"An opulently illustrated book about the numerous forms of life in the tropics: glowing photographs make the orchids, ferns, and parrots seem close enough to touch. Captivating texts tell tales of magic in the tropical night, of rain forests, tropical oceans, kingfishers, and bats in places from Brazil to Botswana, and from Madagascar to Indonesia. A fascinating, eloquent plea for the protection of these threatened places of breathtaking beauty."