Language: Bilingual in English and Chinese
This two-volume set includes two major sections: the general section which introduces basic knowledge on Chinese jewel beetles (Buprestidae) and morphological characters for taxonomy, and a taxonomic section where the 745 species and subspecies from China and other relevant taxa involved are diagnosed, of which 22 important species from adjacent regions are also included for research convenience. All species diagnoses are written in both English and Chinese. The book presents 846 colour photographs, including 97 morphological photographs and 749 species images (of which 349 are type specimens). Most chapters of the book has been peer-reviewed before publication. In order to facilitate reading, the layout style is basically one image and concise description per page including a necessary synonym table.
Prof. Zhongliang Peng is the lead author and the editor in chief, who started Buprestidae research as early as in mid of 1980's last century, although he used to work mainly in forest pest control and quarantine. To prepare the book, he spent several years to engage in research in main important museums and institutes of Europe.Russia and Japan, and photographed a large number of types, laying a solid foundation for the book.
Prof. Aiming Shi, China West Normal University, Nanchong, Sichuan,China (CWNU), is vice editor in chief, and author of the section on the large genus Lamprodina.
Dr. Hongxia Xu, Institue of Forestry Sciences, Bailongjiang of Gansu, Lanzhou, China (IFSG), is vice editor in chief, and author of the section on the large genus Coraebus and the coauthor of the General Section.
Dr. Haitian Song, Fujian Academy of Forestry Sciences, Fuzhou.China (FAFS), is vice editor in chief, and author of the species list and references cited and the collecting field coauthor of the section of morphology in general.
"With the publication of Kilimanjaro: A Photographic Journey to the Roof of Africa, author Michel Moushabeck and photographer Hiltrud Schulz take their readers along as they explore and climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This impressive compendium of commentary and photography fully captures the essence of this majestic mountain. Featuring more than 200 full-color photographs enhancing an engaging and entertaining narrative that smoothly ties together personal observations with the mountain's history, its people, and its ecology, Kilimanjaro: A Photographic Journey to the Roof of Africa is certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community and academic library African Travel Photography & Photo Essay collections."
– Midwest Book Review
"If, like me, you are mesmerized by this particular mountain and have no immediate plans to scale it, you should get the book. Moushabeck's pleasant, diaristic narrative and Schultz's well-edited images make you feel as if you are along for the climb [...] The book makes Kili" accessible. Enjoy the climb."
– Linda Watanabe McFerrin, Left Coast Writers
"Blazing with photographs as radiant as the African sun, this superbly illustrated personal account of an odyssey to the ice-bound summit of the world's tallest free-standing mountain is as vastly rewarding and enriching as the journey itself. You sense yourself hiking alongside the author, wheezing and gasping every step of the way!"
– Christopher P. Baker, author of Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba
"Both personal and objective, the book is full of entertaining details [...] the climb itself, the wonders of it, as well as the considerable challenges."
– Syndicated column on the best travel books of 2009 appeared in The Baltimore Sun, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Enquirer, The Denver Post, USA Today, Akron Beacon Journal
"Compelling [...] Part coffee table book, part story told with beautiful images taken by Schulz, the two elements complement each other nicely. If you've ever fantasized about climbing Kilimanjaro, perhaps this book will inspire you to do just that. If you've dreamed of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro but have never had the chance, Michel Moushabeck and Hiltrud Schulz will take you there. If you've already climbed the mountain, they will take you back. But either way, they will inspire you to start packing your gear to set off for East Africa, a place they bring to life through vivid descriptions of the land and people and dozens of dramatic photographs. The climb is exhilarating, excruciating, and exhausting, but they come out singing, and you will too."
– Larry Habegger, executive editor, Travelers' Tales