In 1960 Philip Corbet was one of the triumvirate that produced New Naturalist 41, which introduced many people to dragonflies. In much the same way as some are birdwatchers and some botanists, some are attracted to dragonflies - dazzling insects which are big enough for an amateur to appreciate and study. Now, with Steve Brooks, Corbet has produced New Naturalist 106, another popular study bringing the first 'Dragonflies' up to date. Sadly, he did not live to see it published, dying earlier this year. Fittingly then, this book opens with an appreciation of his career.

The authors' Foreword lists a number of reasons for the popularity of dragonflies - their size and conspicuousness, which invite study, and the extent of investigation already in writing, from which the student may understand the significance of the actions observed. In addition, one may add the attraction of these insects to birdwatchers as substitute birds, at a season when many birds are less available for study. Finally, the paucity of the British fauna results in a manageable number of insects to identify - 39 resident species, as against 114 on the Continent. For all those dragonfly enthusiasts wishing to develop their knowledge beyond the excellent field guides already available, a manual is required: this is that manual!

'Dragonflies' is intended "for the informed enthusiast with a leaning towards natural history." It might be the mission statement for the New Naturalist series, particularly since the authors list their objectives as including, not only the exposition of dragonflies as "beautiful, elegant and superbly adapted animals", their significance, ecology and behaviour, but to show how the amateur can pursue further investigative studies. Most chapters end with a section "Opportunities for Investigation".

The geological foundations for the species, the history of odontology, the naming of dragonflies and their collection are followed by, effectively, a justification for this volume - "Since 1960 there have been massive advances in our knowledge and understanding of dragonfly biology". The scope of this book is clear - "This book is about the natural history of dragonflies that inhabit Britain". Nevertheless, the reader will find the many references to 'foreign' dragonflies illuminating.

In introducing the various British species the authors list their distribution, geographically and by habitat, before providing sketches by genus. At this stage the reader will encounter a feature of this book, and indeed recent New Naturalists, which may be disconcerting: the use of 'boxes' to present related information. These are more intrusive than standard 'box-outs', sometimes running over a number of pages, and tend to break the flow of the main text. Many would be better placed as appendices: for example, Boxes 2 and 3 cover facing pages and list identification guides and regional guides respectively. Other boxes relate directly to the text and the contents would be better presented as part of it, as with Box 10 which describes the operation of the labium and is indeed introduced in the text itself.

The excellent illustrations, mostly full colour and by Robert Thompson, similarly illuminate the reading experience and include the dragonfly with a diving beetle still attached to it having attacked it during oviposition, the needle-sharp image of a Southern Hawker in flight, banking with the head held horizontal, the obligatory series of pictures of a dragonfly emerging, and some excellent photographs of larvae.

Much modern research has concentrated on the egg phase, and it is summarised here, together with an assessment of the significance of the prolarva, a brief 'stadium' in the life of most dragonflies. It is followed by a lengthy section on larval life - underwater survival, development and emergence. Since larvae can, with care, be maintained artificially, much is known of this period. respiration, diet, foraging strategies, predation, survival and physical factors are all described. More fascinating facts emerge - larvae have survived freezing into blocks of ice, for instance, and being dried out and rehydrated. The following chapter covers the transformation of the insect from a water-bound larva to a flying insect - emergence, its timing and environmental factors. This is followed by adult life and the influences upon it - thermoregulation, flight activity, longevity, flight seasonality, and a series of biotic factors - parasites, predators and commensals. Dispersal concludes this section, with details of an impressive experiment in Germany which revealed the arrival at a small pond, in one year, of 1600 Darters.

Dragonflies are effectively insects of prey and their adaptations and efficiency as predators are part of their appeal. Their ancient lineage belies the sophisticated integration of their many adaptations to this predatorial lifestyle. Foraging modes, diets, the catching and processing of prey, increasing efficiency and energy balance are all covered, together with the economic effects, real and imagined, of dragonflies.

Reproductive behaviour is readily studied, even by an amateur observer. How the insects meet, attachment to a particular site, the value of territory, the role of aggression and other interactions, and strategies for avoidance and toleration make an interesting discussion, as does the section on recognition. One Japanese dragonfly may be attracted by a small electric fan, by a television screen, and by sunlight flickering off a waterfall, suggesting that wing-beat frequency is one element in attraction. The process of copulation and recent advances in the study of sperm competition and displacement are described, with a discussion of mating strategies.

The book is rounded off with a discussion of "Odontology in Britain" - its history, personalities and recent organisation. A lengthy section on conservation examines causes of decreases and expansions of populations, legislation, recent initiatives and the outlook for dragonfly conservation.

Thus, 308 pages. But these are followed by 146 more forming a heavyweight reference section, of Appendices, Glossary, Endnotes, Bibliography and Index. Appendix 4 is a set of colour distribution maps of the British species, as at 2006, with brief interpretative notes. These are reproduced at a generous one species per page. The Bibliography alone makes up 47 pages and demonstrates the wide reading and deep experience of the authors.

Any dragonfly enthusiast, professional or amateur, will require this book. He will more than appreciate it, he will relish it. Throughout, the authors express their own enjoyment of the order, and their learning is obvious. The senior author practically supervised the rise of odontology as a branch of natural science, and it is to be regretted that he was unable to see this magnificent book published. Together with Steve Cham's recent field guide/s to British dragonfly larvae, it will surely introduce energise a whole new generation of dragonfly enthusiasts.