Traces the lives and careers of some of the most famous magicians in history. Included are Simon Magus, Cagliostro, Cornelius Agrippa, Aleister Crowley, and others.

Describes the physiology, feeding habits, and habitat of several distinctly different and unique species of fish.

Examines the habitats and characteristics of various insects, including the ladybug, water measurer, and stag beetle.

Describes various endangered species, including the Vancouver Island marmot, orangutan, Houston toad, and babirusa.

Describes such unusual insects as the net-winged beetle, brush-snouted weevil, and peanut-head bug.

Discusses the process of mummification as well as the individual histories of four real mummies--The Iceman, King Tut, Tollund Man, and The Lady--and of plaster mummies from Pompeii and how they have advanced historical and scientific knowledge.

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of a number of unusual snakes, including the dwarf puff adder, cat-eyed snake, and Brazilian rainbow boa.

"Read about the strangest, funniest, woolliest mammals that scamper, swing, or hop across our globe.