The Book of Indian Animals  (English, Hardcover, Prater S. H.)

First published in 1948 during the S.H. Prater's tenure as curator of the illustrious Bombay Natural History Society, The Book of Indian Animals is a seminal work in the field. The new edition is illustrated and coloured by the artist M. Paul Barruel.

Summary Of The Book

The Book of Indian Animals has long been considered a classic in the field of Natural History and Conservation. Classifying animals by genus and species, the book takes a detailed look at each animal's habitats, distinct characteristics, distribution by geography and other features.
The book was compiled from various first hand accounts submitted by various naturalists to the Bombay Natural History Society.

Containing over 50 illustrated plates, more than half of which are coloured, the book is a visual document depicting more than a 100 species of wildlife. The illustrations and colouring are done by the distinguished artist M. Paul Barruel.

The Book of Indian Animals covers everything from the everyday dog to exotic panda and bears. There are chapters detailing exotic species such as pangolins,goat-antelopes, marine mammals, civets, insectivores and gazelles, but there are equally insightful chapters on more well known species like elephants, bats, weasels, rodents and horses.

The Book Of Indian Animals has been in print for more than half a century and is considered one of the most accessible and insightful works in the field of Indian wildlife. The third edition was first published in 1971 by Oxford University Press and has continued to be the most popular entry point to the world of Indian wildlife.

About S. H. Prather

Stanley Henry Prater (b.12-Mar-1890 to 12-Oct-1960) was a British naturalist living in India.

His is best known for The Book of Indian Animals.

He was a long-time affiliate of the Bombay Natural History Society and the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Bombay, having worked as curator at both these prestigious institutions. Prater was also active politically and represented the Anglo-Indian community at the Indian Parliament in 1948. He was awarded the OBE in 1943 and passed away in London due to prolonged illness in 1960.