Wildlife Books

This book is of great interest to me since I was a volunteer on an Earthwatch Institute team led by Carlos Lopez, tracking, capturing and marking carnivores in a research area on the west coast of Mexico. I was on the team when the first 'Mexican' jaguar was captured (and released) for research purposes.
This book not only lays out history and distribution, etc., but also tells about the unique place this animal has in legend and lore.

Borderland Jaguars is the latest in a series of excellent books by David Brown documenting the natural history of the large carnivores of the southwest including the Mexican wolf and the grizzly bear. This book on jaguars documents their presence on both sides of the border to include Arizona, New,Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico. It is extremely well written, and is accompanied by excellent historical photographs of jaguars from both sides of the border. The last chapter on a conservation plan for borderland jaguars is extremely practical and highly realistic. David Brown and his co-author Carlos Lopez Gonzales are highly qualified wildlife biologists who have devoted themselves to the study of this charismatic large carnivore of the borderlands. Whether you be a professional in the wildlife field or naturalist by choice, this book will greatly enhance your knowledge of one of the most spectacular large predators of the Southwest.

This timely and useful book collates and summarizes in handy paperback form what is known about the northernmost population of the jaguar in the U.S. Southwest and adjoining parts of Mexico. I couldn't put the book down and recommend it highly as an authentic learning experience about the jaguar in southwest history, ecology, and culture. The authors are to be commended for undertaking such a thorough attempt to gather and assess all manner of pertinent information about this animal, past and present. In the recent era, jaguars have been in rare and marginal numbers in Arizona and New Mexico as northern outliers of a larger Mexican breeding population in northern Sonora. Currently, it doesn't look good for these nearest breeding populations--where the two lone jaguars photographed in 1996 in southeastern Arizona most likely came from. The size and structure of this nearest jaguar population (about 120 miles south of Arizona)is largely unknown scientifically and likely in serious decline now. According to the authors' survey results a continual number of animals in the population (including lactating females) are apparently still killed each year in response to livestock predation. Hopefully, improving research efforts like this will lead to a more informed public (here and in Mexico), to timely and more effective conservation measures, and a more certain future for these animals. Otherwise, we may learn all too soon that the presence of but another magnificent creature has quietly, permanently winked-out and will no longer enrich our common borderlands.

With „Borderland Jaguars" David E. Brown and co-author Carlos A. Lopez Gonzalez have continued the investigative writing tradition Brown started back in 1983 with „The Wolf in the Southwest" followed by „The Grizzly in the Southwest" (1985).

While the previous books are considered classic references of the imbalanced struggle between man and predators in the past, the recent spectacular sightings of jaguars in the remote Baboquivari and Peloncillo mountains of Arizona have refueled the public's interest into the present status and future of „tigres" north of the Mexican border.

Brown and Gonzalez show that jaguar visits from the south are not accidental events but follow a complex pattern. One important issue in this respect is the biotic communities of the borderlands providing jaguar habitat, and which are thoroughly discussed. The natural history of the jaguar is highlighted by a carefully up-dated listing of jaguars reported from Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora and Chihuahua between 1900 and 2000, many supported by photographs and behind-the-scene information from eyewitnesses. Through on-site investigations in Mexico, Brown and Gonzalez were able to locate the possible source(s) of those jaguars that periodically show up in AZ.

The ancient symbolic power, as well as the elusive beauty of the jaguar, which trigger our imagination, are omnipresent throughout this book. And, the tension and personal reports of the few lucky Arizonans, who have actually come across jaguars, make this book extremely exciting reading. Putting the reader down in a comfortable armchair in pursuit of a jaguar in an abandoned minetunnel, with only four shells and a dim flashlight, is simply not offered by regular wildlife references!

