Madagascar - The Eighth Continent: Life, death, and discovery in a lost world

by Peter Tyson

Paperback, 2013

Call number

916.910456

Publication

Bradt Travel Guides (2013), Edition: First Edition, Paperback, 384 pages

Pages

426

Description

Madagascar is a land where lizards scream and monkey-like lemurs sing songs of inexpressible beauty. KKnown as the Great Red Island, it is a place where fossa and tenrecs, vangas and aye ayes thrive in a true 'Lost World' alongside bizarre plants like the octopus tree and the three-cornered palm. And where the ancestors of the Malagasy, as the island's 18 tribes are collectively known, come alive in rollicking ceremonies known as "turning the bones." This natural and cultural history of Madagascar is an exploration of what makes the island so extraordinary. It is the only book that combines cutting-edge science and conservation with adventure travel and historical narrative. Perfect for those about to travel to Madagascar for the first time or just want to learn more, much of the historical material will be new to those familiar with Madagascar, even researchers who have worked there for years.… (more)

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

426 p.; 7.7 inches

ISBN

1841624411 / 9781841624419

User reviews

LibraryThing member mirrani
If you are looking for a book that will almost literally take you to Madagascar, this is the one you need to pick up. From the very first page I found myself wanting to learn more. I took in each page as if I were standing on the beach somewhere, soaking everything up with my eyes. There were many
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times when I found myself fascinated by something described, not only because it was new and different, but because the writing was so good that even the simplest of things felt new and amazing. Often I discovered I was brought so deeply into the story that I had to go and relive it for myself and searched the internet for images, video or information on a certain topic.

This is exactly what a non-fiction book encouraging conservation should be like. The author has managed to find a perfect balance between education and discovery and shares that with anyone who devours his words. And devour is exactly what any reader interested about Madagascar will do. The Eighth Continent should come with a warning on the cover: "Do not pick up this book unless you intend to develop a sudden desperation to visit!" The words "I couldn't put it down" don't often come with informational books of this nature, but they fit perfectly with this one.
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