This book provides an overview of the diversity of lizards and their major adaptive features. The authors discuss the latest research findings and provide new hypotheses about lizard diversity.

Practical guide makes it easier for beginners as well as advanced artists to paint everything from dogs, cats, and deer to birds, sheep, and goats. 236 black-and-white illustrations, 26 in color.

This action-packed volume brings together a whole range of fantasy art projects, from the nearly human to the downright monstrous. Steve Beaumont's two successful fantasy art titles, How to Draw Fantasy Art and How to Draw Fantasy Worlds, are brought together into one bumper volume. Projects range from a demonic seductress to a howling werewolf, a winged warrior and a rock and roll vampire. Throughout the book fantasy artist Steve Beaumont provides step-by-step instruction and professional tips.

WITCHCRAFT & MAGIC - Ultimate Collection stands as a monumental anthology that traverses the elusive and captivating world of witchcraft and magic through an array of literary styles and perspectives. The collection brings together an unprecedented array of essays, historical analyses, folk tales, and narratives, emboldened by the diversity of its contributors. From the grim historical accounts of witch trials to the mystical tales of magic that have coursed through cultures worldwide, the anthology reveals the multifaceted representations of witchcraft, magic, and their profound impact on societies and imaginations over centuries. The significance of the works included in this compilation lies not only in their thematic variances but also in their collective capacity to weave a comprehensive tapestry of the human fascination with the supernatural, including standout pieces that examine the socio-political ramifications of witch fantasies and realities alike. The contributing authors and editors, including luminaries such as Bram Stoker and Margaret Murray, hail from varied historical and cultural backgrounds, offering a rich mosaic of insights into the deeply entrenched beliefs and fears that have shaped human interactions with witchcraft and magic. This compilation aligns itself with key historical, cultural, and literary movementsranging from the Enlightenment's scientific scrutiny of magical beliefs to the Romantic fascination with the gothic and supernatural. The anthology benefits immeasurably from the contributors' diverse disciplinary backgrounds, their collective work fostering a deeper understanding of the historical roots and cultural narratives that have perpetuated the allure of the magical and the occult. WITCHCRAFT & MAGIC - Ultimate Collection invites readers into a realm of intrigue, history, and profound insight, offering a unique opportunity to explore a variety of perspectives, styles, and themes within a single volume. This anthology is not just a scholarly work; it's an educational journey that bridges the gap between the mystical past and the rational present, encouraging readers to delve into the shadows of history and emerge with a broader understanding of human nature and our perennial flirtation with the world beyond the empirical. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the dialogues that these varied authors' works foster, illuminating the complexities of witchcraft and magic as cultural phenomena that continue to fascinate and perplex humanity.

". . . encourage[s] hope and resilience in times of devastating damage."—New York Review of Books This user-friendly guide is the only complete resource that identifies and describes all the amphibians and reptiles—salamanders, frogs and toads, lizards, snakes, and tortoises and turtles—that live in California. The species are described in richly detailed accounts that include range maps, lifelike color paintings by Robert C. Stebbins, clear drawings of various life stages including eggs, notes on natural history, and conservation status. Easy-to-use keys for every order help identify species, and informative chapters cover more general topics including evolution, habitat loss, and photography. Throughout, anecdotes and observations reveal new insights into the lives of California’s abundant but often hidden amphibians and reptiles.

A compelling story, knowledge of the animal kingdom.