By giving attention to the large predators of the Southwest, Brown has brought us a long way, covering the Mexican wolf, the grizzly, the cougar (in a foreword for Harley Shaw's „Soul Among Lions") and now the jaguar. These fine books should be considered a series, and appreciated as a totality. The concept of a jaguar reserve in Sonora as proposed by Brown and Gonzalez has set a high goal for conservation efforts. Until then, the vast majority of us will have to live with Brown`s cold comfort that „the thought of such a cat's presence is enough in itself".

Change your mental image of the big, spotted cat crouching in leafy jungle shadows and enter the world of jaguars living a hundred miles or so south of the US-Mexican border in dry, rugged mountains. "Borderland Jaguars" gives a fascinating overview of these cats: the threats by man's presence and development of its shrinking habitat, and the possibility that the animal may be threatened to the point of extinction in the region. The well-researched book includes sections about how man, from pre-hispanic times to first explorers, hunters and settlers viewed the jaguar. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in these endangered cats, and especially conservation in the borderland region.

A Collection of Bowhunting Adventures

A great gift for the bow hunter in your life...
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor [...]
Breathtaking Bowhunts is a book for those that dream of stalking their prey. Mike Lamade is a talented author. In his book Breathtaking Bowhunts, he shares his many experiences. From bear to turkey, Lamade has sought his quarry. He stresses safety and responsibility. The rules include "Don't shoot!--unless you've practiced properly, unless the deer is in range, at running game, or if rain or snow is in the way." The photographs add much to this book. Breathtaking Bowhunts will make a nice gift for the hunter in your life.

While I have never gone bowhunting and only went gun hunting once, I am no stranger to the sport. My father was an avid hunter and was gone from before dawn until after dusk every weekend during the Iowa bowhunting deer season. He managed to kill one nearly every year and he is listed in the Iowa record book for the quality of the buck that he killed with a gun.
Therefore, while I have no personal knowledge of the events Lamade relates in this book, I certainly understand the thrills he had while bowhunting. Unlike hunting with a gun, bowhunting requires patience, guile and a cool hand. Even the most talented bowhunters must get within twenty yards to make sure of the kill. Furthermore, they only get one shot so they have to make it count.
Lamade describes his adventures on the North American and African continents. He successfully hunted everything from turkeys to moose to stingrays, including some animals capable of hunting him. His exploits are true and he writes with such flair that it is not difficult to imagine your presence at his side. Lamade is also a hunter in the purest sense of the word. He has very strict rules regarding the shots that he will take, passing on the opportunity to shoot if he is convinced that the probability of the kill is too low.

by Ihor Rebensky
Scranton Times-Tribune, June 17, 2007

At age 6, Mike Lamade made his first connection to what would become a lifelong passion.

An aunt, returning from a trip to Yellowstone Park in 1941, gave her young nephew his first bow, an item he said he treasured as one of his most-prized possessions.

Some 40 years later, Lamade experienced his first kill with a bow, taking down a 6x6 bull (six points on each side) on his first try. He was hooked on the sport and never looked back.

Lamade decided to share his experiences, submitting an article, "Turkey tactics for bugling bulls," to Bowhunter Magazine. The article was published and Lamade began what has become a more than 20-year career writing about bowhunting.

Lamade has since compiled a book of his published articles beginning with that first one which has been published by Tribute Books in Eynon. "Breathtaking Bowhunts" provides an exciting insight into bowhunting and should be a must-read for any outdoors enthusiast.

Lamade will be at Barnes & Noble in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, from 2-4 p.m. for a book signing.

"Bowhunting keeps me young," said Lamade, 72, who grew up Kingston and now resides in Cold Spring, "on the road to Upper Woods Pond, a top trout lake for many NEPA fishermen."

Lamade will be celebrating his first wedding anniversary Oct. 7 with his wife, Kathleen.

"The only problem is," he said, "I have a bowhunt for mule deer booked in Alberta this coming Oct. 6. Shes a very understanding woman."

Along with the articles, Lamade provides an array of fascinating photographs, from his youth to his impressive trophy room, which showcases a number of his triumphs.

