Dr. Bechtel's book is the first published on the subject of reptile and amphibian variations that occur naturally or through selective breeding. The text contains enough basic biology to help the reader understand the discussion of the various mutations. These animals with conspicuously altered colors and patterns are often quite beautiful. The rarer and more bizarre anomalies and mutations are described in this fascinating book which opens a window on this developing and complex field of inquiry. Profusely illustrated, this book covers an arcane subject from the author's personal perspective.