The New Amateur Naturalist?

[BM]

Has anyone got this book?

The Amateur Naturalist (1982) by Gerald Durrell was one of my bibles when I was younger and I had a good read through my rather battered copy of it the other day.

Was wondering how the new one by Nick Baker compares? I'm planning to buy a copy for a friends son who has a fledging interest in the great outdoors but was also thinking of buying a copy myself ...... is there sufficient differences in the two to warrant purchase? Any help much appreciated .........

[Alan]

I've flicked through it at a bookshop, it's certainly a book for novices covering a bit of everything. It gives advice on basic equipment and techniques, but I wouldn't put it in the same class as Durrel's book. Best to look through it first before buying. For a beginner it's ok though.

[BM]

Yes, I thought that might be the case. I scoured Edinburghs bookshops the other weekend but was unable to find a copy. Will have another go this weekend.

[Alan]

Try on Amazon, you can see a few pages inside as well as the contents/index.

[nightshade]

There was one in my local Oxfam shop a couple of weeks ago £3.99 if I remember correctly!

[Wild-Woman]

I too have The Amateur Naturalist. I gave Nick Bakers book for a Christmas pres. Have you had a look at Chris Packhams Back Garden Nature Reserve. Very good and also amusing.It also has a good section on photographing wildlife for beginners. (That's me)ww

[pet]

I purchased Nick Bakers British Wildlife, a month by month guide and thought it was a really well laid out book and an enjoyable read, its specially good if you have kids as they would find it easy to understand and learn from without being put off or baffled with complex issues. I certainly found things in this book i didnt know.. It also refreshed some old knowledge forgotten due to time