Each article is followed with information, including the date and publication in which it ran, as well as some background on how the article came about.

For example, his article, "Scout like a hawk: One hour in the air can save days on the ground," provides a helpful tips on the advantage of using a guide plane to scout prospective hunting sights. Lamade follows the reprint of the article with background on his own skill as a pilot, and details the kinds of planes he has flown.

The book, which retails for $[...] and can be reviewed and ordered on line at [...], is worth every penny.

Bowhunters will enjoy the stories while non-bowhunters can learn alot.

Mike Lamade has hunted the continents from Norht America to Africa. One thing I was impressed by is he tells beginners to long time hunters to be responsible hunters. He says more than once "Do Not Shoot." Unless the animal is presenting the proper shot angle for placement in the vital chest area behind the shoulder---do not shoot.

Sometimes people can be so caught up in the hunt that they shoot not taking the time to wait for the proper shot. Then the animal will wonder off and if not found can die a slow death.. Mike has hunted just about every type of game that is allowed. He even went along with a friend who was hunting gators with a bow. While Mike did not hunt he was still taken on a wild ride.

This book teaches you not only about the responsibilty of bowhunting but the history as well. Angus Brown is a professional bow hunter and outfitter in Africa. He was instrumental in getting bow hunting legalized in this country.

I come from a family of hunters. They only hunt for the meat. My husband Larry hunts with either a bow or rifle. When I showed him Mikes trophy room his eyes opened wide and he said, "I want to read this book when you are finished."

This is a great book for all outdoor enthusiast.

Sandy Heptinstall

My husband read this book and even though he's not a hunter, he thought it was excellent! Mike's writing style paints a very visual picture of the action/location of each of his hunts. A very readable book.

A welcome new volume for collectors of top-flight underwater photo books. And a wonderful pictorial introduction to undersea life for the future scuba diver. Amazing shots, representing countless hours of quiet stalking, interspersed with startling chance encounters captured on film.

I have the book. I was wowed by the bright colors and informed by the descriptions. I think that this book has tables all over the world with it's name on it.

Bright Waters is a wonderful resource to use when somebody asks - "What kind of things do you see when you are diving?
The book provides an insight into a beautiful and fascinating world that is so often misunderstood and feared. The pictures are clear and well crafted and the author has provided a wonderful window into the underwater world.

A wonderful coffee-table addition. The two hundred photos of fish, whales, shipwrecks, octopi, and other colorful sea creatures are a delight. Many of the pictures come with accompanying brief text that helps the reader to understand the photo. The book is even more impressive when one understands that the author/photographer is currently 78 years young and took many of these pictures at an age when many of us were just thinking about the La-Z Boy and the television. The book makes me want to get back to scuba diving.

"Bright Waters" is an incredible journey to the depths of the ocean that only a scant few ever witness.
From the darkest, most obscure places--lightened only by the color provided by the nature of the underwater species--the author and artist, Nancy Ferguson, shows an uncanny skill with her camera.
Highlights include the perception of an "angel" on the wing of a stingray, a scorpionfish "lollygagging" comfortably on his ocean "lawn," dazzling, living floral arrangements ready to retreat at any second if disturbed and the graceful eel that appears to have snowflakes--living snowflakes--brightening the moment.
This masterpiece has everything from cup corals and angelfish to fish that have put on their clown makeup to further amaze the senses.
You'll see undersea parrots, kissing fish and the bluest of blue on the banner fish.
And, yes, for you jazz fans, there is the unique trumpet fish...but this one looks like a clarinet!
It's an amazing 200 pages!
This creation...this work of art...this opus...deserves five stars...and more!

Informative and nice pictures, but I didn't take note of the size before ordering. At app 7"x7", not the nice "coffee table" edition I was looking for.

This book was a wonderful teaching tool for anyone interested in learning about loons. Not only was there a wealth of information in the book, but the addition of the DVD really augmented the learning process. I would recommend this book very highly.

