Tall Blondes: A Book About Giraffes [Hardcover]

Lynn Sherr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1997

Dust jacket is bent, book is in VG condition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A tall blonde herself, ABC correspondent Sherr became fascinated with giraffes during a 1973 trip to Africa. Subsequent visits fueled her interest and led to this book, a felicitous blend of history, biology and anthropology that starts in prehistoric times and runs to the present. Nearly half of the book consists of giraffe-related quotations from travelers, historians, scientists, hunters and others. We learn that there are nine subspecies of giraffes (they can interbreed); that the giraffe is highly sociable; that its chief predators are lions and hyenas. Sherr describes the giraffe's remarkable physiology and its gentle nature. She tells stories of some famous giraffes, including Daisy Rothschild, a pet raised by a family in Kenya, and the giraffe kept in a Florentine zoo in the late 15th century by Lorenzo de Medici. With so much popular literature devoted to lions, elephants and apes, it's about time someone has written a modern paean to the giraffe--and such a graceful one, too. Color illustrations throughout.

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Sherr was an ABC correspondent when she visited Africa in 1973 and fell in love with the liquid eyes and long lashes of the giraffe. She characterizes her book as a "cultural history" of these animals and provides more literary and anecdotal information than scientific fact. Full-color illustrations are liberally used to illustrate key points in the text. Sherr looks at how the giraffe acquired both its name and its extravagant neck, what it must be like to "grow up giraffe," and famous giraffes. Most pages contain at least one quotation from early travelers to Africa or present-day conservationists. A little bit fact, a little bit fiction, this work is an amusing look at a popular species. Readers will acquire a new appreciation for the physical adaptations of this seeming aberration of nature. Recommended for larger natural history collections or communities located near zoological gardens.?Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L, Wis.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836227697
• ISBN-13: 978-0836227697
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101,542 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #61 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Mammals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is a hoot!, April 28, 2001

By 

R. Sparks "middle_path" (Norman, Oklahoma United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tall Blondes: A Book About Giraffes (Hardcover)

As a Clinical Massage Therapist (for both humans and non), and the only captive/agressive (animal) TTouch practitioner in my state, I do a lot of volunteer work at my local Zoological park. I'm never quite sure what I'll be working on when I go out, so I like to pick up info on various animals when I can and just read ahead. When I placed my order, I was looking for a little more scientific data, but even without the clinical research I was most pleased with what showed up at my door!

Ms. Sherr's sincere passion for the creature is evident on every page, and the book itself is simply a pleasure to hold and read. It has a nicely designed slick cover and the binding is top-notch. This book will last for ages if taken care of, but as appealing as the images have been to my daugher, I have to keep a close eye on it.

There are interesting facts, and some fiction is dispelled. There's tons of history and beautiful pix on every page.

No, the book is not the end-all be-all of information, but it is well worth the price, and there are even a few used ones for sale above (though not mine. . . you can't have it. . . just back awaaaaay from the book.)

I highly recommend this book for anyone with a passing interest or even a non-veterinary passion for the animal!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous work of art., October 21, 1998

By 

RiverGiraffe (TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tall Blondes: A Book About Giraffes (Hardcover)

This book contains the most captivating journey through the history and lives of giraffes that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. As a giraffophile myself, I was amazed at the extent of new, fascinating information contained within each page. It has wonderful illustrations that complement and enhance the reading. "Tall Blondes" is a must-have for every giraffe lover; it's a graceful, distinctive work that is truly deserving of its unique subject matter.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Tall Blondes" gives a rush to the giraffe lover., January 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tall Blondes: A Book About Giraffes (Hardcover)

The personality of the giraffe is seen throughout this book. I wish humans could learn from the giraffe's peace in his world, the eye contact, the sharing, the adaption to the world as it is. Lynn Sherr has had the best opportunity in the world. All I want to know is "Can I go to Nairobi and pet the giraffes too? Excellant Book. You will love it!