Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas [Hardcover]

Susan Lumpkin (Author), John Seidensticker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 17, 2002

The recent arrival of the two giant pandas Tian Tian and Mei Xiang at the Smithsonian's National Zoo has created an enormous outpouring of public support for the conservation of this endangered species. The first step in attempting to ensure a future for giant pandas is understanding both their history and their current relationship with people. Susan Lumpkin and John Seidensticker present a beautifully photographed, resonant natural history, sharing their personal experiences of working with giant pandas in the United States and China.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Wild panda populations remain in only a few mountain ranges in central China, and their natural environment is shrinking as humans bring about environmental changes. This book is part of an ongoing effort, supported through major funding and initiatives by the Smithsonian, to educate the public about the giant pandas and the world in which they live. The authors, who are affiliated with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC, visited panda reserves in China to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Their book traces the natural and cultural history of the panda and its interactions with humans and discusses the challenges to conservation and preservation posed by the species. It also notes the political aspects that are part of any conservation effort. The authors feel that a bright future for pandas is possible but that much remains to be done. The book is enhanced with over 170 full-color photographs of giant pandas and the habitat they share with other wild creatures. Recommended for public libraries where there is interest in wildlife and conservation. Deborah Emerson, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, Fairport, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Institution Press (April 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588340384
• ISBN-13: 978-1588340382
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #723,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Panda Resource Book, October 21, 2005

By 

Robert S. Riemensnyder (Wilkes-Barre, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas (Hardcover)

What I really liked about this book is how it's completely accessible for all ages. It's not dumbed down for younger readers, yet it doesn't pander to more mature readers, either. It presents facts, figures and other related information in such a way that anybody could learn from this read.

This book is also one heck of a coffee table book, the perfect gift for anyone you might know who loves panda bears. The photographs are breath-taking, showcasing this beautiful creature in its natural habitat as well as in zoos. There are also some telling photos of pandas in their youngest form. All exquisite and mind-blowing in their individual beauty.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Status of Wildlife Conservation fieldwork in China, March 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas (Hardcover)

A beautiful cocktail table book full of beautiful photos of China and Pandas. The book's strengths lies in its accurate portrayal of giant panda conservation work in China, i.e. "muddy boots" conservationist work. The book surprisingly covers very little about the giant panda research at zoos and focuses mainly on conservation field work in China. The book also goes at length to describe the giant pandas genetic classification (genus) with respect to carnivora ( especially wrt raccoons and bears , see page 33-54 ). Most notable about the book is its assertion that there were originally two types of giant panda (a) tropical/warm climate giant panda ( Ailuropoda microta , extinct smaller version of the giant panda whose fossilized remains were found in caves at Lang Trang, Vietnam - see pages 51-54 ) and (b) a mountain/cold climate giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca, the modern giant panda ). The authors describes the giant panda as an ecological umbrella which is shared by people, other animals, and fauna. (p.93--153). While extensively referenced and researched, the book is not footnoted and lacks the rigorous presentation of data and analysis to be defined as a scientific work. Micheal Kiefer, Chris Catton and Schaller have provided better historical outline man's interaction with the giant pandas. The freshest part of this book is the coverage on the introduction of environmentally-sustainable/friendly human economies like the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR, see p. 153) and the conservation effort in China to gain the local support in China to protect wildlife and the environment.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ideal Panda Book for Library or Coffee Table, September 4, 2002

By 

Howard Youth (Madrid, Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smithsonian Book of Giant Pandas (Hardcover)

Finally, an up-to-date, photo-studded book on giant pandas by experts who know the subject inside and out. There's plenty of media attention on this unique endangered species but this book gives background, context, and depth lacking in most magazine and newspaper articles. If you want to settle in and take an armchair trip into the world of the elusive giant panda, get this book.