I have been giving public nature talks on loons for years and I find Call of the Loon the best researched,up to date source yet. The beautiful photographs illustrate the loon data so the book appeals to all ages. I recommend it daily in my talks.

Buy this today for your favorite birder, environmentalist, outdoor enthusiast and for your own coffee table! Beautifully written with exquisite photographs, Call of the Loon is a thoroughly readable and enjoyable treatise on the loon for the lay person and biologist alike.

The text and photos in this book are excellent, so I highly recommend the book. BUT the accompanying DVD "Loons, Lakes & Mist", which I was very much looking forward to, was a big disappointment. Yes, the live loon webcam captures the loons in special situations. However the constant, loud, pounding, music is all wrong as background for any film about loons. You want quiet, so you can hear the call of the loon. You can turn off the sound, which I suggest you do, but then there is no call of the loon.

CAW OF THE WILD: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE SECRET WORLD OF CROWS arrived nearly simultaneously to CROWS and provides an intriguing contrast in style and approach. Barb Kirpluk is a passionate observer of crows and here shares her findings while tracking three urban crow families through their daily routines. She's befriended them, gained their trust, and thus provides a more personal observational style on crow habits and social relationships, including a healthy dose of scientific literature but adding a personal touch which brings the crow family to life.

I had this book pop up quite awhile on Amazon, probably based on prior crow searches I'd done, but it took me awhile to order it. Once I did, two things got me right away. The first was the author's dedication to her grandmother, and the memory of her beloved canaries, for didn't my own granmother gently hold her canaries (each suceeding bird always named Dickie bird) in her hand as she trimmed their nails? Then, the first line of the introduction grabbed my attention: "I loved crows even before I knew I did." Me too! And though my love for them didn't take me as deeply into their lives as Barb went, their presence on the periphery of mine was certainly profound, as they lived around me in my busy suburban life, and quite confidently swaggered their way into my writing, ending up as pivotal characters in my fantasy series. It's just like them, they're there and they let you know it, one way or the other!
Caw of the Wild to me stands as a very unique book among those I have read on corvids, because Barb is not a trained biologist, but thinks like one whose heart is still connected to her brain. I guess that's what I mean about this being a very unique book. I love the feeling I got reading it and knowing there's a kindred spirit out there too, who can see the wonderous individuality in each bird. Really, she gives each reader a gift in sharing this incredible experience, that is more than worth the price of admission. Highly recommended.
Dawn Killen-Courtney,
author of The Trollton Chronicles

With a beautiful and engaging style, the author tells of her personal experiences with 4 families of crows from her neighborhood. The details she gives are so thorough and heartwarming, you will come to know her crow friends as if you were actually there with her, experiencing what she did. You'll be drawn in and captivated as the human relationship with them evolves and strenghthens. You'll also learn much about crow behavior, and when you're not sure why the crows are behaving a certain way, the intuitive author offers her theories, which are quite plausible.

The second part of the book tells of her experiences while volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center, as she studies the behavior of the 2 indoor and 3 outdoor crows which reside there. Because they are confined to a cage, individual personalities as well as the relationships between the 3 outdoor crows can be intimately viewed.

If you are at all interested in befriending crows, or are just curious what they are like, I can't imagine a better book to read. Crows are so intelligent; I especially loved the emotional bond that developed between crow and human. This is one of the best books I have ever read!

Vivid prose packed with informative engaging stories of crows the author has studied over the course of several years. This study of crows is both personal and rich in extraordinary anecdotes. The author's patience at befriending the crows pays off in up close insights about their lives that puts in practice what ornithologists have discovered and written about in scholarly type books and journals. This is a very entertaining journey through a very compelling subject. If you love birds, and were ever the least bit interested in crows you won't be disappointed.

