Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon [Hardcover]

Henry Nicholls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2006 | ISBN-10: 1403945764 | ISBN-13: 978-1403945761

Lonesome George is a 5ft long, 200lb tortoise aged between 60 and 200. In 1971 he was discovered on the remote Galapagos island of Pinta, from which tortoises had supposedly been exterminated by greedy whalers and seal hunters. He has been at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz island ever since, on the off-chance that scientific ingenuity will conjure up a way of reproducing him and resurrecting his species. Meanwhile a million tourists and dozens of baffled scientists have looked on as the celebrity reptile shows not a jot of interest in the female company provided. Today, Lonesome George has come to embody the mystery, complexity and fragility of the unique Galapagos archipelago. His story echoes the challenges of conservation worldwide; it is a story of Darwin, sexual dysfunction, adventure on the high seas, cloning, DNA fingerprinting and eco-tourism.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The Galapagos Islands--the wellspring of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution--are the home of giant tortoises, for which the islands are named. Scientists recognize 14 different types of tortoises, 9 of which evolved in isolation on separate islands in the archipelago. The tortoises of the most northerly island, Pinta, were supposed to have been extinct since 1906, but in 1971 a biologist discovered a single, lone tortoise. Lonesome George, as he was later christened, was captured and transported to the tortoise-breeding center at the Charles Darwin Research Station on the island of Santa Cruz. Further searches of Pinta turned up no more tortoises, and it appears that Lonesome George was the last of his kind. Science writer Nicholls tells the story of Lonesome George, of his rise to conservation poster boy, and of his status as a tourist attraction. This marvelous look at the conservation of nature, as embodied in one enormous reptile, is highly recommended. Nancy Bent
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Review

"Like the best human-focused biographers, Nicholls uses his unusual subject as a springboard into more universal territory. He aptly portrays Lonesome George as a sort of reptilian Forrest Gump, an unwitting bystander continually thrust to the forefront as society's defining crises play themselves out around him."--Wired

 

"This marvellous look at the conservation of nature, as embodied in one enormous reptile, is highly recommended."--Nancy Bent, Booklist

 

"Is he gay, impotent or just bored? Read this fascinating book for the full story. It skilfully blends historical derring-do with cutting-edge conservation biology."--NewScientist

"Told with real affection and humour...a fitting tribute to one of the voiceless victims of human progress."--Guardian

 

"A warmly enjoyable book...a pleasure to read."--www.popularscience.co.uk

"Nicholls' lively tale takes the reader on a journey through the Galapagos - and how much there is to lose."--BBC Focus Magazine

 

"This is a wonderful tale of an almost mythical beast. Rich in historical detail George's story is one of pathos, despair and hope with some quirky reproductive biology thrown in for good measure. Nicholls has done us all a service, reminding us of the fragility of life in general and of one very special chelonian in particular." -- Tim Birkhead, author of Promiscuity and The Red Canary

 

"Not simply the story of a tortoise but the tale of that icon of evolution, the Galápagos archipelago, and of the heroics and (sometimes) seeming futility of the conservation movement. The science is compelling, the tone is light - highly recommended."--Olivia Judson, Seed Magazine

 

"It is a cracking tale - and crackingly well told. It is also salutary. Giant tortoises are indeed extraordinary - but not as strange as human beings."--Colin Tudge, author of The Secret Life of Trees

"If Darwin were alive today he would be fascinated by Henry Nicholls' splendid account of this solitary survivor from Pinta Island. A must for anyone who cares about extinction or has a soft spot for the remarkable history of a very singular animal."--Janet Browne, author of Charles Darwin: A Biography

 

“The literary device of placing a reptilian icon at the centre of a dynamic play about science, conservation and our attitudes to nature results in a highly readable book that has much to say about the ways we flounder around in our attempts to protect things that seem important to us.” --Nature

“Lonesome George will do for the cause of science and preservation in the Galápagos what Jonathan Weiner's The Beak of the Finch did a decade before--entertain, enlighten and encourage us all to do our part to preserve not just these islands, but Earth itself.” --Michael Shermer, author of In Darwin's Shadow, in THES

 

“Nicholls is a brilliant storyteller and narrative stylist in the finest tradition--an emotional but fact-filled call for action.” --The Skeptic

 

“Conciencious, comprehensive and balanced. Everyone with an interest in conservation should read this account and consider its implications.” --Trends in Evolution and Ecology

 

“Well written and fascinating--Nicholls’ passion for his subject and sense of humour are always evident.” --Times Literary Supplement

 

"Manages to package human drama, reproductive biology and a conservation message with humour and exemplary clarity." --Folha de S.Paulo

 

“Highly readable. I encourage you to read this succinct book and pass it on to your colleagues, even children.” --EMBO Reports, Professor Jeffrey Powell, Yale

 

"In terms that are at once accessible and breezy, he makes an unequivovcal case for the sole known remaining individual of the Galapagos giant tortoise subspecies, Geochelone nigra abingdoni...Nicholls is a master reconteur...the chapters themselves are marvels of elucidation...Nicholls' effort is both timely and redoubtable, and demands critical attnetion now." --John Matthew, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences

 

 

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (March 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403945764
• ISBN-13: 978-1403945761
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,718,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Iconic hardback, April 27, 2006

By 

Phil Mitchell (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon (Hardcover)

If anyone has been to the Galapagos (or is intending to) this is a must-have. In fact, anyone with an interest in Darwinism and environmentalism should also make sure they have a read. Henry Nicholls has done a great job of adding humour and fascinating anecdotes to some very serious topics, notably the human impact on this sensitive archipelago, and our role in protecting endangered species.

But what really makes this such a special read is the insight it gives to the life of poor Lonesome George. If I had to criticise, it would be that the book fails to consider the pressure that a myriad of scentific observers and visitors is piling on to the poor fellow. Its no surprise he feels shy about reproducing when constantly being reminded that he is an 'icon' and 'last of his species' (although the pretty swiss volunteer clearly tried her best to make him relax).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read, November 20, 2006

By 

Jason M. Redd (California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon (Hardcover)

This is a truly wonderful book with a great blend of humor and scientific story-telling. Current issues and historical anecdotes interwine seemlessly as the saga of Lonesome George unfolds. A must for Galapagos travelers past and future.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The World's Loneliest Bachelor Gets His Time To Shine, March 15, 2006

By 

Ezra Soiferman (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon (Hardcover)

Lonesome George is not just the last of his sub-species of Galapagos giant tortoise, he is also an icon for animal conservation. In Henry Nicholls' new book, the very first full book on Lonesome George since his chance discovery 1n 1972, we get a crystal clear picture on what it will take to preserve George's race: the Pinta race of giant Galapagos tortoise. And though, the chances for survival seem slim, Nicholls digs up every conceivable speck of hope and lays it out for us in his own quirky style.

When I'd finished reading the book I was left with a feeling that I knew George intimately and that I understood the hurdles biologists, zoologists, conservationists and tortoise lovers are up against in trying to save the Pinta race.

Not to be missed is the part about George's Swedish human 'girlfriend' and their steamy escapades. The book also features extensive examples of other animals in peril and how they've been saved or lost. A joy of a read packed with hard facts, moving passages and important lessons. Go George!