boffo books

boffo adj. (slang) Extremely successful; great.

Each of these books comes highly recommended for beginners. All publication information is provided, along with a brief description of the book. Some quoted material is borrowed from the book jackets.

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CavyMadness is an Amazon Associate site, so you can purchase these books through amazon.com or amazon.co.uk and support CavyMadness at the same time! Use the link at left to buy ANY book, guinea pig-related or otherwise, or...

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Last of Their Kind
Available at the Winking Cavy Store
by Peter Gurney, posthumous
April 2007


Following the great response to Peter Gurney's earlier books All of Their Kind & More of Their Kind, Peter's family have published his final tribute to the "wee beasties" who were such a huge part of Peter's life.

In the months before he died, Peter Gurney was working on this book. He never tired of writing about and photographing his favourite animals and in this book we are given an insight to ‘life with Peter’, as seen from the eyes of his guinea pigs.

This book is on a limited distribution, so purchase through the Winking Cavy Store (and buy other lovely things while you're at it!)

The Proper Care of Guinea Pigs
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by Peter Gurney
November 1999
Paperback and hardcover; 256 pages
TFH/Kingdom
ISBN: 0793831512


Peter Gurney is a well-loved author of guinea pig books, known for his friendly, uplifting style of writing and unconditional love for the "wee beasties." Plenty of personal anecdotes make Peter feel like an old friend. These books are written with an undeniable enthusiasm and wit that will make even the casual guinea pig observer understand the joy and wonder in caring for these lovely animals. The Proper Care of Guinea Pigs "is written with a remarkable clarity and a contagious enthusiasm for what the author calls "the most wonderful animal in the world.'" Covering all aspects of care with compassion and insight, this book is an excellent start for beginners.

What's My Guinea Pig?
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by Peter Gurney
November 1999
Paperback and hardcover; 256 pages
TFH/Kingdom
ISBN:
1852790342

Sharing his London flat with over 80 of the wee ones, Peter has a wealth of information about the different breeds of guinea pigs. In What's My Guinea Pig, he showcases "their exquisite beauty" through a study of the different coat types, patterns and mixtures of breeds.

The Sex Life of Guinea Pigs (UK)
By Peter Gurney
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September 2000
hardcover; 48 pages
TFH/Kingdom
ISBN: 1852791330

The Sex Life of Guinea Pigs, for those who are interested in the reproductive processes of guinea pigs, "is a fascinating guide to the courtship, mating, pregnancy, birth and rearing" of cavies. The photos of mummy piggies with their babies are just adorable.

I am Your Pet Guinea Pig
(Best Friends Care Guides)

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By Matthew Rayner, BVetMed MRCVS
April 2006
paperback; 32 pages
Pangolin Books
ISBN: 18444930254

This is a very child-friendly book that shows the basics in an easy-to-read, cute, and friendly manner. The book is directed at children, so the tone is happy. Thankfully, the book includes this passage: "You will need an adult to help you take care of me. He or she will make sure that we are both safe and well, and that we do not hurt each other by mistake."

booK Guinea Pig: Your Happy Healthy Pet

Guinea Pig: Happy Healthy Pet Series
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By Audrey Pavia
April 2005 (2nd ed.)
hardcover; 128 pages
Howell Book House
ISBN: 0764583832

I am a bit biased toward this book, since I provided almost all of the photos in it. :) This is a good general overview of guinea pigs, but some of the information is not ideal, since this is a "general pet store" book.


book: Guinea Pigs : A Complete Pet Owner's Manual

Guinea Pigs :
A Complete Pet Owner's Manual
(Barron's Family Pet Series)

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by Katrin Behrend,
Helgard Niewisch (Translator)
August 1998
paperback; 64 pages
Barron's Educational Series
ISBN: 0764106708

Behrend's book is both adult- and child-friendly, as she discusses all aspects of guinea pig care in an easy-to-understand format, providing sections written with younger guinea pig enthusiasts in mind. The photos and drawings are adorable. A very good beginner book.

 

book: Collins Family Pet Guides/guinea pig Collins Family Pet Guides:
Guinea Pig (UK)

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By Peter Gurney
August 1999
Paperback and hardcover; 128 pages
Collins (HarperCollins)
ISBN: 0004133889


Written in his usual warm, witty style, this is another care and culture guide by well-loved author Peter Gurney. The layout is set up so that even junior cavy enthusiasts can easily follow the sections. This is a great starting book for anyone.
book: A New Owner's Guide to Guinea Pigs A New Owner's Guide to Guinea Pigs
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By Karen Bawoll
October 2000
Hardcover; 160 pages
TFH Publications (US)
ISBN: 0793828309


Another well-rounded book that will take you through all aspects of guinea pig care. Karen even touches on genetics that determine characteristics of different breeds. Even with advanced information, this book never overwhelms. An excellent reference!
book: How to Look After Your Pet Guinea Pigs How to Look After Your Pet Guinea Pigs
(ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids)

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Mark Evans
September 1992
Paperback and hardcover; 45 pages
DorlingKindersley/Angus&Robertson (HarperCollins)
ISBN: 156458125X


The good thing about Dorling Kindersley books is their layout - very easy to follow, ideal for young readers and covering only the very basics. The bad thing about Dorling Kindersley books is their limited scope. But don't pass on this one just yet; get this as a first look into caring for guinea pigs, and then be prepared to follow up with a more in-depth book. Or, if you're a parent, buy a book for you, and get this book for your child. Heck, buy this one just for the photos!

book: diseases of domestic guinea pigs

Diseases of Domestic Guinea Pigs
(Library of Veterinary Practice)

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by V.C.G. Richardson
May 2000, 2nd edition
Blackwell Science Inc.
ISBN: 0632052090

Not a beginner book, but an excellent reference nonetheless.
Most aspects of guinea pig medicine are covered in this book, which has been a popular reference manual for veterinarians. Keep in mind, though, that it can be outdated. Richardson, a 20-year veteran of cavy medicine, supplements traditional medicine with herbal and homeopathic remedies. This book should not replace veterinary care, but rather give the cavy enthusiast a better understanding of the biology and various health issues of guinea pigs.

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