(London: William Collins, 1987).

The egg is surely one of nature s most remarkable and versatile products; it is a compact, self-contained capsule containing everything necessary for the creation of a new life. This lavishly illustrated book explores and explains the staggering variety of strategies employed by animals in producing, fertilizing, laying and caring for their eggs, and the wonderful diversity of their form - from the tiny sculptured button of a butterfly egg to the perfect oval of a bird s egg. There is also information on those who care for their eggs internally, the mammals.
Burton s fascinating work of science is not so much a  children s book but intended for those from early teens to young adults. The photography, much of which done with microscopes, is very impressive. Item #17777

First edition. Accompanied with exceptional photographs, including microscopic images, by Jane Burton and Kim Taylor. 8vo, publisher s original blue clothed covered boards lettered on the spine in gilt, in the original decorated dustjacket. 158. A fine copy.