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Nineteen years have passed since Ted Benton produced the first Dragonflies of Essex, as good as it was this volume far surpasses it in scope and production. A hard backed washable and illustrated cover conceals 228 pages with numerous colour photographs and distribution maps. A chapter on biology and conservation is followed by a very useful illustrated guide to many of the best Essex sites for Dragonflies. The main body of the book, the species accounts includes sections on identification, flight period, habits, distribution and conservation. Excellent photographs of each species are included within the accounts as well as an Essex distribution map of each species. Early records are also discussed at the conclusion of each account. Chapter four is devoted to a history of dragonfly recording in Essex, dealing with many notable entomologists from Victorian times until the present day. There are appendices on former Essex species, possible future arrivals and a couple of rare species as well as a plant list. An extensive bibliography is included and the whole is fully indexed. All in all a first class book essential for all Essex field naturalists as well as dragonfly specialists. It is well bound and produced on quality paper, place your order today.

Del Smith