Publisher's Synopsis
In this wide-ranging narrative, which is part historical, part investigative and largely autobiographical, Ian Parker examines the perennial preoccupation of man with elephants...and his pursuit of their ivory. COMMENTS: '...although a lot more could be said about this remarkable work, I want simply to recommend reading Parker's book to all those interested by the elephant issue and wildlife in general. It is very instructive, exciting, sometimes possibly irritating and not lacking of humour. However, I certainly regret that following advice he received Ian has decided to cut about 100,000 words from his original text. I am sure that they would also have been of great interest. Perhaps they will appear in his next work.' (Jacques Berney) 'I enjoyed this book enormously. The subject matter, the parsimonious style of writing, the acerbic humour, the genuine concern for people (missing in most persons who have had much to do with wildlife), all contribute to make it one of the most valuable treatises on elephants and Africa to have been produced in the second half of the twentieth century.' (Rowan Martin, Engineer, Biologist, ex-Head of Zimbabwe Dept of National Parks & Wildlife Management Research Division, International Consultant in Conservation.) 'A unique book in every way and one destined to be a classic 'must' for the library shelves of conservationists worldwide.Good science and practical, economically sound, science-based management are essential for efficient land-use and modern conservation. Quite apart from reaching the general public, this book should be adopted as a basic text for all universities that offer courses in conservation and in environmental management.' Dr M. D. Gwynne, formerly Senior Research Fellow in Tropical Ecology, Balliol College; Director United Nations Environment Monitoring System; Assistant Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme. 'I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it absolutely fascinating, not only for the history of ivory but also for all the political machinations, some of which I had heard about, but without the detail. The manuscript is, in my opinion, a most valuable contribution to conservation history, particularly in Kenya.' (Dr George Schaller, Director for Science, Wildlife Conservation International, New York Zoological Society and Author)
