This is the first comparative account of the albatross family. It is based on personal experience and a comprehensive review of the literature. The book explores albatross natural history from a geographic point of view, arranging the birds in four groups for convenience. Albatross taxonomy is currently subject to some debate; traditionally, the family has comprised 13 species in two genera, but recently it has been proposed that 24 species in four genera should be recognised. The author describes the various forms within each group, their distribution and breeding biology, as well as comparative treatments of moult, flight, behaviour and ecology. The book concludes with a review of conservation and human attitudes toward albatrosses. The authoritative text is accompanied by numerous maps, tables, diagrams and colour photographs.