1 / 7The Natural History Book by DK, 664-page visual guide
DK’s The Natural History Book is a large-format visual reference covering wildlife, plants, fungi, microorganisms, rocks, minerals and fossils. Its 664 pages and galleries of more than 5,000 species make it suited to browsing and family reference, though the listed weight of 2.84 kg makes it less convenient to carry around.
At a glance
- Covers living Earth, minerals, rocks and fossils, microscopic life, plants, fungi and animals.
- Includes a full-colour gallery of more than 5,000 species and over 500 rocks, minerals and fossils.
- Includes a glossary of natural-history terms and specially commissioned wildlife photographs.
- The listing says the revised edition adds newly identified species and reflects updated understanding of relationships among living things.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad subject coverage makes it useful for readers interested in both wildlife and geological specimens.
- The image-led format and glossary support browsing as well as looking up unfamiliar natural-history terms.
- Customer feedback highlights detailed imagery and appeal as a family reference for children and adults.
Cons
- At 2.84 kg, it is a substantial book and less practical to carry than a lighter field guide.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | DK |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 16 Sept. 2021 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 664 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0241393345 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0241393345 |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 4 x 27.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 2.84 kg |
What to know before buying
- The publisher describes this edition as updated with new discoveries and a reorganisation of groups of living things. Buyers seeking a particular taxonomy or level of scientific detail may want to check the book’s contents against their needs.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Nature enthusiasts wanting a broad, illustrated reference for home browsing.
- Families looking for a shared book on animals, plants, fungi, microscopic life and geology.
- Readers interested in natural history photography or a substantial coffee-table reference.
Less suited to
- Hikers or field observers who need a lightweight book to take outdoors.
- Readers seeking a narrow, specialist reference rather than an overview across multiple natural-history subjects.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
90% 90% - 4 stars
8% 8% - 3 stars
2% 2% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Customer feedback highlights detailed photographs and illustrations, attractive presentation, interest as a family reference and perceived value. For home browsing with children or adults, those reported qualities suit the book’s broad, image-led coverage and 664-page format. The positive aggregate rating is encouraging, but ratings do not establish whether its breadth or level of detail suits a particular reader.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the imagery as detailed and the presentation as attractive.
- Feedback describes it as an interesting family reference for children and adults, and as good value.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects does The Natural History Book cover?
The listing describes coverage of living Earth, minerals, rocks and fossils, microscopic life, plants, fungi and animals.
How many species and geological specimens are featured?
The listing states that the book includes a full-colour gallery of more than 5,000 species and features over 500 rocks, minerals and fossils.
Is this a practical book to carry on hikes?
It is listed at 2.84 kg, so it is more suited to home reference and browsing than carrying on a hike.
What do customers say about the book?
Customer feedback highlights the detailed pictures, presentation, interest as a family reference and perceived value. These reports may be useful when considering it for shared home reading, but do not establish how every reader will find its content.
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