Collins Butterflies of Britain & Europe

[Andrew Cunningham]

Evening all,

I currently have the hardback 1997 version of Collins Butterflies of Britain & Europe by Tolman and Lewington (ISBN 0007189915). It has the purple and white cover with a Peacock wing on the top half.

I am considering upgrading to a paperback version of the new edition. Is it worth doing so?

I also noticed two copies of my older version on Amazon as USED for £44 and £188. Are they really worth that much? If so then anyone want it?!

Regards,
Andrew.

[Padfield]

The format of the new edition (the black Butterfly Guide) is much better, and I do prefer it. However, the opportunity to update the text and maps was missed (the text is identical and the maps still suggest alcetas doesn't fly in Switzerland when in fact it is very common here) and numerous errors have slipped into the new format (there are textual errors in the captions to the illustrations, maps are switched round &c.).

You will get no new information by upgrading - just a smarter wrapper and more sensible layout.

The book I would most like to get my hands on again (I have lost my copy) is the most recent edition of Higgins and Riley. I have the first edition and two different subsequent editions, but not the most recent, which included species like marshalli. That work was updated every time it was reprinted. I don't see why the Tolman couldn't be too!

Guy

[Padfield]

Example: On p. 123 of the Butterfly Guide, the caption to the illustrations of Plebejus pylaon says, 'Unh submarginal black spots with silvery blue-green pupils'. This is unfortunate because (as the main text correctly states) pylaon actually lacks these silvery blue-green pupils. The main text is good, but is exactly the same as in earlier printings of this book.

Guy

[Andrew Cunningham]

Flipping between pages to cross reference the images and the text is a tad annoying at times especially when in the field. Has the new version lumped the text and images together like in the bird guide?

It is a pity the text was not updated and shows lack of foresight. Maybe they kept that back for the reprint to ensure healthier sales?

If the text is the same, I may try floggin my copy and buying the paperback version for a lighter load.

Regards,
Andrew.

[GsButterflies]

Hi Andrew,

I don't have the old version, but I do have the Collins Bird Guide and it is the same layout. All the information on the same page.

Re: Selling yours, I have had some success selling through Amazon marketplace, but would base the price on a UK Seller as some of the US Sellers don't seem to have a clue on realistic pricing.

Re: Personally I think it's rather heavy to lug around as a field guide, but I do have the hardback version.

Not sure if this will help.

Happy shopping. G

[Andrew Cunningham]

Update : I managed to sell my old version for a good price and buy the new one with some pounds to spare so I am a happy bunny. Thanks.

[A_T]

This book is now getting hard to find. I hope it's allowed to post here that play.com are currently selling the paperback for £9.99.