A title in the lavish ‘Deluxe’ natural history series from Reed New Holland, this book celebrates the astonishing diversity of the world’s wildlife, from the equator to the poles, with a collection of stunning images covering more than one hundred remarkable species – from chameleons, cobras and flamingos to elephants, eagles and tigers. Its 100 double-page photographs depict the likes of big cats, bears, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and large herbivores, not forgetting oceanic giants such as the great whales.

It also covers a selection of the animals that are the biggest of their kind, such as the Giant Anteater from South America which carries its young slung over its back, the Red Kangaroo of Australia that can grow to 1.8 metres in height and hop at speeds of 70 kilometres per hour, and the Harpy Eagle that can pluck prey as large as a macaw, sloth or monkey from a forest tree in South America. The book also focuses on some of the most unique and remarkable species on the planet.

Many of these evolved in geographical isolation on islands such as Madagascar, New Guinea, the Galápagos Islands and New Zealand, to name just a few. Who could fail to be impressed by the endearing and unique Koala of Australia, or the lemurs that drifted off on the island of Madagascar to evolve independently of the other primate families, or the Kakapo – a huge flightless parrot from New Zealand.

Wildlife provides a glorious snapshot of a fascinating subject. It is a luxurious book that celebrates the many astonishing species from all around the planet, making it ideal for nature lovers, as a gift, or as an interior-design feature in any home.