An elegant, forensic survey of life beneath the Ganges' surface. Clear, meticulous, and surprisingly readable. Francis Hamilton's An Account of the Fishes Found in the River Ganges and Its Branches assembles a systematic, scientifically minded catalogue of freshwater species observed across the Ganges and its tributaries. Part scientific fish catalog and part field naturalist's ledger, it functions as a freshwater fish reference and a practical aid to aquatic species identification, while remaining an accessible nature enthusiasts guide to river Ganges biodiversity. Hamilton writes with the observational rigour of 19th century zoology, and his work sits within the networks of British colonial India that shaped early modern surveys of the subcontinent. Its place in any natural history collection is assured; it also represents a foundational Indian ichthyology study and endures among the important works of Francis Hamilton and within classic naturalist literature. Valued as an academic research resource by historians and biologists, it also rewards casual readers who appreciate exact description, careful classification and the quiet intensity of early field science. Read today, Hamilton's analyses offer both an instructive window into early taxonomic practice and a baseline for those tracing changes in the Ganges' fauna over two centuries. By mapping species, habitats and local names, the work supports aquatic species identification and comparative study, making it relevant to historians of science, taxonomists and conservation-minded readers. Out of print for decades and now republished by Alpha Editions. Restored for today's and future generations. More than a reprint - a collector's item and a cultural treasure. For collectors and casual readers alike, this edition brings a crucial primary source of riverine biodiversity back into reach: a scholarly reference that doubles as a readable chronicle of life in one of the world's great rivers. Ideal for libraries, collectors and curious naturalists everywhere seeking historical perspective.