It's unusual to find two specific bird books on the same species in the same publishing season, but CAW OF THE WILD: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE SECRET WORLD OF CROWS arrived nearly simultaneously to CROWS and provides an intriguing contrast in style and approach. Barb Kirpluk is a passionate observer of crows and here shares her findings while tracking three urban crow families through their daily routines. She's befriended them, gained their trust, and thus provides a more personal observational style on crow habits and social relationships, including a healthy dose of scientific literature but adding a personal touch which brings the crow family to life.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I found this book picked up where Barry Lopez (Of wolves and men) left off and continues to confront the very real opposition agianst wolves, ranchers and trappers. It also has some wolf adovactes and wolf researchers who argue on the wolf`s behalf. This book is loaded with tons of great information and paints a clear picture of the wolf debate. The only thing I found that was annoying is that, once agian, the book covered mostly american issues. It would have been great if it had covered some canadian and world issues instead of focusing on american wolves.

Steinhart examines many aspects of wolf conservation and controversy in a thought-provoking book.

Although this book is slightly dated, having been written before wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, I still think it is very much worth reading. It examines controversial issues from various perspectives without demonizing or whitewashing any of them, letting the reader form conclusions -- or come to the conclusion that solutions are not easy after all. It is one of the only nature writing books I've read that discusses the sociological and anthropological aspects of conservation, and the moral issues that complicate our relationships with predators, and it does this in a clear, rational, unsentimental way. Some of the ideologies presented here will be disturbing to readers -- I had never encountered the belief that wildlife is a "resource" to be "harvested" as people see fit -- but Steinhart presents his informants in a fair light, I think.

Chapters on the purity or not of red wolves (on which Steinhart suggests what I think is a rational conclusion regarding the mutability of species as they evolve) and on the dangers of wolf-dog hybrids add interesting material that isn't covered in most books on wolves.

This book discusses the world of wolves and their relations with people. It makes a great introduction to the subject. Though most of the material will be familiar to the dedicated wolf-freak, even she will learn some new things here. Steinhardt writes well, and the book is as much a page-turner as a nonfiction book can be.

Each chapter combines a particular theme with Steinhardt's discussions of some person relevant to that theme. For example, the chapter on howling focuses on Algonquin Provincial Park and its summer wolf howls, built around discussions with John Theberge, who started researched Algonquin's wolves by howling at them. The most amusing of these subject-and-person pairings is the chapter on wolf pack social organization, in which David Mech is characterized as the alpha male of wolf research.

Each chapter also includes some musings on the meaning of wolves for humans. Why do we hunt? Why do we react to the howl as we do? Why do some people breed wolf-dog hybrids? Some of these musings posed interesting questions but I didn't find any of Steinhardt's comments on them particularly insightful.

Steinhardt is clearly on the side of the wolves, and I suspect that most of his readers are, too. Still, he makes an effort to discuss both sides of the issue. Ranchers and even a retired wolf-bounty hunter find sympathetic portrayals here.

The book's overall lack of depth would be my only significant criticism. To learn more, dig into the "further reading" that Steinhardt provides at the end.

Peter Steinhart's book is a kaleidescopic view of the status of wolves today. There is everything in it from views on the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone Park to the controversial scientific status of the red wolf. Though Steinhart is sympathetic to the idea of having wolves in the wild, he deliberately takes a many-sided view, and tries to understand the motivations of wolf lovers, wolf haters, and researchers of all stripes. For city slickers like me, this is an invaluable way to introduce one to complex issues of animal v. human and the various environmental v. job claims which often dog species or habitat recovery issues. For this reason, I highly recommend that anyone interested in ANY environmental issues read this book, whether or not wolves are of interest to them

In my view, anyone with an interest in the natural world will find this book valuable. Arguements are balanced and well presented. The author had done an excellent job in explaining and dispelling many of the *incorrect* beliefs and fears which people have about wolves.

