"This book is the cat's whiskers." (The Guardian (UK))

"Next time you call someone a weasel, ask yourself: was that what you really meant? Or did you really mean a ferret, a mink, or a polecat? Or maybe an ermine, a fisher, or a marten? Mortenson (B.A., philosophy of science) settles that question and dissects commonly confused terms (e.g., corn vs. maize, frogs vs. toads) in this highly engaging work. He succinctly describes and dispels such misconceptions in short, well-rounded sections drawn from literature, popular use, and ancient lore, followed ultimately by more scholarly natural history resources. Although writing for a lay audience, he is not afraid to frame his explanations using scientific nomenclature. In fact, Mortenson begins the book with a brief yet excellent introduction to nomenclature and taxonomy. His work will appeal to a wide audience, from those with a love of natural history or the history of language to anyone simply looking for an interesting read. Highly recommended for all libraries." (Library Journal)