Aye-aye and I: Rescue Expedition in Madagascar (Windsor Selections S.) - Hardcover

Durrell, Gerald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0745176658 ISBN 13: 9780745176659

Publisher: Chivers Large print (Chivers, Windsor, Paragon & C, 1994

Synopsis

Here is the riveting tale of Gerald Durrell's adventures and misadventures in the enchanted forests of Madagascar, in search of the elusive Aye-aye.

Once thought to be extinct, the Aye-aye, the beast with the magic finger, still lurks, though in fast dwindling numbers, in the forests of Madagascar. Durrell's mission to help save this strange creature turns into a madcap journey in which you will meet not only the enigmatic Aye-aye, but the catlike Fosa, the Flat-tailed tortoise, the Gentle lemurs of Lac Alaotra, and the Malagasy chameleons, among others. Truly nothing escapes Durrell's sharp eye, whether he is describing the great zoma (market), the village dances, the treacherous bridges and river crossings, the strange foods and stranger music, or the vagaries of local officialdom.

As the San Francisco Chronicle noted, "It is impossible for Gerald Durrell to write anything that is less than exuberant, eccentric, and amusing." And in his account of this "rescue mission", Durrell is, quite simply, at his superb best.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

'In the gloom it came along the branches towards me – its round, hypnotic eyes blazing; its spoon-like ears turning to and fro like radar dishes; its white whiskers twitching and moving like sensors; the thin, attentuated fingers on its black hands tapping delicately on the branches as it moved along, like those of a pianist playing a complicated piece by Chopin.'

Gerald Durrell's task was to capture some of the legendary Aye-aye, the beast with the magic finger that lurks in the forests of Madagascar, and bring them back to his famous Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust for breeding. Although on a serious scientific expedition, Gerald Durrell describes his adventures with his own inimitable brand of humour. Nothing escapes his sharp eyes and talented pen. Whether he is describing the great 'zoma' market, village dances, dangerous bridges, the cat-like 'Fosa', the Gentle lemurs of Lake Aloatra, strange foods or stranger magic, his writing is always compelling.
This is Durrell at his best, as a serious scientific writer and a humorist who knows no equal in his field.

"I defy anyone not to fall in love with the aye-aye after this."
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

About this edition

• Publisher: Chivers Large print (Chivers, Windsor, Paragon & C
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0745176658
• ISBN 13: 9780745176659
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240