Ricciuti, Edward R. Killer animals; shocking true stories of deadly conflicts between humans and animals.

The Lyons Press. 287p. illus. index. c2003. 1-58574-868-4. $16.95. SA

In spite of its sensationalistic title, cover photo (a tiger with fangs bared) and jacket ("animals revenge as they turn on their hunters." "terrible, gruesome attacks in zoos and circuses"), this is not a work sponsored by the National Enquirer. Edward Ricciuti was a curator of publications for the Bronx Zoo and continues to write for various magazines. Ricciuti's attitude can perhaps better be expressed by "considered objectively no species is harmful, each contributes to the totality and diversity of life. A killer is not an enemy of nature, only of man." (p. xii) The author does not come down on the side of most animal rights groups, however, calling Cleveland Amory, founder of the Fund for Animals, "an advocate of ecoterrorism." (p. 105)

At its best, Killer Animals covers the "practical" dangers of man interacting with scorpions, spiders, bees, tigers, dogs, wolves, elephants and other animals. He alternately explains behavior, traces history, offers suggestions for avoiding problems and gives somewhat bloody examples of worst-case scenarios. People on both sides of the hunting issue will find areas of dispute (his own opinion comes close to that of the Audubon Society, which allows for "wildlife management") and almost everyone will find an example of unnecessary and depressing killing. This is an optional purchase, for larger public collections. Katherine Gillen, Libn., Luke AFB Lib., AZ

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.