|
|
|
|
BOOKS OUR
FIRST EDITION REVIEWED IN 1979 MEDITERRANEAN FISHES
by G.H. Jennings 68 pages, £M2, Calypso Publications, Reproduced from the Times of Malta Descriptions
are not the main method or recognition, in fact many of the fish are only listed
with name and size, and no other supporting material. Where applicable, English
names are given. Some general information is given with the families concerned;
and the most attention has been given to the Blennies and Wrasses, which are
difficult for anyone. The title is. rather ambitious, but a short work like this
can be nothing but a guide, as is stated by its author. Since this work is a
tool for identification, it is actually a type of key based on various tables
and symbols, supported by the small diagrams. It is a useful booklet to have,
but as the author says that information is restricted, and offers a short bibliography
for further reading. Considering the difficulties to treat a vast subject in a
small space, the booklet is appreciated, and its limitations are sincerely
admitted, by its author. What
may mar the general impression, is not the book itself, but the brochure issued
to publicise it, as this gives some false impressions, about the work. The
brochure says "nine colour plates", but there are no plates, but on
the cover there are nine fish; printed in colour. Also "hundreds of line
illustrations", but there are only less than 200 small outline line
drawings, most of which are between 3 to 4 cm. long, not more, many less,
presumably to economise on space for a concise work, The brochure also asserts
that it is "the first fully illustrated pocket-sized book on Mediterranean
fish in English", ignoring the existence of that on Maltese fish, listed in
the bibliography, which is also on Central Mediterranean fish, in English,
illustrated, and pocket sized as the present work. Brochures are after all
advertising material, and should not be confused with the actual book under
review. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Personally I appreciate it, and one can feel Malta all over it, in the acknowledgements, bibliography, photographs, and the fact that Mr. Jennings based his studies of marine fish mainly; on those of Maltese waters. It is hoped that the author would some day use his expertise for a work on Blennies or Wrasses, which are a headache for Mediterranean ichthyologists. (Guido Lanfranco)
|
|