A Guide to the Study of Fishes (Volume I) by David Starr Jordan arrives as a cornerstone of nineteenth century science - a lucid, methodical fish identification guide that still rewards close reading. Essential for natural history collectors. Part field manual, part zoology reference book, it combines clear comparative descriptions with practical keys and natural-history notes. Whether consulted as a freshwater fish manual or drawn on for marine species study, the book covers anatomical characters, habitats and distribution with the systematic rigour of an ichthyology textbook; together these elements make it a practical resource and a comprehensive fish encyclopedia for both field use and scholarly reference. Jordan's careful attention to form and classification frames broader aquatic biology topics while keeping the text accessible to informed amateurs. Observational clarity and taxonomic care mark the work throughout, making it a useful bridge between museum taxonomy and field observation for readers studying the history of the discipline. Republished by Alpha Editions in a careful modern edition, this volume preserves the spirit of the original while making it effortless to enjoy today - a heritage title prepared for readers and collectors alike. As a piece of classic scientific literature from the era of charles darwin contemporaries, it documents both the growth of taxonomy and the observational practices that shaped modern ichthyology. The book holds appeal for casual readers drawn to vivid natural history and concise identification, while university biology students and researchers may consult it for historical perspective on classification and field technique. Collectors of nineteenth century science and admirers of scientific history will appreciate the edition as both an instructive text and an artefact of its age. More than a historical curiosity, it reads as a working reference and a cultural object, restored for careful study and fit to stand alongside other comprehensive works on aquatic life.