Basics: 2008, 2nd edition, hardcover, 544 pages, 35 color plates, 920 color photos, range maps

Exquisite. Impressive. Awesome. This is an incredible book for three reasons. One, the thoroughness of information for so large a geographic region is unmatched in any other book I've seen. Two, the depth of coverage for each species leaves the reader wanting for little else. Three, the photos are outstanding and probably offer the best examples available for many of these remote species. A fourth reason just came to mind: I cannot think of one bird species in the region that is not represented with a good color photo.

This book has excellent photos for remote species that 99% of us will only dream about seeing. This is the only book I know of to offer quality photos of all the birds of the Tristan da Cunha islands -- a remote location that has always captured my fancy and wishes. Other sub-antarctic islands like Antipodes, South Georgia, Falklands, Chatham, Campbell, and Aukland islands have their unique species covered.

The text dedicated to each of the bird and mammal species is well written, complete, and invaluable to anyone visiting this sub-polar region. Topics for each include identification, distribution and biology, conservation, and taxonomy. The range maps do a valiant job at trying to capture detail for such a massive area. Viewed from directly above the southern pole, the map shows all of Antarctica along with the southern tips of South America, Africa, Australia, and all of New Zealand. The information in the identification section is detailed and offers great information on the plumage variations and critical differences between similar species.

The author uses the latest taxomonic revisions, which is important for the ongoing flux with albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters.

The layout of the chapters is a bit different from the typical book. I recommend taking a few moments to first review the contents outline at the very beginning. It helped me to better understand how the species and geographic groups were aligned as I flipped through the pages. There are several distinct sections which include a synopsis of the region, species accounts for birds and mammals, and regional descriptions to cover the many island groups.

The breadth of information in the first 40 and in the last 120 pages of the book is excellent material on the ecology, natural history, and geography of a rarely seen world. It is also a testament to the author's passions, experience, and scientific contributions.

If you ever go south of the S40-degree latitude, you must take this book despite its size and weight. This is also a requirement for your library if you have even the slightest interest in Antarctic wildlife.

Other Related Books:
1) Birds and Mammals of the Antarctic, Subantarctic and Falkland Islands by Todd
2) Birds of the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic by Watson
3) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds (7 volumes) by Marchant et.al.

The first edition of this wonderful book of natural history won many prizes and won my heart during a trip to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands a few years ago. It has just been significantly updated and revised and is significantly improved.

It has 920 color photographs and illustrations, including 300 new photographs. There are 128 color distribution maps and up-to-date species accounts including abundance, seasonal status, and conservation prospects. It covers many nonbreeding species, migrants, and vagrants. Sections on albatrosses and petrels have been fully revised.

There are excellent maps of each region, and chapters are devoted to geography, climate, geology, general ecology, and flora. The sections on conservation efforts are excellent and challenging.

This book makes me eager to read other books by Hadoram Shirihai, which include Whales Dolphins and Seals, A Guide to the Birding Hot-spots of Northern Israel (Volume 1: Northern Guide), A Guide to the Birding Hot-spots of Southern Israel (Volume 2: Southern Guide), and Sylvia Warblers.

There is a useful section on visiting Antarctica and the various islands; my trip was on the Explorer II (the successor to the "little red boat" Explorer I which sank a few months ago). It was a great joy to read this new edition and to relive my wonderful experiences visiting that marvelous part of the world.

Robert C. Ross 2008

Anyone who has read my other reviews will know that I don't give stars easily but I can find no reason even to deduct a single star from this book. Whether you have been, are going or just want to dream of going this is the book for you. As its title indicates, its prime purpose is to describe the wildlife, and it gives top billing to the birds - all in a level of detail which should satisfy the most demanding birder, but which the average interested amateur naturalist should also find interesting. The authors have sensibly provided a fine set of plates rather than relying on photos as the main identification aid. There are however many good photos as well - this use of both "media" is, as far as my experience goes, unusual in bird books which tend to opt for one or the other when in fact each has its advantages and disadvantages. The section on marine mammals is of a similar quality. Another section comprehensively describes each of the regions (including Sub-Antarctic islands all the way up to Tristan) with information which makes the book useful as a "travel guide" for planning and accompanying a trip (though it is really too fine a book to get damaged in use!). In addition there are good (if relatively short) sections on geology, climate, history, botany etc etc - in fact on just about any relevant subject you could think of. Indeed if you could only have 1 book on the Antarctic this is a very good candidate - and at a very good price!

