This is an illustrated guide to "the wonders of form and function" as manifested by the anatomy and physiology of birds, or "how birds work." For a popular book, it is remarkably comprehensive in its coverage, including reproduction. There are 12 chapters, and each includes six two-page topical articles. Topics include evolution, the skeleton, muscles, the senses, embryonic development, feathers, colors, and the nervous, circulatory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Two facing pages cover each topic and subtopic, always including an excellent color photograph and often a clear, labeled line drawing. Remarkable, too, is that nowhere does the author explain the intended audience. Though the book is obviously well-researched, the author offers no citations, references, or suggested readings. The fixed format limits the coverage of many topics. This book won't work as an ornithology textbook but will provide an excellent introduction to bird biology for nonspecialists or amateurs. It's not a reference book and not arranged to look something up. It does offer clear, easy reading, moderately technical. Photographic illustrations are not always clearly matched to subject matter. Relatively more than usual attention is paid to comparisons: e.g., the flight of birds as compared to that of bats, dragonflies, and pterosaurs. The emphasis on evolution and adaptations is, however, central. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers. --Joanna Burger, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick