Book Review: A thorough guide to marine mammals

Whales, Dolphins, and Other Marine Mammals of the World (Princeton Field Guides)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

A lovely book, packed with details and excellent illustrations. I haven't yet had the chance to actually use it as a field guide, but it's equally valuable as a desktop reference. I'm always fascinated by the gaps remaining in our knowledge of marine mammals (e.g., who is related to who, what varieties (possibly species) are not yet clarified, where ranges might extend), and this book provides food for thought in almost every entry. I'ts not the kind of book you'd sit down and read for pleasure or knowledge all through, but it's the kind you definitely want close at hand when doing any kind of research or writing on cetaceans, pinnipeds, and the rest.