Product Description
Gorillas dispels the popular myth of the aggressive, chest--beating monsters that appear in the King Kong movie. Found in Africa in mist--shrouded mountains and lowland rainforests, gorillas are peaceful vegetarians who live amicably in social groups. This book paints a fascinating, detailed portrait of these primates, covering all aspects of their behavior and environment. Gorillas presents the latest research on the largest of all the primates: the natural environment of gorillas, where they are found today, and what they eat; family life of the gorillas, including the silverback male and his harem of females; rites of passage in the life of gorillas--in males the progression from infant to blackback to silverback; the intelligence of the gorillas, particularly their environmental intelligence; and their ability to learn elements of human language. With its lively narrative style, attractive design, and appealing photographs Gorillas informs and delights the reader. The gentle giants of the African forest--gorillas--are the focus of this title, one of three books in a series about our primate relatives. Author Michael Bright draws on the latest research to reveal the habits of these highly intelligent animals--their sociability (shown when they groom or play), their foraging routines, and the meaning behind their animated expressions. From the "silverback" males with their harems of females to the infants who cling to their mothers as they travel through the forest, Gorillas presents encounters among the diverse members of each gorilla group. Packed with fascinating facts and superb photography, Gorillas provides abundant information and delight. ... Read more

Product Description
Research on the mental abilities of chimpanzees and bonobos has been widely celebrated and used in reconstructions of human evolution. In contrast, scant attention has been paid to the abilities of gorillas and orangutans. This volume aims to complete the picture of hominoid cognition by bringing together the work on gorillas and orangutans and setting it in comparative perspective. This book's introductory chapters set the evolutionary context for comparing cognition in gorillas and orangutans to that of chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans. The remaining chapters focus primarily on the kinds and levels of intelligence displayed by orangutans and gorillas compared to other great apes, including performances in the classic domains of tool use and tool making, imitation, self awareness, social communication, and symbol use. ... Read more

Product Description
In beautiful yet eerily disturbing color photographs, the "Indiana Jones" of photography records the struggle for survival of the gorillas of the Virunga Mountains, the land they inhabit, and the Rwandan people whose destiny they share. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Gorillas in the Virungas
I've been with the gorillas in the Virunga +- 18 years ago (just before the Ruanda Massacre) and this book is a living memory for me. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover the world of gorillas and other primates -- their remarkable intelligence and social behavior.

Here is a spectacular and informative guide to the lives of the great apes, monkeys and other primates. Superb color photographs of gorillas, orangutans, macaques, baboons, lemurs and numerous other primate species offer a unique "eyewitness" view of some of the world's most intelligent animals. See a great silverback gorilla, the monkey with the biggest nose, how gibbons swing through the trees, multicolored marmosets and a day in the life of a gorilla family. Learn about the knuckle walk, how a tail becomes a hand, why gorillas build nests, which South American monkeys have the loudest call and how orangutans got their name. Discover why mountain gorillas are endangered, how chimpanzees communicate, why ring-tailed lemurs wave their tails in the air, which monkeys can run like cheetahs and why pottos fall out of trees, and much, much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Cool
I learned a lot more from this than 300+ page science books.Great photographs, great facts.I recommend this to any primate and ape enthusiasts! ... Read more

Product Description
In this elegant and thought-provoking memoir, Dawn Prince-Hughes traces her personal growth from undiagnosed autism to the moment, as a young woman, when she entered the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and became immediately fascinated with the gorillas. By observing them and, later, working with them, Prince-Hughes was finally able to emerge from her solitude and connect to living beings in a way she had never previously experienced.

More than a story of autism, Songs of the Gorilla Nation is a poignant, beautifully written exploration of the rich landscape of human emotion and the ways we learn to love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

A light came on when I read this book
I read this book after meeting Dawn on-line on an animal health group that I help moderate.I was impressed by the book and how Dawn has come so far from all the difficulties she had in her youth.She learned to overcome them thru her work with the gorillas at the zoo which is an amazing part of this book.Her story is true and therfore even more heartbreaking to know how she suffered to get where she is today.She still works daily in her life to continue to keep on top of her disease.

