Jane Goodall: 40 Years at Gombe (Hardcover)

~ Goodall Inst (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Jane Goodall is the most famous primatologist, possibly the most famous field biologist, of the 20th century. Her chimpanzee research did more to increase human knowledge of the lives of our closest relatives than that of any other scientist. It's in large part due to her example that primatology is the closest thing to a female-dominated science.

But in 1986 Goodall gave up fieldwork for a higher, more pressing calling: rescuing chimpanzees from inhumane conditions in captivity and preserving the species from extinction. Jane Goodall: 40 Years at Gombe is a pictorial tribute to her life, her studies of the chimpanzees, and her unflagging efforts to motivate human beings on their behalf.

"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." Goodall began her research by giving the chimpanzees names, by observing them as nonhuman individuals. Her activism is directed toward the human individuals: scientists who use apes in research, Africans who live near wild apes, children in Africa and in the industrialized world who can learn to value other creatures for themselves. Goodall says of this last project that "I think Roots & Shoots is probably the reason I came into the world. Yet I couldn't have done it without all those years with the chimpanzees and an understanding that led to a blurring of the line between 'man' and 'beasts.'" --Mary Ellen Curtin

From Library Journal

This reverent and beautifully photographed album celebrates the chimpanzees of Gombe and Jane Goodall's career as both a pioneering field biologist and a moral leader in the humane treatment and rehabilitation of laboratory animals. The brief biographical chapters repeat anecdotes from her recent autobiography Reason for Hope (LJ 9/15/99); later chapters provide more coverage of her work with organizations such as ChimpanZoo, chimpanzee sanctuaries, and Roots and Shoots, a youth environmental program. A recurring theme is Goodall's powerful motivation to bond personally with the chimpanzees she comes into contact with, be they orphans, lab animals, or even wild chimpanzees in her research study. Perhaps a more critical account of her career will explore the appropriateness of her approach in conducting scientific field studies. For now, her status as a patron saint of chimpanzees seems assured. Recommended for academic and public libraries.
-Beth Clewis Crim, Prince William P.L., VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (November 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556709471
• ISBN-13: 978-1556709470
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 10.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #646,837 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #40 in	Books > History > Africa > Tanzania
  #91 in	Books > Science > Biological Sciences > Zoology > Primatology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tribute to Goodall's life and work, May 1, 2001

By	Mark Belonio (Phoenix, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

_____I bought this book for my girlfriend, who is a huge fan of Jane Goodall. But I find myself picking it up and reading through it a lot. This book is an excellent read, for the casual animal lover as well as those with a deep interest in primatology.

_____The book covers much of Jane Goodall's life, including biographical info, historical research milestones, and even those special moments that make Goodall the concerned activist she is. It has well-written text and beautiful, high-quality photos. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Jane Goodall, especially those who do not know much about her and would like a starter reference book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Worthy Devotion to an amazing Woman!, July 13, 2000

By A Customer

At 14, I admire and sulute Ms. Goodall! Her work and devotion to some the most fascinating of animals is absolutely stunning! I think that over her 40 wonderful at Gombe, she has developed a beautiful relationship with these animals, and you can definetely see and feel their love with this book! Everyone who has ever read her dazzling books or has any knowledge or admiration for Jane's hard and unmistakably hard work will enjoy this timeline of a stunning woman's life in Africa! Enjoy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book, May 8, 2008

By	John W. Jensen (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this for my daughter, Beth. It is an outstanding book. Incredible photos and very well done. Like all of Jane Goodall's books, this is a keeper.

John Jensen