The High Frontier: Exploring the Tropical Rainforest Canopy (Paperback)

~ Mark Moffett (Author), Edward O. Wilson (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A tree-climber when young, Moffett has combined his early agility with his doctoral rain forest research to write a fascinating account of the fauna of the rain forest canopy. It has been only in the last 20 years that biologists have been able, through a variety of techniques, to get up into the canopy, often 100 to 200 feet above the forest floor, and study the teeming animal life there. Moffett visited most of the researchers now active in this very special field. He mixes the science in an interesting way, offering glimpses into the life and research methods of these biological specialists. Illustrated with many spectacular photographs taken by the author and written in a very readable style, this book will be of interest to both the biologist and general reader.
- Eleanor Maass, Maass Assocs., New Milford, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Mark Moffett's book is a magnificent exploration of the most biodiverse environment known--the rainforest canopy--supported by the finest colour photographs I have ever seen. Almost a decade has passed since I wrote "The Enchanted Canopy,.".Moffett charts the explosion of new discoveries since then and the emergence of a new breed of arboreal naturalists..."The High Frontier" comprises a series of insightful encounters with scientists working in a wide range of disciplines to uncover the secrets of the canopy...The book really comes to life in the examples of how many animals and plants interact. Good journalistic narrative is at all times underpinned with first-hand knowledge and the authority of excellent research...Moffett's book is a visual feast. Some of his photographs are breathtaking...This remarkable book will be another stepping stone on the way to taking canopy science seriously. As Cousteau once predicted research stations under the sea, so I envisage, in the not-too-distant future, permanent research stations in the canopy to study the ocean of life a mere 100 feet above our heads. -- Andrew Mitchell "Times Higher Education Supplement"

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harvard University Press; First edition (March 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674390393
• ISBN-13: 978-0674390393
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,396,130 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars solid science, unforgettable images, April 19, 2001

By	Robert J. Crawford (Balmette Talloires, France) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a great popular science book, written by an adventurer/explorer who also has a Harvard PhD in biology. He travels all over the world for National Geographic, taking nature photos as well as reporting on cutting-edge discoveries in the rainforests. As such, he succeeds at mixing art and science in this book, which is somewhat technical, but explained in clear language that laymen can understand. THis book changed the way I saw rainforests: fully 9/10s of their biota are in the canopy, in the leaves high above, which you would never imagine from the ground. And Moffet went up there with camera to photograph it with some of the world's best scientists. The result is absolutely masterful.

It is truly a pity that this book is out of print. I wrote a review of it for the Boston Globe when it came out and later met the author, Moffet. He was as interesting and colorful as the book, full of hilarious stories of his adventures.