While I was reading her book it was as if a light came on.So many things she wrote about paralled my life and experiences.No, I had not ever been homeless or gotten to the point she had, but I had taken other ways out to hide and protect myself from the feelings and thoughts that play in my head.I realized that I must be in the functioning side of the syndrome disorder, but just barely.Many times I have stood on the edge ready to jump off into the deep dark hole that Dawn was in for years.I think she is braver than I for facing it and conquering it while I have hidden from it and put a wall up to keep it back.I function daily and no one knows the effort it takes to appear normal.Similar to what Dawn does now in her professional life as an instructor.I give Dawn much credit and truly respect her for writing this story of her journey through her experiences with autism.It has helped put a name on the demons for many of us who have read her book, and her courage helps me face each day.Thank you Dawn Prince Hughes.

Asperger's Syndrome Through The Eyes Of A Woman
A most beautiful and painful look at the struggle the author has lived with as she comes to terms with her Asperger's Syndrome.What is so important about this book is that it is a woman's story. So much is written by parents about raising a child with Asperger's Syndrome.More recently we have learned some about grown men with this developmental disorder. Time Magazine even referred to them as Geeks.But what about women with this disorder?Dawn Prince-Hughes paints a most inspiring story of her rebirth froma disturbed girl and teen into a woman who is a leader in her field, a supportive partner and a loving mother.

Soulful Memoir

Brilliantly written from the real life perspective of a woman with Aspergers, Songs of a Gorilla Nation, is inspirational and profound.Bravely the author opens her mind and soul to her reader, revealing world that can wondrous, complex, painful, and perplexing but is always profoundly human.Although it is at times shockingly honest, this book is a gift for adults longing to gain a real-life, tactile grasp of what it is like to live with and have Aspergers. It is also an eloquent testament to the intelligence, humanity, and achievement that is possible for such uniquely challenged individuals.However, as it is a memoir, it should never be taken as a complete picture of the disorder, as the expression and experience of Autism or Aspergers varies widely.

Gorrila my dreams..
I just finished reading "Songs of the Gorilla Nation", by Dawn Prince-Huges.I found it very interesting, (especially the parts about the gorillas), but also very disturbing.

Dawn is about my age, so we share having grown up with Asperger's Syndrome in a time when autism, and especially AS, weren't really recognized---especially in women---and it's subsequent late diagnosis.I guess I found it disturbing because of the many parallels in our lives, and the bad memories they brought up for me.

She mentions feeling guilty about being envious of her relative who was just diagnosed with AS, because of all the slack people cut him, and all the help he is getting.I also have a newly diagnosed nephew, and I can totally sympathize with her jealousy.If I had gotten 1/10th the understanding and help that he gets, well...who knows how much pain I might have been spared?

I also liked her point about how hard she works to act "normal", and how frustrating it is for her because people don't believe her when she says she's autistic.They think she's making excuses for being abrupt or uncaring or the million other things "normal" people accuse us of.Sort of a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation.

I REALLY sympathized when she spoke of how she has been criticized for her
perseveration, as I have run into that a lot.

I liked the book and I recommend it with some provisos: If you are on the spectrum, it may bring up bad stuff for some of you---especially if you're a woman.It's a little patchy -she skips around a bit and leaves out some background info that I would have found interesting/helpful.The insights into the gorilla mind are absolutely fascinating, and very sad.

A good read if you can handle it---I'm still having fallout.

Overcoming multiple hurdles to lead a fulfilling life
This is the autobiography of a woman who not only overcame the challenges posed by autism but also came to terms with her lesbianism and embraced both things as part of her life.

Growing up different - autistic AND gay - in a small town was dreadful, and she left at 16.Her description of the extra difficulties faced by a homeless autistic was frightening, but she managed to climb out of that hole anyway.

