as visually impressive as it is useful in the field, with many stunning full-page and double-page photographs to support the authoritative text. Printed on quality paper, the paperback format with flaps adds to the book's durability in the field and provides built in page-markers for quick reference.Part of the Pocket Guides series covering British and European wildlife, including garden birds, butterflies, insects, wild flowers, tracking and signs, and orchids.

Bloomsbury Pocket Guides are essential photographic guides to the natural world. This book is as visually impressive as it is useful in the field, with many stunning full-page and double-page photographs to support the authoritative text. The introduction explains the basics of butterflies and their identification. Each species is illustrated by the author's remarkable photographs. The text covers information such as ID features, distribution, habitat, status, confusion species and interesting facts.

Bloomsbury Pocket Guides are essential photographic guides to the natural world.This book is as visually impressive as it is useful in the field, with many stunning full-page and double-page photographs to support the authoritative text. The introduction explains the basics of butterflies and their identification. Each species is illustrated by the author's remarkable photographs.The text covers information such as ID features, distribution, habitat, status, confusion species and interesting facts.

Aimed at both the general reader and amateur naturalist, this guide offers information on observing and identifying 150 of the species most commonly encountered in gardens of Britain and Europe.Each species' habits, range and important characteristics are described, while colour paintings show each in detail. There are sections on and how to encourage wildlife into your garden and how to watch it. Sound advice on conservation issues is also offered.The book can be used as both a home reference and a pocket companion in the field.

Bloomsbury Pocket Guides are essential photographic guides to the natural world.Pocket Guide To Wild Flowers is an accessible guide providing comprehensive detail on 130 of the most common British species of wild flowers.A short introduction to the book includes information on the structure of flowers and how to use the guide to identify wild flowers. Each species account includes a general introduction and description, flowering time and distribution.The species are illustrated in more than 150 of the author's remarkable colour photographs.Part of the Pocket Guides series covering British and European wildlife, including garden birds, butterflies, insects, trees and shrubs, tracking and signs, and orchids.

Bloomsbury Green Guides are portable handbooks to the most commonly found species in Britain and Europe.Our coastlines are home to a wide range of animals and plants, some that are iconic sights on beaches and others that we only see when we look more closely. The Green Guide to Seashore Life makes identifying them easy for beginners and amateur naturalists alike.Concise descriptions include information on appearance, habitat and distribution and similar species. Beautiful colour illustrations of all 150 species are included.A detailed introduction includes colour photographs and information on types of seashore habitat, shore zonation and groups of seashore plants and animals.

Bloomsbury Green Guides are portable handbooks to the most commonly found species in Britain and Europe.Our coastlines are home to a wide range of animals and plants, some that are iconic sights on beaches and others that we only see when we look more closely. The Green Guide to Seashore Life makes identifying them easy for beginners and amateur naturalists alike.Concise descriptions include information on appearance, habitat and distribution and similar species, and beautiful colour illustrations of all 150 species are included.A detailed introduction includes colour photographs and information on types of seashore habitat, shore zonation and groups of seashore plants and animals.

Aimed at both the general reader and amateur naturalist, this guide offers information on observing and identifying 150 of the species most commonly encountered in gardens of Britain and Europe.Each species' habits, range and important characteristics are described, while colour paintings show each in detail. There are sections on and how to encourage wildlife into your garden and how to watch it. Sound advice on conservation issues is also offered.The book can be used as both a home reference and a pocket companion in the field.

A guidebook to 4 treks in Nepal’s Annapurna region, including Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary, plus 10 other routes covering the Machhapuchhre region, Parbat Myagdi, northeast Pokhara, the foothills of Lamjung Himal, and the restricted areas of Mustang, Damodar and Nar-Phu.

Routes range from 4 to 23 days and are graded by difficulty, from easy-moderate to moderate-strenuous. Most involve altitudes of over 3000m, with the Annapurna Circuit ascending to over 5400m.