Lot of great pictures and very informative articles. This book will definitely be with my camara and computer during my trip to Antarctica.

I brought this book to the Antarctic peninsula with me, only to find a copy already aboard ship. It was still worth carrying.

Yes, good photos, but much better for the information. Details on identifying all sorts of animals, including the territories they can be found in at various times of the year, changes in appearance during the year and even a rather comical phonetic approximation of the sounds they might make.

I bought a lot of books in my year prep for this trip. This was one of the best. Must owning for anyone going south of 50 degrees.

Don't we all need more humor at work? I do. And this book gave it to me. Great stuff. I'd recommend it to everyone.

Thejendra!! Can you come and join our technical team?? We are desperate for someone with your sense of the absurd to lighten up our day!! With your tongue firmly lodged in your cheek, your delightful "Corporate Wildlife" pokes fun at the IT industry and all its 'quirky' idiosyncrasies that plague us mere 'end-users' daily - nay hourly!! Just the book to have by your PC while waiting for the machine to reboot, the application to be downloaded or the Help Desk to get back to you!!

A copy of BS Thejendra's book "Corporate Wildlife" is a touch of whimsy that should be on the desk of every office employee as an antidote to combat the stress created in the wild and wacky world of business and industry.

Through his marvelous sense of humor, Thejendra details the pitfalls of the workplace that can bring a smile to the face of a frustrated hireling because, as a voice of experience, the "Tej" has obviously "been there and done that" himself. Otherwise, how could he fashion a literary piece with such biting satire?

An excellent book on office humor. A must for every corporate library

This book made me laugh out loud, and that's saying a lot. I especially liked the Resume of a Terrorist. The author sheds some very humorous light on corporate life, or, actually, corporate wildlife.

Well written. Shows all points of view and where they overlap and conflict.

This book is a must read for anybody concerned about the future of deer hunting in Pennsylvania. Bob and Spike did a tremendous amount of research for this book and the final product demonstrates this. I am looking forward to the follow up documentary?

I TOTALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. I FEEL THAT EVERY HUNTER SHOULD READ IT. IT OPENED MY EYES AND MIND. I KNOW MANY PEOPLE DISAGREE WITH GARY AULT, BUT, AFTER READING THIS BOOK IT MAY CHANGE THEIR MIND.

The size of the whitetail deer population in Pennsylvania has been a matter of controversy for decades, and the debate is currently more emotional than ever. Here, Pennsylvania journalist Bob Frye helps clarify at least some sides of the argument. With a lack of predators, and several decades of under-hunting, deer are now severely stressing the habitat on which they depend. Frye deftly explains how dense deer populations prevent forests from regenerating. This creates severe impacts on ecosystems across Pennsylvania, and also damages the health of the deer themselves. Frye extensively examines the science of deer population, and presents the many arguments for and against management of the deer herd. He also includes very illuminating coverage of the financial damage done to farms and suburbs by browsing. Refreshingly, Frye mostly tries to let the science of deer management speak for itself. However, this book is not as impartial as it appears to be. Most of Frye's coverage is from the point of view of sport hunters. Opinions or statements from any other interest groups are introduced briefly, followed by considerably more commentary on whether hunters agree or disagree. There are several appearances of the derisive term "treehuggers" for those opposed to hunting, and Frye generally prints the statements of excessive numbers of officials and interested persons who support hunting lobby positions (which in turn makes the book very repetitive), while only offering short snapshots of all other opinions. This book is still very informative for anyone concerned about deer population issues. But Frye does not adequately cover all sides of the controversy. [~doomsdayer520~]

A facinating overview of the ongoing deer management problem faced by Pennsylvania. Mr. Frye gives an unbiased account of all sides in the debate. This work should be required reading for anyone who thinks they know everything there is to know regarding the deer issue. Well researched and thoughtfully presented. Not overly scientific with tons of statistics or jargon, it's an easy and interesting read.

