Items related to The Eighth Continent: Life, Death, and Discovery in...

The Eighth Continent: Life, Death, and Discovery in the Lost World of Madagascar - Hardcover

 
9780380975778: The Eighth Continent: Life, Death, and Discovery in the Lost World of Madagascar
View all copies of this ISBN edition:
 
 
In this unique exploration of a biologically distinctive region, four scientists take a close look at the plants and animals that make Madagascar one of the most unusual places on earth.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:
Lying some 250 miles off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island. It is quite unlike the neighbouring continent, and, for that matter, quite unlike any other landmass on the planet. Its plant life is almost wholly endemic: eight out of ten plants there grow naturally only on Madagascar, and it has an entire ecosystem, the spiny desert, that is found nowhere else on earth. Many of its animal species, too, seem to have emerged from some evolutionary track that runs parallel to the rest of the world's; here can be found lemurs that will fit into a human palm, dwarf hippos, giant chameleons, and other rarities.

These plants and animals constitute an extraordinary diversity, writes science journalist Peter Tyson in this engaging book, and the island's richness of life has long intrigued scientists, who have proposed several theories to explain it. Those scientists, some of whom Tyson profiles at work in the field, are racing against time to catalogue island life before it disappears, for Madagascar's human population is rapidly growing, and with it the island's forests and other habitats are falling. The urgency may abate, Tyson writes with guarded optimism, now that the island's current president has proposed that all of Madagascar be considered as a United Nations World Heritage Site, which would help provide funds to prevent further loss of habitat and diversity. Though this proposal is not without its controversial aspect, Tyson makes a good case for why it should be taken up--and he shows just how high the stakes are.

Throughout his narrative, Tyson mixes scientific reportage with a nicely rendered travelogue that guides readers across the island while outlining key concepts of island biography and conservation biology. His book makes for a worthy companion to David Quammen's Song of the Dodo, and valuable reading for anyone concerned with the world environment. --Gregory McNamee

Review:
'Whether meeting a leaf-tailed gecko eye to eye... or describing conservation issues and local customs, Peter Tyson provides the most enjoyable book on the natural and cultural history of Madagascar I have ever read.' George B. Schaller, Wildlife Conservation Society 'A sharp picture of an intriguing place.' Scientific American 'Part field report, part travelogue, part ecological history, Tyson's book is an engrossing testament to one of the planet's most astonishing places.' Discover 'This is an absolutely absorbing book. Peter Tyson takes us with him on a journey of discovery, describing Madagascar with a rare depth of understanding, a fine eye for detail, and a sense of wonder that is most refreshing. There is humour, sadness, puzzlement, hope for the future. When you put the book down, you truly feel as if you have been there.' Jane Goodall 'Tyson's book blends adventure,science and history into an elegant whole.' Conde Nast Traveller

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherAvon Books
  • Publication date2000
  • ISBN 10 0380975777
  • ISBN 13 9780380975778
  • BindingHardcover
  • Number of pages374
  • Rating

Shipping: £ 11.89
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom

Destination, rates & speeds

Add to Basket

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9781841624419: Madagascar: The Eighth Continent: Life, Death and Discovery in a Lost World (Bradt Travel Guides (Travel Literature))

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  ISBN 13:  9781841624419
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides, 2013
Softcover

Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace

Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
GF Books, Inc.
(Hawthorne, CA, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. Seller Inventory # 0380975777-2-1

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 25.05
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 11.89
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
GoldenWavesOfBooks
(Fayetteville, TX, U.S.A.)

Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0380975777

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 19.02
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 22.19
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
LibraryMercantile
(Humble, TX, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # newMercantile_0380975777

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 19.58
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 24.57
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Book Deals
(Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-0380975777-new

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 33.10
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 11.89
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Wizard Books
(Long Beach, CA, U.S.A.)

Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0380975777

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 22.21
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 24.17
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
GoldBooks
(Austin, TX, U.S.A.)

Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0380975777

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 22.92
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 24.57
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Front Cover Books
(Denver, CO, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0380975777

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 23.53
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 24.17
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Seller Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover First Edition Quantity: 1
Seller:
Pieuler Store
(Suffolk, United Kingdom)

Book Description Condition: new. 1st. Book is in NEW condition. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Fast Customer Service!!. Seller Inventory # PSN0380975777

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 45.61
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 2.80
Within United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
BennettBooksLtd
(LOS ANGELES, CA, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 1.5. Seller Inventory # Q-0380975777

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 47.26
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 34.87
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Tyson, Peter
Published by William Morrow (2000)
ISBN 10: 0380975777 ISBN 13: 9780380975778
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
The Book Spot
(Sioux Falls, SD, U.S.A.)

Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # Abebooks74713

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 48.17
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 35.67
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds