Albatross: Their World, Their Ways [Hardcover]

Tui De Roy (Author), Mark Jones (Author), Julian Fritter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 2008

The magic and misfortune of the world's greatest migrating bird.

Albatross are best known for their enormous wingspan and global migrations. They are also the subject of intense scientific scrutiny. Recent DNA studies have revealed that there may not be just 13, but 21 to 25 albatross species. With all but two of them endangered, the albatross may disappear just as we are discovering more about it.

Tui De Roy and Mark Jones set out in a 43-foot sailboat to cross the world's oceans in search of the albatross. They weathered storms, finally arriving to camp on barren landfalls, where they studied and photographed these fascinating birds. Albatross features the very best writing and research on these extraordinary creatures. The book includes a breathtaking photographic portfolio, a series of essays by leading experts, and a natural history section with detailed information on each species.

Along with commentary on the authors' adventures, topics include:

• Size and population distribution
• Biology and recent DNA discoveries
• Food and reproduction
• Breeding sites and courtship behavior
• Albatross in exploration, exploitation, myth and legend
• Migratory routes and the mysteries of migration
• Conservation threats and status.

Albatross is an impassioned, authoritative and richly illustrated study of a magnificent creature.

(20090206)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Coleridge’s epic The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is as close as most of us will ever get to an albatross. These long-winged, oceanic wayfarers have fascinated the mariners, who observed them for millennia. Calmly soaring by on fixed wings in 70-knot winds as ships labor to stay afloat, or riding breezes so slight that sailing ships are totally becalmed, albatrosses with their magical ability to call the winds, are considered sacred by sailors. Long-lived, albatrosses do not even touch land for years after leaving the nest and spend roughly 95 percent of their lives at sea, only returning to remote islands to breed. All 22 species of albatross are in trouble to one degree or another, losing their lives to longline fishing hooks or from eating ocean-borne trash. To bring their plight to the attention of the public, wildlife photographer De Roy authored this magnificent volume. With commentary from scientists, local residents, and even a former poacher, all aspects of albatross biology and conservation are touched upon. A profile of each species is included, and a list of the best places to view albatrosses is appended. The only popular book on these birds—highly recommended. --Nancy Bent

Review

Essays and photos galore. (Philadelphia Inquirer.com 2009)

[starred review] The only popular book on these birds -- highly recommended. (Nancy Bent Booklist 200904)

I would say that this is the best book of its type that I have seen...a highly recommended addition. (BirdersLibrary.com 200812)

[De Roy's] passion for albatrosses and her commitment to promoting their conservation is emphasized literally from start to finish. (Richard A. Phillips Journal of the British Ornithologists' Union 2010)

Large, beautifully produced [and] has fantastic photography... Particularly exemplary and...the best book of its type that I have come across. (Grant McCreary Wingbars.com )

[A] magnificent book about a magnificent bird. (www.bookclubclassics.com/blog )

Between De Roy's photographs and text, the reader experiences the lives and the remarkable diversity of albatrosses. (Robert M. Suryan, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon Marine Ornithology Journal 38: 13-1397 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (September 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554074150
• ISBN-13: 978-1554074150
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #925,804 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Class, February 11, 2009

By 

Grant McCreary "birderslibrary dot com" (GA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Albatross: Their World, Their Ways (Hardcover)

This is the best book of its type (non-technical, non-identification related bird family book) that I have seen. It provides just about everything that you could want to know about these amazing birds.

The book is split into three main sections. The first is an introduction to the various groups of albatrosses, with each of the eight groupings getting its own chapter. The author is obviously very familiar with these birds, and the personal anecdotes and observations greatly adds to this section.

The second part is a collection of 18 essays, each by a different expert on these birds (researchers, ornithologists, etc). They cover a broad range of topics, but mostly deal with conservation. Unfortunately, this is a necessity since most albatross species are threatened, and many are very much endangered.

The final section is a brief overview of the albatross family, and individual species accounts for each of the 22 species that the authors recognize. These accounts are great for a book such as this, and include just about everything that you could ask for.

As good as the text is, the photography is even better. The images are consistently beautiful and awe-inspiring; I found myself amazed anew with every page turned.

In addition to all of this, there is also an introduction by Carl Safina (a modified excerpt from his wonderful Eye of the Albatross: Visions of Hope and Survival), a list of the best places to see albatrosses, books and websites for further reading, and a glossary.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, December 4, 2008

By 

T. Townsend - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Albatross: Their World, Their Ways (Hardcover)

I have to say this books is the best Albatross book I ever read! The price for this book is very cheap for the material and quality of photographs this book has to offer. The info in this book is also up to date on Albatrosses! This book is the cheaptest alternative on through treatment of Albatrosses.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Albatross - Their World - Outstanding monograph, February 25, 2010

By 

Iain Williams "Iain D. Williams" (Hobart, Tasmania Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Albatross: Their World, Their Ways (Hardcover)

First, I have a passion and strong interest in albatross. I enjoy observing and photographing them. Equally I enjoy reading about these magnificent seabirds.

This said, this book would have to be one of most informative books I have purchased on the subject. It is well written, filled with thousands of facts and figures, is easy to read and has excellent diagrams, maps and photographs throughout. One aspect of the book which brings it above others is that it deals with all albatross species and discusses each in turn, while providing ideal comparative charts and photographs of the different species. The section which deals with research is also very interesting and informative.

I knew quite a bit about albatross before reading this book. Now, I have a more thorough understanding of the various species, their habitats, locations, statistics and current research.

This review is rather short - not because there is nothing to write about, but because nothing negative can be said about this book - it is excellent. If you're interested in the albatross, then this book is a definite must have.

This book is highly recommended in every respect.