The Year of the Gorilla (Paperback)

~ (Author) "There is a special feeling of elation in finally having reached a destination that has occupied the mind for months, a destination that is completely..." (more)
Key Phrases: blackbacked male, silverbacked male, several gorillas, Big Daddy, Albert Park, Impenetrable Forest (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Whether the author is tracking gorillas, slipping past elephant herds on narrow jungle paths, avoiding poachers' deadfalls, or routing Watusi invaders, this is an exciting book. Although Schaller feels that this is 'not an adventure book,' few readers will be able to agree." - Irven DeVore, Science "In the course of his fresh, bright book, Schaller does not so much argue for his biological ecumenism as - talking, walking, doing, going, describing - he exemplifies it." - Naomi Bliven, New Yorker" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

"A sensitive and articulate observer, [Schaller] is at his best when he is describing the forest itself . . . . This is an exciting book. Although Schaller feels that this is 'not an adventure book,' few readers will be able to agree."--Irven DeVore, Science

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (April 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226736482
• ISBN-13: 978-0226736488
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #784,165 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story, August 31, 1999

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is the fascinating story of the author's expedition to study Mountain Gorillas in 1959-60. Told as a detailed narrative, it is as much an adventure story as a scientific analysis.

From the riveting first encounter with a family of gorillas through the identification of several distinct groups, their daily routine is revealed. The gentleness that Schaller found dispelled many long held myths about Gorilla behavior.

Beyond the gorillas, this is also the complete story of a region, its people and other flora and fauna. The issues of preservation of these animals and their habitat are much the same as those faced today.

This is the documentation of an important pioneering work that paved the way for Fossey and other researchers who would follow. Illustrated with photos and maps, it is a compelling read from cover to cover.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Gorilla study and more, March 11, 2005

By	Shoshana Lavinghouse "SpacySRL" (San Francisco or Providence, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful combination of anthropology, history, ecology, and gorilla studies. Schaller writes in a captivating and inviting style. I loved that he presented his datea on gorillas, the focus of his presence in Africa, within his own experience there. Imbeded within was ecological commentary expectable with endandered creatures; however, Schaller managed to make this contribute favorably to his book rather than the whining diatribe it could have been.
Highly recommendable for both social reading as well as a suppliment to an anthropology class.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Look at the life of Gorillas through Schaller's Eyes, September 7, 1998

By	Justin Chandlr-Aston ([e-mail]) (Huntington Beach, California, USA) - See all my reviews

George Schaller takes you with him as he goes to the Virunga Volcanoes to study the Gorillas. He takes a look at the gorillas, but with a more personal approach than with "The Mountain Gorilla". Instead of pouring out scientific facts, he shares with you some of his feelings and experiences as he watched them. This was a refreshing look at the life of gorillas from his own perspective. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Gorillas.