This is the first critical edition of Christopher Smart's translation of Phaedrus' fables, and the first literary commentary on these fables in English. Many of the best-known Aesopian fables are in fact the work of the Roman poet Phaedrus. The fables are familiar yet fresh, and often have a startlingly contemporary flavour. Smart's versions successfully catch the spirit and humour of the Latin originals. The volume completes the distinguished edition of The Poetical Works of Christopher Smart.

Current threats to biodiversity, extinction of species, and major changes in human behavior that experts think are needed to conserve existing biodiversity are all addressed. Successful examples of biodiversity conservation provide a hopeful conclusion for the book. Filled with data, anecdotes, and examples, Biodiversity will capture the interest of a variety of readers from students to scientists.