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.

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.

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.

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.