This stunning Poyser title looks at the flora and fauna of Lapland - that area of northern Europe and northwestern Russia which lies within the Arctic circle.

After general introductions, the book examines the Lapland ecosystems and species by habitat type, with one chapter dealing with freshwater habitats, another with open tundra and so on. The history of natural history study in the region, and the conservation issues affecting it today, are also discussed.

The book is illustrated throughout with a wealth of the author's own colour photographs, and there are also some line drawings and a number of maps and other figures to illustrate key points. This is a wonderfully evocative book which creates a vivid sense of place for one of the planet's last wildernesses, and will appeal to anyone who loves wildlife and wild places.

"A rare window onto one of Europe's most unspoiled areas, by the outstanding British field naturalist of the late 20th century." The Independent

"An informative and easy-to-read text on a part of the natural world unfamiliar to many. It is a fascinating, enjoyable book." Wildlife Activist, Summer 2006

"Truly an excellent book, providing both pleasant reading as well as a fine work of reference... I would recommend anyone planning a trip to Lapland to read this book first, from cover to cover." Alula, 2007

Derek Ratcliffe worked for the Nature Conservancy and has authored 2 Poyser monographs and other books on upland wildlife. Now retired, he often watches wildlife in the Arctic regions.

Mike Unwin is a freelance writer, editor and illustrator with over 13 years' experience in natural history publishing. In 2000 he won the BBC Wildlife travel-writing competition. His children's titles include the bestselling RSPB My First Book of Garden Birds and My First Book of Garden Wildlife.