"The most thorough and comprehensive account of the natural history of Madagascar yet, and it will set the standard for many years to come."
(
BBC Wildlife Magazine 2004-06-01)
"Sprinkled with colour photographs,
The Natural History of Madagascar is an extraordinary compendium, complete and complex. Steven Goodman and Jonathan Benstead cover geological and human histories, as well as all major groups of animals and plants. . . . The introductory chapters for each of the major taxonomic groups will help to guide the novice reader into the glories and safely past the specialist shoals. . . . This wonderful book provides a magnificent overview of one of the strangest and most glorious chunks of the planet--a place that is so much more than a load of old lemurs." (Adrian Barnett
New Scientist 2004-03-08)
". . . spectacular images . . ." (Harold Henderson
Chicago Reader)
"In
The Natural History of Madagascar researchers have captured the recent explosion of scientific knowledge about the unique organisms of this rugged island. In 1,700 pages, the book moves from the broad brush strokes of the island's geological history to detailed accounts of its organisms, including its famous aye-aye lemurs, its fantastical baobab trees, and its twelve-foot-tall elephant bird." (Carol Kaesuk Yoon
The New York Times 2004-03-30)
"For those who are serious about getting to know this fascinating island, there is no better resource than
The Natural History of Madagascar. It is the closest thing to a comprehensive natural history of the region ever produced." (Tim Flannery
Nature 2004-04-08)
"Given the severe threats facing the survival of Madagascar's biodiversity, this book could not have come at a better time. . . . Its accessible language and thorough coverage of the topics, in combination with its affordable price, ensures that The Natural History of Madagascar will become an indispensable resource and educational tool for all those with an interest in Madagascar."
(Summer J. Arrigo-Nelson
Quarterly Review of Biology)
"A scientific milestone and by far the largest synthesis of tropical biology research ever." (
Science 2003-09-26)
"A vast and comprehensive work that will be a key reference on the country's biodiversity for years to come. It will also stand testament to the future efforts of conservationists to protect the island's unique natural heritage." (
Economist 2004-04-22)
"For anyone interested in the botany of Madagascar, I would strongly recommend this book. It contains a vast amount of information on the flora of the island and is also a major source of references to literature on the Madagascan flora." (Peter V. Bruyns
Plant Systematics and Evolution)
"As a resource . . . it stands alone. . . . This is no neo-colonial view of the island, but a modern, integrated--both biologically and culturally--look at one of the most fascinating places on Earth. . . . The book is copiously illustrated with stunning colour photographs. . . . Every scientist concerned with diversity should have this book on their shelves." (Sandra Knapp
Biological Conservation)