I would have liked to have read more details about her college life and how she managed to earn a Ph.D., largely by correspondence, from a Swiss university.

She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her life partner and their son, borne by the partner from an anonymous sperm donor who was likely as colorful as they are. ... Read more

Product Description
Amy Vedder leads a wild life. How many people can say they were once a member of a mountain gorilla family? Amy is a wildlife biologist, a scientist who studies animals and their behavior. She uses her knowledge to save animals whose lives and habitats are threatened.

Amy once lived in a remote part of central Africa, where she helped rescue Rwanda’s mountain gorillas from extinction. She did groundbreaking science in a beautiful rain forest environment, but it wasn’t always easy. She had to face tough conditions in a country affected by conflict and war. In the process, she met unforgettable people—and unforgettable gorillas. Today Amy travels the world, from her home base at New York’s Bronx Zoo to the far reaches of Mongolia in Asia. Everywhere she goes, she teaches people how to appreciate and protect the precious wildlife that surrounds them.

Gorilla Mountain is the thrilling story of a scientist and her science. To tell this true tale of adventure, author Rene Ebersole drew on firsthand accounts from Amy and her friends, family, and colleagues. How did a young nature lover become a powerful champion of great apes? The life story of Amy Vedder will intrigue and inspire readers of all ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Making a difference
a telling story of one woman's mission to protect the gorilla community of Rwanda from extinction.Her compassion & relentless determination for the safety of these animals is beyond admirable, as she sets out to educate the people of Rwanda on the value of the gorillas' lives.Through various obstacles, Amy Vedder manages to successfully make a difference in the population & preservation of these fine animals.Her story is truly inspiring & topical.Highly recommended for ages 12 & up. ... Read more

Product Description
Being best buds with a great ape is basically the most awesome thing in the entire world. They're excellent wingmen. They're accomplished bargain hunters. And their impressive dexterity makes them the perfect ping-pong partners.

The perks are pretty much endless.

Whether you need a hand organizing an Olympic-caliber bobsled team or fancy a leisurely stroll, a Gorilla is the ideal companion for whatever it is you're game to do. And the guidance they give is the absolute tops. Gorillas know the dish on the hippest eateries around and provide financial advice that's unbelievably sound (as they hold true to a "don't spend what you don't have" policy).

Everything Is Better with a Gorilla because, well, it just is. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Great for the coffee table.
Hmm... short and sweet - what a fun, silly and amusing little book.Definitely a unique and worthy addition to the coffee table book collection!

A Gorilla Instructional Spectacular!
There are books about gorillas. And there are books that talk about how things could be better. This is one of the first books that tells you how things could be better WITH a gorilla. A master stroke of genius!

Gall and Soliven have answered the nagging question that has been on everyone's mind for the last few centuries: could life be improved by being best buds with an enormous gorilla? The answer is a resounding YESH. And they give plenty of examples to buttress their argument. I said buttress.

This guide is ever helpful in seeing the glass not half empty or half full, but held by a gorilla companion. Essential to anyone who needs to see the world through fur-colored glasses. I highly recommend!

A+++++++ Would transact with again! Thanks seller!

Gorillawesome!
Some of the most significant writing of the new millennium. Gall's musical prose comes alive when read aloud to children or gorillas.

the gorillas (aka gods) demand that you get this book!!!
super fun to read!! enjoyed the style of both the story and illustrations.... i always knew gorillas had the capability to rip a human in half,, but i never knew of their gentle side... which this book brings out in many everyday (turned comedic after adding gorilla) situations... reading this increases my gorillappreciation and brings a smile to my face...

Dian Fossey would be proud
What a creative approach to the concept of friendship. Thanks to "Everything Is Better With A Gorilla", I wish I had a gorilla as my travel buddy, hype man, and financial advisor.

If you liked "Gorillas in the Mist", you will love this book. Dian Fossey would be proud.

... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

ANOTHER MASTERPIECE OF GENIUS AND PLEASURE
"Dr. George" is simply one of the great naturalists of our time, and writes in such a delightful and interesting manner, that even though his topics are not always my favored subject matter, he causes me to love what was not a passion.

The profound gifts of this brilliasnt scientist includes always being clear and making you present, and has made him a top world expert on any topic he shares.

He is simply a treasure who is able to make his explorations profoundly satisfying.

The year of the Gorilla
Just read this book and found it a fascinating pre Dian Fossey insight into the gorillas and their environment. Easy to read. For those having travelled or about to travel in Rwanda, Uganda it gives a great insight into the way life was back in the 50's-60's. Enjoyed the social insight into the Gorilla's and description of the other mammals and primates encountered along with the flora and fauna.

Wonderful Gorilla study and more
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.

Fascinating story
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 firstencounter with a family of gorillas through the identification of severaldistinct groups, their daily routine is revealed. The gentleness thatSchaller found dispelled many long held myths about Gorillabehavior.

Beyond the gorillas, this is also the complete story of aregion, its people and other flora and fauna. The issues of preservation ofthese animals and their habitat are much the same as those facedtoday.

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

A Look at the life of Gorillas through Schaller's Eyes
George Schaller takes you with him as he goes to the Virunga Volcanoes tostudy the Gorillas.He takes a look at the gorillas, but with a morepersonal approach than with "The Mountain Gorilla".Instead ofpouring out scientific facts, he shares with you some of his feelings andexperiences as he watched them.This was a refreshing look at the life ofgorillas from his own perspective.I would recommend it to anyone with aninterest in Gorillas. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Very interesting!
This book is a very interesting one, the authors share with us many questions, analysis and studies about de gorillas societies. Also share some compiling others usefull infomations. They make us think. I'm glad to have adquired it to complement may studies.
Thanks.
Paulina Esteves, Lisboa, Portugal

Good book
Excellent book with a sociecological point of view. As the prologue remembers, no mention to culture.

Gorilla Society is wonderful
I cannot say enough good about this book.The subject is fascinating - gorillas are amazing animals and they share an extraordinarily close genetic relationship to us.Their society helps us understand the roots of human society.It may not be an exaggeration to say that the authors know more about their subject than anyone else on earth. They both worked closely with Dian Fossey and logged more hours with the animals than the hero of Gorillas in the Mist. Their methods of study are cutting-edge science, but the text is so well written that complicated methods and concepts are easily understood.Besides learning about gorilla society, one is treated with finding out what is new in the science of socioecology.

Gorillas with panache
Harcourt and Stewart have written the definitive book on gorilla societal behavior. The fruit of decades of field work and exhaustive research, this book presents a picture of a threatened primate society that must be better protected from its neo-capitalist, all consuming cousins.
... Read more

Product Description
n December 1985, Dr. Dian Fossey’s body was discovered at Karisoke, the research station she had established high in the Virunga mountains of Africa, and where she dedicated 18 years of her life to the study and preservation of the endangered mountain gorilla. In that time Dian had struggled against ill health, opposition from the authorities, poachers, personal tragedy, and the isolation of Karisoke’s remote location. Her strength of will, her outspoken nature, and her all-consuming passion for the gorillas earned her renown and respect and helped bring the plight of these magnificent creatures and her groundbreaking observations on their behavior to the world’s attention.

No One Loved Gorillas More is a powerful reminder of what Dian was fighting for. These imposing, intelligent yet shy creatures are dramatically captured in photographs by Bob Campbell, who worked closely with Dian for several years. And compelling letters written by Dian herself bring to life her fearless spirit, and the trials, setbacks, and joys of her years spent at Karisoke.

Published in association with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and enhanced with details of the gorilla families she loved so much, this heartfelt, lively, and dramatic book tells Dian’s story in her own words, providing a unique perspective of a unique woman.

