Through a Window by Jane Goodall Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Through a Window
Book Review: A Riveting Sequel
Summary: 5 Stars
In "In the Shadow of Man", Jane Goodall introduced us to the Chimpanzees of Gombe. If anything, this sequel is even more fascinating.The whole study reads like a sweeping saga. As "Shadow" closed, the "main characters", the Flo family, were thriving, though there was a tinge of sadness with the realization that Flo wasn't getting any younger.
As "Window" opens, the inevitable happens, and we learn how each of Flo's children coped with her death - including a foreshadowed tragedy. We then watch her sons find their place in the male hierarchy and see what her daughter has learned about successful parenting from her mother.
The "supporting cast" is as interesting as that of "Shadow" - like Jomeo, a large male who never reached the high position one would have anticipated; Goblin, the Machiavellian politician who works his way up the ranks by befriending Alphas; Evered, who never reached a particularly high position but may have had the last laugh on all the males by quietly fathering the most children of the lot of them and Passion, the psychotic, nightmarish baby cannibal who sounds like something out of a horror movie.
The book also documents the brutal, disturbing territorial war that proved that Chimpanzees are capable of violence against eachother. This is a war that would have never been recorded had the study ended when originally scheduled - showing why long term studies are needed for long lived animals like chimps and elephants.
Both books should be among the first in the collection of everyone with the slightest interest in animal behavior. I keep up with the continuing story on internet, but I still can't wait for Ms. Goodall to continue with another book about what happened next.
Book Review: A Wonderful Reflection by Dr. Goodall on her later years with the Chimpanzees of Gombe
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, a followup to "In The Shadow Of Man", tells what happened in Gombe after the first 10 years of Dr. Goodall's study of the chimps. A lot of her discoveries occurred during this later period. The reader is introduced to the chimps making war upon another group as well as dealing with cannabalism amongst its own members.
Her stories are related as if she is talking about real human persons rather than about our closest relative in the animal kingdom. She writes with a compassion that bridges the gap between our species and makes the reader really care about the good and bad things that happens to them.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about how our species are similar and what is happening to these wonderfull creatures. Be sure to read her earlier book "In The Shadow Of Man" as well to get the whole story.
Book Review: A great book... and not necessarily because of the apes...
Summary: 5 Stars
Goodall is a great writer and will be remembered as something of a scientist. More so than any other, she has been a champion and a poularizer of the study of chimpanzees and baboons; Richard Wrangham and others who are at the forefront of ape-research studied under her at Gombe-- and there is something about the myth of a little lady devoting her life to study in the forest that catches people's imaginations...The thing that makes this book so compelling, though, is the insight that it gives into the human condition-- not into that of chimps. Goodall forces people to feel because she can show-- minus the scientific dispassionate inquiry-- how these monekys behave-- and how much like us they act. She feels for them, she identifies with them-- and this book, in the end, forces one to see the human condition in a different light....
This is a worthwhile read and fully worth the money it costs. There are times when you can read Goodall's almost religious zeal-- and it is really neat. I highly recommend this book....
Book Review: Brand new book at a used book price!
Summary: 5 Stars
The book I purchased was in excellent condition. I could hardly believe it was used. Shipping didn't take very long and I'd likely shop from this user again!Book Review: Great Condition, took too long to get to me though
Summary: 4 Stars
The book was in new condition I was very pleased with how new it was for only .99 cents.
I know I selected standard shipping, but it did take a while to get to me. but other than that I'm very happy with this product.
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