Origially published in 1907, the second edition of this book has been authored by eminent naturalist and sportsman, R Lydekker. A bible on the study of wild animals in India and the neighbouring countries, this book is indispensable to the study of natural history in South Asia. Lydekker's writing is enthused by a deep fascination and interest for and in wildlife and related literature as his sightings are interspersed with lively snippets of information either form other popular texts of his time, through anecdotes or from personal experience. The book follows a remarkable and commendable accuracy on detailing information on several species, their history, distribution and habitat.