Foreword by Dr. Jane Goodall. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

I love them too
About twenty years ago I did visit the mountain gorillas in what was, at that tome, called Zaire (today this is Congo).It was a flabbergasting experience.I always wanted to go back but.......still nowadays, the troubles in that part of N-E Congo are still going on.A few months ago I did notice a trip going to the gorillas from the Uganda-site, and I took the opportunity with both hands.At Travellers Rest in Kisoro I did see a copy of the concerning book. Waw, I wanted to have this very beautiful book too because "I do love them too, those magnificent animals"

Dedicated Woman
Diane Fossey has been one of my female science heroes ever since I was a little girl.This book gives an interesting view of Diane as a person.She was super dedicated to the Gorillas, but also had many personal demons.If you wanted an introspective view of this legend, I recommend this beautiful book.

Beautiful Book About a Beautiful Person
The words "No One Loved Gorillas More" are the words put on Dian Fossey's tombstone after she was murdered. This book is her eulogy. It is composed of letters she wrote between 1966 and her death two days after Christmas, 1985. The letters are combined with more than a hundred color photographs of she and a reverential story of her life by journalist Camilla de la Bedoyere.

Dian spent most of her adult life in the study of the mountain gorilla. She loved those animals more than life herself, and it was her dedicated attempts to preserve them and protect their future that lead to her unexplained killing.

Her legacy lives on. Even with the tremendous upheavals in Rwanda, with the killing of a million or more people, the numbers of wild gorillas is growing. It can only be hoped that this book will help more people to understand what Dian stood and died for. ... Read more

Product Description
The last of the apes "discovered" by Western science, the gorilla is our closest relative. "Gorillas" covers the characteristics (life history, group life, reproduction, mortality) and ecology of these creatures. Stewart also discusses the serious threats that gorillas face, and informs readers about what can be done to protect them.

"Gorillas" is a must-have for nature enthusiasts, environmentalists, and animal lovers. This book is an excellent general introduction that's full of fascinating facts and fabulous four-color photographs. It presents scientific insights and information in a way that is both readable and highly enjoyable for a popular audience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Best Potographs I 've ever seen
Stewart's books is an excellent choice for those who want to learn about Gorillas. It has amazing photograhs and the text is accurate and to the point with languague everybody can understand.

Good pics
For the price, this was a good deal. I wanted pictures of Gorillas to use as references for painting, and this book served the purpose.

Makes you feelclose to gorillas
Beautiful, intimate, photographs of gorillas in the wild are accompanied by a text so vivid that you feel like you are right there with Stewart, watchingwild gorillas as they lead their lives. You can almost smell them burb. The text is so accurate and up-to-date, that it is much more than a children's book.All ages will enjoy this book, although it is just right for reading to children.

Super Introduction to Gorillas with Outstanding Photographs
Gorillas is a superb introduction to the subject for those who want to know more about the natural history, behavior and conservation issues concerning gorillas.The book greatly benefits from an easy-to-understand and scientifically accurate text from Dr. Kelly Stewart, who is a well-known authority in the field, and as beautiful and stimulating a series of photographs as you can imagine.

The book opens with a humorous play on the old joke about where the 800 pound gorilla sits.Dr. Stewart describes her actual experience with a charging 350 pound male gorilla, and how it all turned out well.Males usually threaten more than they harm.In this way, they are more like humans than chimpanzees are.Dr. Kelly gently dispels a lot of old beliefs about how dangerous gorillas are.In the process, she makes a fine case for why we should help secure their endangered environments and support thoughtful eco-tourism to help make that possible.Anyone who sees the generously provided photographs will want to participate in one of the jungle and mountain treks that are available in Africa.For those who want to learn more, there's a brief list of recommended books.

As I finished reading this delightful book, I came away wondering why humans are so quick to attack and destroy anything or anyone who is different from them.Perhaps we can help save ourselves when we help save gorillas. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

A review of Gorillas: the Gentle Giants
This is one of the best nature photography books I have ever read.The pictures are incredible, and the captions are top-notch. ... Read more