Approaching the topic from the perspective of fluid dynamics, Azuma (emeritus, U. of Tokyo, Japan) mathematically describes the modes of biomechanical locomotion of flying and swimming creatures, such as the hovering of hummingbirds, the gliding of buzzards, the beating flight of ospreys, swimming by snaking of eels, the fanning motion of dolphins, and numerous others, including, occasionally, human vehicles. His focus is on the interaction between external physical forces and external body forms. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)