LAPLAND: A NATURAL HISTORY. By Derek Ratcliffe. Illustrated by Mike Unwin.

2005 1st edition. Large 8vo (194 x 259mm). Ppxii,352. Colour photographs, maps, extensive bibliography. Green boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is a fascinating and detailed description of the natural history of the northern counties of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Karelia. Derek Ratcliffe visited Lapland annually for a decade and a half in order to study its environment and ecology. Chapters include: The country; The Lapland naturalists; Biogeography and composition of Lapland wildlife; Ecology of Lapland birds; Boreal forests; Forest peatlands; Lakes and rivers; Coastlands; Tundra; Modified and man-made habitats; Other wildlife; Wildlife conservation; The breeding birds of Lapland; Wader breeding systems. Lapland has been studied over centuries by many significant naturalists, Carl von Linne (Linnaeus) being the most important. That said, much of this work since Linnaeus has been inaccessible to the monoglot anglophone. This book, therefore, is not only an important survey of the natural history of the Scandinavian sub-Arctic, but brings us up to date on the studies and collections made there between our own time and that of Linnaeus. A great book which will be in demand for many years to come.