Vietnam is rich in cultural, biological and geological diversity, conjuring images of expansive forests, mangrove deltas, majestic mountains, bustling cities and indigenous people. As a destination or research study site, Vietnam provides incredible beauty, a long and fascinating history and one of the richest biological regions on the planet. Behind these vivid images are highly impacted ecosystems, incomplete knowledge of its biological diversity and increasing threats to its plants and animals. Bringing together the first comprehensive overview of the rich natural history of Vietnam intended for scientists and travellers required the synthesis of widely dispersed sources of knowledge scattered in publications, obscure reports, manuscripts and unpublished information from scientists. This richly descriptive and generously illustrated publication provides a modern overview of the country's biological richness, the historical context of present levels of diversity and the grim reality of the threats to this diversity.

The early chapters provide an overview of Vietnam's natural and cultural diversity and the history of human populations and their relationship with the environment. The authors then explore the origins of Vietnam's diversity within the geological context of the region's dynamic physical environment and provide an overview of the composition of the present-day flora and fauna. The faunal groups present in Vietnam are then described. Three chapters compare and contrast three regions in Vietnam (north: Bac Bo, central: Trung Bo and south: Nam Bo) successfully highlighting the substantial biological and cultural differences between them. Each of these chapters explores the regional topography, climate, ethnic diversity and characteristic habitats, plants and animals, and includes a short listing of recommended areas for the best chance of viewing wildlife. The final chapters provide historical overviews, elucidate modern threats to Vietnam's biodiversity and describe the continuing efforts to mitigate these. Underlying the book is the recognition that Vietnam's biodiversity is incompletely known, and as such, this natural history account is incomplete. Recent discoveries of animals and plants from Vietnam continue to stimulate broad interest in the region's biodiversity. This book is a comprehensive overview of the present state of knowledge of Vietnam's natural history. Hopefully there are plans for revisions as understanding of the biodiversity and region is changing rapidly.

Working from often-fragmentary specimens and cryptic notes, Dr Joyce A. Powzyk beautifully illustrates the book in watercolours of key examples of Vietnam's biodiversity. The well-written and engaging text complements the maps, illustrations and photographs. This book is an effective traveller's guide, an introduction to Vietnam's rich and fragile natural history, providing thoughtful commentary on critical conservation issues and will help raise awareness of the tenuous nature of its biodiversity.