This is the autobiography of one of the world's greatest ornithologists. Sálim Ali traces his fascination with birds from early childhood, and recalls his close association with a host of famous figures: Nehru, Ghandi, and Sidney Dillon Ripley among them.

This unique volume depicts all of the bird species in the Indian subcontinent, systematically organized for easy access and quick reference. The book includes 106 plates, 73 in full color by John Henry Dick, the distinguished illustrator. Concise information concerning status, size, habitat, and distribution of the birds is included. The book also features a "Systematic Index of Families and Species" with notes on the characteristics of each family. The volume will be of use to all those interested in the rich variety of Indian birdlife.

For nearly fifty years The Book of Indian Birds has been a close companion of the recently inducted bird-watching enthusiast as well as of the seasoned ornithologist in India. This twelfth edition is revised, but retains Dr Salim Ali's original text while describing and illustrating 240additional species. Colour prints are used in place of the black-and-white photographs of earlier editions. The book now illustrates in colour, and succinctly describes the habits and habitats of 538 birds of the plains and foothills, and of the wetlands and sea-coast. The sequence of Orders andFamilies has been rearranged to facilitate reference to current ornithological literature. The book remains an indispensable field guide for everyone who wishes to enjoy the rich and varied bird life of the country.

From two world-renowned ornithologists, Ali and Ripley's Handbook remains one of the most important reference work on the birds on India and Pakistan, along with the adjacent areas of Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. This ten-volume set presents the life history information, taxonomy, colour pictures of practically every species, of birds in one of the world's richest birdlife regions.