Mountfield: Pica Press, 1998. Quarto, 150 illustrations depicting the work of 89 artists, bookplate, fine copy in dustwrapper.

Using examples from paintings and prints, the author describes different genres of wildlife art. This stunning book examines the various forms of wildlife art from photographic hyper-realism to abstract - each illustrated by paintings or prints that best represents the genre. Nicholas Hammond points out that in the nineteenth century, wildlife art was primarily of interest to the wealthy, and animals were commonly depicted in paintings as quarry or as fearsome beasts at odds with man. Now artists are more likely to focus on the vulnerability of animals to man in order to further the cause of their conservation and the preservation of their habitats. Hammond provides a masterly analysis of the wildlife art of this century, discussing the differences in the traditions of North American and European wildlife art; changes in printing processes over time; the growth of illustrated magazines and books; the establishment of commercial galleries; and the changes in styles and approaches.
The book concludes with brief biographies of some of the more influential artists of the century, including most of those whose work is depicted in the preceding pages. Over 140 paintings or prints are reproduced in colour with accompanying captions - representing the work of 89 artists. The pictures have been carefully selected to include both well-known and previously unpublished images.