The Florida Naturalist’s "Bible"

[Alden, Peter et al.]

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida [447 Full-Color Illustrations]

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998.
A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary field guide to the unique ecosystems and biodiversity of the Florida peninsula. 

This authoritative Audubon volume departs from single-species guides by offering a holistic "all-in-one" approach, integrating flora, fauna, geology, and star charts specific to the Florida latitude. Featuring hundreds of high-quality color photographs and detailed topographical maps, it serves as an essential reference for both the amateur naturalist and the seasoned explorer navigating the state's diverse habitats—from the hardwood hammocks of the north to the subtropical marl prairies of the Everglades.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Illustrated with 447 full-color photographs, including species identification plates, night sky charts, and regional ecological maps. +++ Binding: Original flexible "Chanticleer Press" style wraps designed for durability in the field. 
+++ Content: Covers birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, wildflowers, trees, and marine life; includes a comprehensive index and geological survey. 
+++ Imprint: Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 1998. 
+++ Specs: 4 by 7.5 inches; 447 pages.

CONDITION — Near Fine. Exhibits no flaws or blemishes beyond minimal evidence of light handling. The bindings are tight and square, showing no creasing to the flexible spine. The text block and color plates are clean and vibrant, with only the lightest hint of even age-toning to the page edges. A superior, collector-grade example of a guide typically found with heavy field wear.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
This guide is distinguished by its ecological synthesis, moving beyond mere taxonomy to provide a comprehensive look at the interconnectedness of Florida’s distinct bioregions. It utilizes a sophisticated identification system that pairs visual morphology with habitat-specific data, making it a vital primary resource for understanding the state’s environmental history and conservation needs.

The inclusion of topographical surveys and astronomical charts localized to Florida's geographic position offers a rare multidisciplinary perspective, while the detailed anatomical and botanical descriptions provide a rigorous baseline for late-20th-century biodiversity studies in the Southeastern United States.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
The National Audubon Society guides, particularly the state-specific editions of the late 1990s, set the gold standard for portable American natural history. This 1998 Florida edition remains a high-water mark for the series, reflecting the peak of high-gloss color identification technology before the digital transition. It captures the environmental state of Florida just prior to the massive restoration efforts of the early 2000s, serving as a snapshot of the state's wilderness at the close of the 20th century.

SUBJECTS: Florida Natural History, Audubon Field Guides, Everglades Ecology, Botany, Ornithology, Florida Geology, Reference, Natural History, Field Guide.

Item #21734

Price: $35.00