Among the most interesting of India’s biogeographic regions are the mighty Himalayas, its foothills, and the adjoining terai and duar grassland-forests. The flora and fauna of these areas have long fascinated explorers, scientists, writers and artists, and the literature on the subject is extensive.

This book—fourth in the Bombay Natural History Society’s popular series that aims at making accessible old writing, drawings and paintings of India’s rich flora and fauna—focuses on the mammals of the Himalayan region, drawing largely on the pioneering work of S.H. Prater and R.A. Sterndale. The superb paintings of Paul Barruel and O.F. Tassart specially made for Prater’s work complement the text, along with black-and white drawings by other artists. Most of the full-page plates illustrate Himalayan birds along with some Himalayan landscapes by Major Edward Molyneux and Colonel George Strahan, and botanical paintings of Himalayan flowers by J.Forbes Royle.

The selection of classic writings and stunning artworks reproduced here makes this book a treat for all nature lovers, especially those with a particular interest in the natural history of the Himalayan region.