The record of an odyssey by a zoologist and a zoologically-innocent comic novelist. It began in 1985 with a search for a rare lemur in Madagascar and went on to include expeditions which witnessed fruitbats, man-eating lizards, gorillas, a blind dolphin and the most inept parrot, the kakapot.
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Review
‘Descriptive writing of a high order . . . this is an extremely intelligent book’ -- The Times
‘It is a book one reads in a rush, always looking forward to the next perverse paragraph, wise insight or felicitous phrase’ -- Canberra Times
‘Life or death stuff, but Adams fails completely in the self-righteous-piety department. Instead he invites us to enter a conspiracy of laughter and caring’ -- Los Angeles Times
‘Lively, sharply satirical, brilliantly written and funny . . . ranks with the best set pieces in Mark Twain’ -- Atlantic Monthly
‘The best in Adams’s writing . . . constantly springing on the reader the kind of dizzying shift in perspective that was the stock in trade of Hitchhiker’ -- Listener
‘It is a book one reads in a rush, always looking forward to the next perverse paragraph, wise insight or felicitous phrase’ -- Canberra Times
‘Life or death stuff, but Adams fails completely in the self-righteous-piety department. Instead he invites us to enter a conspiracy of laughter and caring’ -- Los Angeles Times
‘Lively, sharply satirical, brilliantly written and funny . . . ranks with the best set pieces in Mark Twain’ -- Atlantic Monthly
‘The best in Adams’s writing . . . constantly springing on the reader the kind of dizzying shift in perspective that was the stock in trade of Hitchhiker’ -- Listener
Book Description
Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine lead us on an unforgettable journey in search of the world's most endangered species.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
By alf@macx.no
Format:Paperback
I first bought this book simply because I had read the Hitchhiker series, and wanted to read more of Douglas's writing. Little did I know that it would change my view on a lot of environmental issues. This book shows Douglas Adams's compassion for our fellow creatures on this planet, yet has so much humour and insight it is astonishing. I've never been one to read a book many times, apart from the Hitchhiker books. This one I've worn out once and I am now well in to the second. If you do nothing else this year, read this book. It will be well worth the time.
Douglas Adams, just like some of the species you mention in this book you left us too soon. The world is indeed a sadder place without you. So long, and may you find peace wherever you are.
51 of 52 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is an absolute must read. You really do not have a choice. Written by "that" Douglas Adams, with considerable input from Mark, this book will change the way you think - if you can think at all.
Adams' style is recognisable throughout to those who read his fiction, but his humour does not detract in any way from the serious message. That it not to say that you are presented with a lecture. Adams relates the story of his travels with Mark Carwadine to visit some of the world's rarest creatures, in a way that enables all of us to gain an insight into the precarious state of some of our world's inhabitants.
The title of the book is all too descriptive. It is a while since I read the book, and my hope is that all the animals and birds featured are still around. Certainly, unless action is taken, some of these creatures will struggle to see out the next 5 years, never mind the next generation. For those who do not appreciate just how rare some of these creatures are - we are talking very small numbers (less than 20 in many cases). The upside is that many of the animals in the book are receiving attention - the downside, as often, is maybe too little too late. And of course, there are all the others...
Enough of my ranting. This book is a really good read, and can be taken in one sitting if you are that way inclined. It is laugh-out-loud funny, yet the subject matter means it has more than its fair share of poignancy. It is an eye-opener, even to those of us who think our eyes are already open!
Essential reading for everyone, most will learn things they never envisaged, or perhaps did not want to believe, and many I am sure, will change their ways to the benefit of the whole world and all its creatures - ourselves included.
Adams' style is recognisable throughout to those who read his fiction, but his humour does not detract in any way from the serious message. That it not to say that you are presented with a lecture. Adams relates the story of his travels with Mark Carwadine to visit some of the world's rarest creatures, in a way that enables all of us to gain an insight into the precarious state of some of our world's inhabitants.
The title of the book is all too descriptive. It is a while since I read the book, and my hope is that all the animals and birds featured are still around. Certainly, unless action is taken, some of these creatures will struggle to see out the next 5 years, never mind the next generation. For those who do not appreciate just how rare some of these creatures are - we are talking very small numbers (less than 20 in many cases). The upside is that many of the animals in the book are receiving attention - the downside, as often, is maybe too little too late. And of course, there are all the others...
Enough of my ranting. This book is a really good read, and can be taken in one sitting if you are that way inclined. It is laugh-out-loud funny, yet the subject matter means it has more than its fair share of poignancy. It is an eye-opener, even to those of us who think our eyes are already open!
Essential reading for everyone, most will learn things they never envisaged, or perhaps did not want to believe, and many I am sure, will change their ways to the benefit of the whole world and all its creatures - ourselves included.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By VickiChick
Format:Paperback
I read this book in three days. I just couldn't put it down. Adams is funny and touching. Mark's input and the knowledge that is included in the book make this a highly informative and enlightening read. The tone is never preaching, although it certainly makes you realise just what we're doing to the planet. This text manages to stir your conscience and be wildly funny at the same time!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
This book is by far one of the best I have read. It is well funny and sad at the same time, and I just couldn't put it down.
Published 1 month ago by Diana
2.0 out of 5 stars
Tattered and discoloured
I was looking forward to give this book as a present to my sister. However it arrived in a terrible state. It was completely brown on every page and very tatty. Some present!
Published 2 months ago by maureen sutton
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is the best book I have read
I bought this as a present for a friend. It is one of those books that everyone should read to understand the reasons why so many animals are now endangered. Read more
Published 3 months ago by S. Willis
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
After reading the latest version by Stephen Fry (from the TV programme) I wanted to read the original, And as much as I love Stephen Fry this is much better!!!
Published 3 months ago by Sue M
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not the guide but still really good
While I do feel that it will be very hard to write a book that is more complete than Hitchhikers, this is still very good and is full of that Adams goodness that I don't have the... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Schultz
4.0 out of 5 stars
endangered animals
This is the interesting story of a writer and a zoologist who team up together to travel the world look ing for endangered animals. Read more
Published 5 months ago by G. I. Forbes
5.0 out of 5 stars
You die, of course...
A great book which is as relevant today as it was in the 90s when Adams and Carwardine travelled the world in search of species which were nearing extinction. Read more
Published 8 months ago by K Magee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic, gripping and a story of the world around you that stays...
A couple of years ago I watched the last chance to see television series with Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Poloscar3
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funniest book ever.
Despite the sometimes sorry and harrowing content of this book, Last Chance to See must go down as one of the funniest books i have ever read and the most amusing of all the... Read more
Published 18 months ago by samantha70
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read.
Althought this book is not so much a reference on wildlife studies, it does a give an insight to those who do it and with some fabulous pictures. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Katherine Wilson
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