Ceri Levy and Ralph Steadman set sail once more aboard the HMS Steadmanitania but this time their intention is not to study extinct or endangered birds, This time they turn their gaze on endangered animals of all species whose existence is treated by man’s voracious expansion into all corners of the globe. But they do not want to scold, oh no! They want to engage the reader with humour and compassion believing that this is the way to move people towards a greener lifestyle

Levy, a serial documentarian, recorded every conversation and interaction along the way and provides a running commentary from start to finish. From the creation of the very first critter, the hump-headed wrasse, to the introduction of the team of Crittologists (a well-intentioned and passionate group) who are lead by Bent Girders in their attempts to halt the spread of the gangrene called extinction Ceri noted and stored it all. The book is full of conservational Gonzovational musings, flights of fancy, and thoughts both sublime and ridiculous all taking us on a journey of creation - critter creation.

The Critical Critters Collection also sees Ralph’s first major use and development of “The Dirty Water Technique”. In this technique Ralph takes full advantage of his genuine clumsiness and pours dirty, smelly (the smellier the better) water from his paint-brush washing jar and pours it onto awaiting, pristine paper. Three days later (it has to be three) the muck has dried into fascinating textures and forms, impossible to capture by hand. From these amorphous creations critters are born, one by one, marching from the ark of Ralph’s mind.

It's a fascinating and beautiful collection.

Published by Bloomsbury.