This is the only book written in English to cover the entire European fauna, comprising 124 species of resident damselfly (Zygoptera) and dragonfly (Anisoptera). In his Foreword to this revised edition, Professor Philip Corbet, Past-President of the Worldwide Dragonfly Association and doyen of British odonatists, states that, as a standard reference work, "it will continue to contribute importantly to the progress of odonatology." The author has made a few corrections to his original text, which covered 114 species of Odonata breeding in Europe, and has added a new Preface and an updating Supplement.

Dr Askew, former Reader in Entomology at Manchester University, is author of another highly acclaimed work, Parasitic Insects, and a talented artist.