Jungle of the Maya [Hardcover]

Jim Wright (Author), Douglas Goodell (Photographer), Jerry Barrack (Photographer), Archie Carr (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2006

The Selva Maya (Jungle of the Maya) is one of the world's most magical yet least appreciated places--an enormous tropical forest that encompasses much of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. At 9,000,000 acres, it is the largest contiguous tropical forest north of the Amazon in the Western Hemisphere. Within its borders, the Selva Maya provides habitat for an astonishing diversity of plants and animals--more than 500 species of birds alone. The forest also contains the fascinating ruins of ancient Maya cities, which attract visitors and researchers from all over the globe. Jungle of the Maya presents a stunning photographic portrait of this irreplaceable natural treasure. Nature photographers Douglas Goodell and Jerry Barrack capture the living wonders of the jungle--jaguars and other cats; spider and howler monkeys; hummingbirds and butterflies; and snakes, amphibians, and insects--as well as the region's hallmark Maya sites, including Tikal, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Tulum. Environmental writer Jim Wright invitingly describes the Selva Maya's natural and human history, helping visitors and residents appreciate the riches to be found in the forest and the need to protect and preserve them for generations to come. Because human activities are encroaching more and more on the Mayan forest, Jungle of the Maya is a beautiful book with a timely message. As renowned naturalist Archie Carr III sums it up in his foreword, "Today, the Selva Maya is at risk again. As modern beings, can we manage the forest better than we believe the ancient Maya did? We should. We have the archaeological record to draw from. We have modern science. And we still have inspiration whispered to us by spirits in the great plazas of Tikal and beyond. Turn the pages, and witness."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This enchanted land, steeped in history and sheathed in forest, is so exquisitely photographed and engagingly described in Jungle of the Maya you can almost hear the bellow of howler monkeys above and the rustle of army ants below as you turn the pages. Great book." Pete Dunne, nature writer and Director for Natural History Information, New Jersey Audubon "This beautiful and informative book provides a wealth of information and inspiration for any traveler to Belize, Guatemala, or the Yucatan. The land, which once supported a vast civilization, is now the most critical stronghold of the region's spectacular wildlife. Jungle of the Maya underscores all the reasons why this precious tropical forest must be saved." Gerard Bertrand, noted conservationist and honorary president of the World Land Trust

Review

This enchanted land, steeped in history and sheathed in forest, is so exquisitely photographed and engagingly described in Jungle of the Maya you can almost hear the bellow of howler monkeys above and the rustle of army ants below as you turn the pages. Great book. (Pete Dunne, nature writer and Director for Natural History Information, New Jersey Audubon )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 148 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292714122
• ISBN-13: 978-0292714120
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,064,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A recommended pick for both public and speciality library holdings., December 13, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jungle of the Maya (Hardcover)

Jungle of the Maya features fine color photographs by Douglas Goodell and Jerry Barrack to accompany text by Jim Wright and explores the Selva Maya, one of the world's least publicized jungle locales. It holds some 9,000,000 acres and packs in a wide range of wildlife and ancient Maya ruins, only a fraction of which are displayed here. From wildcats and hummingbirds to snakes and various tree frogs, JUNGLE OF THE MAYA does an outstanding job of displaying some of the diversity to be found here, and this eye-catching exploration is a recommended pick for both public and speciality library holdings.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning photography, November 21, 2011

By 

Paul A. Klevgard "book runner" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jungle of the Maya (Hardcover)

The photos are absolutely exceptional. I am sure the photos were taken long distance but they make you feel as if you were up close to these exquisite birds. I am sure that took a lot of time, effort, planning, and maybe a fair amount of luck. A true work of art in book form.