Route description illustrated with sketch mapping and elevation profiles Notes on both organised and independent trekking, and accommodation options (lodges, camping and homestay) Advice on preparation and planning, including recommended kitlist Healthy and safety A wealth of cultural information, plus history, plants and wildlife

Bradt's Africa Overland is the result of over 40 years' experience on the roads of Africa, Asia and South America, combining everything you need to know about the Africa with all the practical advice needed for tackling long-distance journeys under often challenging conditions, be it by 4X4 or public transport. A massive amount of background detail is included, from suggested routes for reaching Africa - including via Asia or Saudi Arabia - to selecting and shipping your vehicle, budgeting, equipment and spares, organised tours, public transport, red tape and heaps of information about issues likely to arise on the road: driving and recovery techniques, maintenance, motorbike driving, bureaucracy, borders and police checks.This new, fully updated edition covers over 50 countries, as well as offering a focus on aspects such as geography, vegetation and climate, natural history and conservation, cultural interaction, religion and festivals. There's lots of guidance about where to find all the latest information both before you depart and while you're on the road, plus a guide to countries on the return route through Asia and Europe: India, Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. African highlights include the Atlas Mountains and Sahara fringes in Morocco, desert expeditions in Chad, River Nile culture in Egypt and Sudan, the equatorial rain forests of central Africa, East African game parks, and Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. In southern Africa, there's Angola, the Namibian desert, and the Cape and diverse coastline of South Africa.As the authors say: 'Africa is addictive. It is also changing fast, but a trip now will still be a revelation.'

Written by well-known naturalists and photographers, this guide will enable the easy identification of around 1,000 of the more common insects found in the region. The carefully chosen selection represents all insect groups, with a bias towards the more prominent species, so that all the butterflies, grasshoppers, crickets, damselflies and dragonflies occurring in Britain have been included. Over 700 colour photographs show the species in their natural habitats, and around 100 line-drawings clearly show important features, enabling accurate identification.

This guidebook describes the Mount Kailash trek in Tibet that leads trekkers around the sacred mountain following the pilgrims'' route. Though short, this high-altitude trek is not to be undertaken lightly - Mount Kailash remains isolated and remote, and getting there is an epic journey in itself. Isolated for centuries behind the Himalayas in Tibet is a mysterious and mythical mountain, Mount Kailash, standing 6714m (22,028ft) high. The mountain has for more than a thousand years been a central pilgrimage site for some of the world''s major religions.Also included in the guide is a visit to the lost kingdom of Guge, still almost unknown in the west. The ethereal ruined fortress of Tsaparang, Guge''s former capital, is Tibet''s greatest Buddhist treasure-house of art and paintings - a stunning location not to be missed. In this book, the Kailash trek, and other treks in the region, are described in detail, including the key approach routes (by foot and road) and return route to Kathmandu or Lhasa. Also included is extensive practical information for planning and preparation and historical, cultural and religious background information about the places visited.

Experience the spectacular landscapes of Nepal’s Annapurna region, where towering Himalayan peaks, terraced valleys, and turquoise rivers create a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable treks. Highlights include the classic Annapurna Circuit, the sanctuary of Annapurna South, and lesser-known routes through the Machhapuchhre region, Lamjung foothills, northeast Pokhara, and the restricted areas of Mustang, Damodar, and Nar-Phu. Discover traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and a wealth of cultural and natural treasures along trails that traverse altitudes from 1,000m to over 5,400m. This comprehensive guidebook presents 14 treks graded from easy-moderate to moderate-strenuous, including four major Annapurna routes and ten additional walks suitable for experienced trekkers. Routes range from 4 to 23 days and offer opportunities to explore high Himalayan passes, lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and remote settlements far from the well-trodden tourist paths. Four classic treks including the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary, offering iconic Himalayan scenery and high-altitude challenges for experienced trekkers.Ten additional treks covering the Machhapuchhre region, Lamjung foothills, Parbat Myagdi, northeast Pokhara, and the restricted regions of Mustang, Damodar, and Nar-Phu.Step-by-step route descriptions accompanied by clear sketch mapping, elevation profiles, and distance statistics to support planning and navigation.Guidance on organised and independent trekking, including accommodation options such as lodges, homestays, and campsites throughout Nepal's Annapurna region.Practical advice on preparation, kit, health, and safety, including acclimatisation, altitude awareness, and seasonal considerations for trekking in the Himalayas.Insight into Nepalese culture, history, plants, and wildlife, with context for monasteries, local festivals, and regional customs along the routes, plus seasonal guidance, highlighting optimal trekking windows for snow-free high passes, rhododendron bloom, and clear mountain views. Plan your Annapurna trekking adventure with confidence using this definitive guidebook, and explore the dramatic peaks, remote valleys, and vibrant cultural landscapes of one of the world’s most celebrated Himalayan regions.