Dispar
The Online Journal of Lepidoptera
ISSN 2056-9246
The Online Journal of Lepidoptera
ISSN 2056-9246
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by Jeremy Thomas and Richard Lewington
From the publisher: The Butterflies of Britain & Ireland is an authoritative account of our butterflies, accessibly written and beautifully illustrated. First published in 1991, it sold out in the early 1990s and was never reprinted. This completely revised edition includes substantially revised species accounts, all including the latest information and research. It also contains nearly 100 new artworks painted by Richard Lewington. It provides comprehensive coverage of all the resident and migratory butterflies found in Great Britain and Ireland, including the latest information on newly discovered species such as Réal's Wood White and the Geranium Bronze.
Of all of the reviews I've provided over the years, this has been the most difficult to write. How do you review "Thomas and Lewington" - a classic work if ever there was one? When the first edition was published it won the Natural World Book of the Year Award and was quickly recognised as the best book ever written on British butterflies. Second hand copies have been regularly selling for over £60 on eBay but you can currently get yourself an autographed copy of the updated second edition for £22 from British Wildlife Publishing (although this particular offer ends on 31st May 2010). So - I could make my life easy and simply say "just buy the book" and leave it at that. However, I suspect anyone reading this review will want to know a little more.
For those that have never read the original edition, this book combines two essential elements. Firstly, it provides authoritative accounts of all of the species of butterfly found in the British Isles, written by the world-renowned butterfly expert, Jeremy Thomas. Not only has Jeremy distilled literally hundreds of scientific reports (including his own!), but does so in a very readable manner, liberally sprinkled with his own anecdotes and findings. Most people who read this book learn something on every page and this really is no exaggeration. Secondly, the stunning illustrations are provided by Richard Lewington, who is generally considered the best artist of Lepidoptera anywhere. Click here to see some of his work and judge for yourself. But this is not a book only for the serious butterfly-watcher - the book is so well-written and well-illustrated that what could have been a pretty dry read is turned into a wonderful series of short stories that will also appeal to anyone only casually interested in butterflies or simply interested in wildlife in general.
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For those that have read the original edition, what's new or changed? Well, the highly-recognisable square-format has been replaced with a much more sensibly-proportioned format. In my case, this means it actually fits on my bookshelf! But the overall quality of the book is much much better overall - with high-quality paper used throughout which means that images don't show through the page - a small problem with the first edition. What's more, the book is longer than the first edition, allowing an additional 40% coverage of each species. This also means that some of the species originally relegated to a minor mention in the first edition now get full coverage alongside their relatives. As a result, the book also includes over 100 new illustrations. I've spent three days reading it on and off and have yet to reach half way.
In terms of content, it is bang up to date. It's crammed with information based on the latest research from across the world, especially Europe and, of course, the British Isles (we're told in the introduction that 922 major authorities were consulted - a seven-fold increase from the first edition). To test just how current the book is, does it mention Réal's Wood White and the Geranium Bronze, two species relatively-recently observed from the British Isles? It certainly does. Does it mention the 2006 Camberwell Beauty invasion? Of course. Does it mention the parasitic fly Sturmia bella that is believed to affect Small Tortoiseshell populations? Yes - and the fly is illustrated, as are many other parasites - something the first edition only covered lightly. Does it mention innovations, such as monitoring migrants using Vertical-Looking Radar? Yes. Does it mention the 2009 Painted Lady invasion? Surprisingly, it does, given how recent this event was and the time it usually takes to get a book into print!
All in all this is a seriously beautiful and seriously informative piece of work and I can't recommend it highly enough. But don't take my word for it - some initial reactions from UK Butterflies forum members are given below. This continues to be my favourite butterfly book and one that I know I'll be constantly referring back to. As I said at the start - just buy it. You really won't be disappointed.
"I have to say I am impressed. The page ratio is better than he previous edition which was a rather unpleasing square. The paper quality is excellent - another fall-down area for the first edition. The illustrations are beautiful, and, from what I have read so far, the text is informal yet scholarly. If you haven't ordered one yet - do so. It is just excellent." - Rogerdodge
"Plates are gorgeous and the text both easy to read and crammed with information." - hosebirder
"My first impressions were, naturally, with its appearance as I removed it from the wrapper. It was clean, shiny, felt good and the designers are to be congratulated on the beautiful cover. I felt immediately that this was a book that I wanted to pick up and read. Well done, Jeremy, Richard and all concerned with the production." - alex mclennan
"Best Butterfly book I've ever had, and that was first time round.... this edition is awesome!!!" - Paul
"Received my copy yesterday and couldn't put it down all evening... The book is easily the most informative book I have seen on British Butterflies and is a real mine of information about each species. As there are over 280 pages and the font is quite small, it encompasses a huge amount of information. The quality of detail in Jeremy Thomas' text is perfectly mirrored by Richard Lewingon's exquisite illustrations - quite brilliant. Even though I have only read the chapters on half a dozen or so species so far, I have learned so much... The notes about how to find the various stages, their habits and the history of their locality (and the unfortunate changes which have occurred in many) are laid out wonderfully and in an easy to read style. I make no apology for being so "gushing" about this book - it really is a fantastic piece of work. If you don't believe me, beg, borrow or steal one and have a quick look through its pages... It will soon become apparent that you have no option but to buy your own copy. No true butterfly enthusiast can afford to be without this tome on their bookshelf.... and at under £25, it really is a steal anyway!" - Trev Sawyer
"Picked mine up from the Royal Mail office this lunchtime; at first glance it is exactly what I'd hoped it would be. Packed with information and Lewington's illustrations inspire me each time I see them...I can only echo what others have said..." Buy it today" you won't regret it..." - NickB
"My two favourite butterfly books are 'The Butterflies of Britain & Ireland' (Thomas & Lewington, First Edition) and 'The Butterflies of Britain & Ireland' (Thomas & Lewington, Second Edition). That says it all!" - Sussex Kipper
An autographed copy can currently be ordered for £22 from British Wildlife Publishing. This offer ends on 31st May 2010.