Zoology - An Introduction to the Animal Kingdom

by Herbert S. Zim, Harvey L. Fisher, R. Will Burnett

This Golden Press edition was continuously in print from 1958 through the 1970's. An introduction to zoological classifications, anatomy, reproduction and the effects of environment. Lavishly illustrated and clearly written, the Golden Guides were the most popular and revered series of science and nature books for young people ever published, inspiring many a future scientist.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Animals, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Herbert Spencer Zim (July 12, 1909 – December 5, 1994) was a naturalist, author, editor and also known as the fonder and editor in chief of the Golden Guides series of nature books. He wrote or edited more than one hundred scientific books, and in a thirty-year career teaching in the public schools introduced laboratory instruction into elementary school science. He is best known as the founder in 1945, of the Golden Guides, pocket-size introductions for children to such subjects as fossils, zoology, microscopy, rocks and minerals, codes and secret writings, trees, wildflowers, dinosaurs, navigation and more. He was the sole or co-author for many of the books, which were valued for their clarity, accuracy and attractive presentation helped by the illustrations of James Gordon Irving. He continued to work on the Golden Guides series until Alzheimer's disease forced him to slow down in the 1990s. He died in 1994 at Plantation Key, Florida.

Reviews

[K]

Not really a reference book and certainly not any kind of field guide, this book is still a nice little refresher on the animal side of biology. In 1958, the "modern synthesis" of evolution via natural selection and heredity via genes and DNA was still pretty new (the discovery of the structure of DNA was brand new), so these topics get more than cursory mention along with supporting tie-ins from paleontology.

[Billy]

Not as comprehensive as Botany, Zoology's companion volume in the Golden Guide series. For example, no mention of DNA/RNA and much less coverage of the chemistry of metabolism. Perhaps the has something to do with the issue dates of the editions read: 1958 for Zoology and 1970 for Botany.

[Shane]

A holdover from when I was a little kid. I just loved reading these Golden Nature Guides. While there are of course many better books on the subject now, these were top of the line way back when...I know, I'm aging myself.

[Cole Heramb]

This book is a very interesting for someone who is into zoology like me. It is full of amazing facts, some blander than the other. It is a great book if you are looking to learn the basics of zoology.

[Fredrick Danysh]

A short, easy to read introductory book on the science of zoology meant for young people. It is easy to understand without talking down to the reader.

[Chip Alhazred]

Its clades may be outdated (it was written in 1958 and republished in this edition in 1973.

[Elwin Kline]

Short and sweet little zoology book.

Great for young adults taking sciences classes or folks in general who are interested in Zoology. This is absolutely 100% introductory level material, but I felt like it did a good job of covering all the basics and as well written, organized, and fun to read with lots of illustrations.

Considering this was published in the 50's, might be hard to find a copy. I was fortunate enough to find this in my Dad's garage still in great condition.

[Alexandra]

very rudimentary. but i like the pictures <3

[Erich Funes]

Very informative and precise without being overwhelming due to the information having to be provided in such a small book. A great pocket book to keep on you if you wanted a quick intro into Zoology without having to worry about getting stuck in a heap of information

[Fredrick Danysh]

A college textbook on the study of zoology. Contains the basic information as an introduction to the subject. This volume is from about 1968.

[Varun Sharma]

it is a good guide for zoology.