This is an excellent primer on fish mining. It's well researched and easy to read. The future of industrial fishing looks bleak, and Clover clearly explains why.

For those of you who are concerned about the state of our fisheries and declining fish populations worldwide, I would suggest a newly published book, "The End of the Line," by Charles Clover. As The Independent suggests, his book is "the maritime equivalent of Silent Spring." Clover takes the reader on an unbiased tour of many of the most important fisheries throughout the world from Africa to Iceland, offshore to nearshore. His appraisal and commentary of fishery management is candid and insightful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves trying to contemplate the disequilibrium between fishery management and sustainability. The book ends with some positive examples of fishery management of which there are sadly too few, and he has some helpful tips for all of us to do our part to ensure fish stocks for the next generation.

"The End of the Line" is a well-written, highly informative book which addresses a serious global issue.

"Imagine what people would say if a band of hunters strung a mile of net between two immense all-terrain vehicles and dragged it at speed across the plains of Africa.... left behind is a strangely bedraggled landscape resembling a harrowed field... this efficient but highly unselective way of killing animals is known as trawling... it is practiced the world over every day, from the Barents Sea in the Arctic to the shores of Antarctica and from the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the central Pacific to the temperate waters off Cape Cod."

Overfishing is a serious problem that must be addressed. The statistics are staggering. As journalist Charles Clover shows in his global exploration of the destruction caused by overfishing, we have inflicted a crisis on the oceans in a single human lifetime greater than any yet caused by pollution.

This is one of the most important books I've read. I have purchased several copies of this book to give away. It speaks up on behalf of those denizens of the oceans that we think should belong in cans and sandwiches or pies or curries, or pet food - yielding their flavoursome goodness of Omega 3 oils - with plenty more replenishing themselves without end. I did know in the back of my head that something was wrong when we put faceless tuna into cat food and no one discusses byecatch on a can except for a "Dolphin Friendly" logo. The appalling horror of millions of tonnes of these things being hoovered up with up to 50 to even 90% of the take being discarded back to the ocean because they are not the target species is spelled out in this book along with the moribund state of just how little we as a species care for the oceans or engage in managing its most vital food resources.

As usual much of the blame falls flatly at the feet of politicians and fishing interests as well as the consumers abject ignorance that advertisers and chefs have been milking and continue to milk. When the oceans belong to us all, to enjoy recreationally - they have become the preserve of fishing interests that continue to suppress so much biodiversity. This is a story of greed gone mad with absolutely no safeguards in place by the very people who are in charge of doing anything about it.

Japan and the EEC come out as some of the most environmentally tarnished political units - the madness of the EEC fishing policy is revealed in all its glorious folly.

Tuna and swordfish, the most magnificient bony fish in the sea get a special mention along with the poor critically endgangered mega sharks that are often bycatch in tuna catches.

This is such a powerful book speaking up for dumb fish that I will try and do everything in my power to at least highlight the problem to others. So well written in this with Chapter 14 showing us some fine solutions from New Zealand - that you ought to buy this book now and share it with any of your concerned friends.

Charles Clover from the London Daily Telegraph has done a fantastic job of highlighting our superpredatory theft from the seas.

It is a fascinating, very well written book on a subject most people forget about in spite of how important it is: the food resources of the sea. When I first saw the book I wondered how the author could make an interesting topic out of it...when I started to browse it, I discovered a great amount of information about the wonderful world of the seas, about what so many companies are doing to our resources, about the repercusions hardly anyone is aware of.
I bought it and read it immediately.
One of the best non-fiction books I have read in the last few years.