The most popular waterfowl book ever is once again available ? new and much improved. Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America was first released more than 70 years ago and sold more than one million copies in its first three editions. Now, nearly 35 years since the last revision, Johns Hopkins University Press (JHUP) has released the fourth edition of this seminal reference of the continent's waterfowl. The latest edition is a magnificent, two-volume Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) book, authored by the late Guy Baldassarre.

With the help of dozens of North America's foremost waterfowl biologists and with the support of WMI, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Office, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., and others, the two-volume boxed set contains nearly 1,100 pages, 144 color photographs, 138 color illustrations (by the late Bob Hines) and 50 maps. It sells for the remarkably low price of $69.95 ? the same retail cost of the third volume in 1980.

Baldassarre, who died in 2012, did an extraordinary job of gathering the most recent information on waterfowl, from the literature and experts. Dr. Susan Schaeffer accomplished the final compilation and editing. The JHUP staff made certain the format and product quality of the book are superior.

Volume 1 (1942) of Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America was authored by Francis Kortright. Volumes 2 (1976) and 3 were researched and written by "Mr. Waterfowl," Frank C. Bellrose. Dr. Baldassarre's 2014 edition wonderfully maintains the tradition, utility and importance of the classic title. It is a tribute to the life histories, dynamic ecology, beauty and fascination of North American waterfowl.

Receive a 30 percent discount when you order books directly through Johns Hopkins University Press. Call 1-800-537-5487 and mention code HNAF or order online and insert code HNAF at checkout to receive the discount.

Books can also be purchased at your local bookstore. (rm)