NickMorgan wrote:I bought a copy of Lafranchis' book last year and find it a great help with identification, but only after I have come close using other books first. It is great at explaining the difference between similar species. Coincidntally, I have just bought a copy of Tolman, as I saw it advertised for £10. I had heard a few criticisms of this book, and thought that it was worth risking £10 on. However, I find it is fantastic and I think it will be my first choice of book when I go abroad. I noticed on Amazon that a new edition was soon to be published, but it seems to be a pocket guide, rather than a straight new edition.
Lafranchis clearly knows his stuff, and his editorial is excellent and a great supplement to Tolman & Lewington. However, from purely an identification perspective, the latter knocks spots off the former.
I always take both away with me along with any local guides I can lay my hands on.