The Aye-Aye and I: A Rescue Journey to Save One of the World's Most Intriguing Creatures from Extinction

Book Description

Here is the riveting tale of Gerald Durrell's adventures and misadventures in the enchanted forests of Madagascar, in search of the elusive Aye-aye.

Once thought to be extinct, the Aye-aye, the beast with the magic finger, still lurks, though in fast dwindling numbers, in the forests of Madagascar. Durrell's mission to help save this strange creature turns into a madcap journey in which you will meet not only the enigmatic Aye-aye, but the catlike Fosa, the Flat-tailed tortoise, the Gentle lemurs of Lac Alaotra, and the Malagasy chameleons, among others. Truly nothing escapes Durrell's sharp eye, whether he is describing the great zoma (market), the village dances, the treacherous bridges and river crossings, the strange foods and stranger music, or the vagaries of local officialdom.

As the San Francisco Chronicle noted, "It is impossible for Gerald Durrell to write anything that is less than exuberant, eccentric, and amusing." And in his account of this "rescue mission", Durrell is, quite simply, at his superb best.

Customer Reviews:

durrell continues.......2006-10-29

This book is another interesting as well as entertaining product from Gerald Durrell, drawing on his lifetime as a collector and conservator of endangered and unusual wildlife. Well worth reading - several times!

Aye-aye!.......2003-12-08

With a career spanning decades and continents, and with a gift for writing witty and articulate accounts of his animal-catching adventures in so many different times & places, it seems predictable that the originality and enthusiasm which Gerald Durrell offers should vary from story to story or from book to book. And they do; some volumes are ecstatically joyous and quite fast-paced, while a few stories drag a bit or feature rather sarcastic caricatures of certain persons. Overall, however, I find Durrell's writing some of the most amusing and informative stuff that I've encountered in the last year. Therefore I have bought a copy of every Gerald Durrell title that I've located. It's quality stuff that I intend to keep long-term and reccomend to friends. "The AyeAye and I" is no exception, and I am pleased to have a hardcover edition. Thanks, Amazon!

Durrell has gotten old and it shows.......2003-11-20

I have always admired Gerald Durrell as a writer; his zoological/ecological achievements, while very noteworthy, have not been so important to me when reading his books.
From this standpoint, 'Aye-aye and I' was a great disappointment; the sparkling humor of 'Three Tickets to Adventure' and especially 'My Family and Other Animals' has all but disappeared. The author has gotten old and bitter and it really shows throughout the book. He keeps complaining about the degrading ecological state of Madagascar, his own health and other issues, and while his environmental concerns are undoubtedly valid, it makes the book a somewhat depressing read.
Now if you have actual interest in lemurs, Madagascar or Durrell's scientific work, by all means go ahead and by this book. However, if you are looking for something entertaining, skip it and get some of his older works instead.

loquacious lemurs make good.......2002-08-24

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, being already more than sold on the value proposition presented by lemurs of all shapes and sizes. I'm convinced that the lemur is destined to become the most popular primate of the millenium, and this book should be at the top of the charts for those wishing to catch the rising tide of lemur fanatics. The San Francisco Zoo's new Lipman Family Lemur Forest exhibit presents two of only twelve Aye-ayes in the United States, and having visited it recently I now plan to return next weekend to apply the newfound in-depth Aye-aye background I've gleaned from my reading of this book. Moreover, lemurs are but the tip of the iceberg here! Rife with hilarious descriptions of Giant Jumping rats, tortoises, and grubs of all shapes and sizes, Durrell's personal tone, dry wit, and entertaining presentation kept me amused and reading until the wee hours of the morn. I'll be seeking out more of his works, and would happily recommend this to anyone with an interest in lemurs, obscure regions of the world, travel, conservation, the Aye-aye, and furry or reptilian critters, period.

Aye-ayes are wonderful!.......2001-01-09

This book was absolutely fabulous. As a college student interested in someday studying aye-ayes in the forests of Madagascar, reading this book was sheer pleasure. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested at all in lemurs, Madagascar, or simply in animal anecdotes or conservation.

Average customer rating:

When I'm Big
Aye Drury
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Careers | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0531301893

Average customer rating:

The Aye-Aye and I
Gerald Durrell
Manufacturer: House of Stratus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0755111788

The Aye-Aye and I: A Rescue Expedition in Madagascar (Curley Large Print Books)

Average customer rating:

Another delightful book by Durrell

The Aye-Aye and I: A Rescue Expedition in Madagascar (Curley Large Print Books)
Gerald Durrell
Manufacturer: Chivers North Amer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Wildlife | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Another delightful book by Durrell.......1998-01-26

Like all of Gerald's Durrell's books, The Aye-Aye and I will make you laugh cover to cover at the encounters between Durrell's party and the animal and human inhabitants of Madagascar. Since this book was written when Durrell was bringing back animals for the breeding programs he hoped would save them from extinction (in earlier books, he was bringing animals back for zoos), the book also has interesting comments of the state of the environment and economy in Madagascar and its effect on the animal (and human) populations. The aye-aye sounds like an extraordinary animal. I hope he managed to save it.

Ap. Gorny: Two projects : Aye-i-eye, Oui, cest la morte

Average customer rating:

Ap. Gorny: Two projects : Aye-i-eye, Oui, cest la morte
Ap Gorny
Manufacturer: Locks Gallery
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1879173255

The Aye -Aye and I. A Rescue Mission in Madagascar.

Average customer rating:

The Aye -Aye and I. A Rescue Mission in Madagascar.

Manufacturer: Arcade Publishing.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I36Z4O

Average customer rating:

The Aye-Aye and I
Gerald Durrell
Manufacturer: London: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RZNVF4

Product Description

London: HarperCollins, 1992, 1st printing. (Harper Collins). Hardcover in jacket, 24 cm, 175 pp, 8 pp color plates, map endpapers. A rescue mission to Madagascar.

Aye-ayes: An entry from Thomson Gale's
<i>Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 3rd ed.</i>

Average customer rating:

Aye-ayes: An entry from Thomson Gale's Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 3rd ed.

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000M59YOG

Book Description

The â€œGale Encyclopedia of Scienceâ€ is written at a level somewhere between the introductory sources and the highly technical texts currently available. This six-volume set covers all major areas of science and engineering, as well as mathematics and the medical and health sciences, while providing a comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge and technology. Alphabetically arranged entries provide a user-friendly format that makes the broad scope of information easy to access and decipher. Entries typically describe scientific concepts, provide overviews of scientific areas and, in some cases, define terms.

Aye-ayes: An entry from Thomson Gale's
<i>Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia</i>

Average customer rating:

Aye-ayes: An entry from Thomson Gale's Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia
Patricia, PhD Wright
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Veterinary | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000M59T6E

Book Description

Gale proudly presents the completely revised and updated version of the acclaimed â€œGrzimek's Animal Life Encyclopediaâ€ set. Hailed by many as the best reference work on animals ever published, a legacy left to us by famed zoologist and animal lover Bernhard Grzimek, this set is renowned for its scientific reporting and coverage, and serves as a major point of reference for researchers, students, and those hoping to satisfy their curiosity about the animal kingdom. Information can be found on life cycles, predators, food systems, overall ecology and much more. Staying true to the original scientific pedigree, Gale enlisted prominent advisors and contributors from the international scientific community to incorporate recent developments in our knowledge of the animal world.

UNDERINCLUSIVENESS: An entry from Thomson Gale's
<i>West's Encyclopedia of American Law</i>

Average customer rating:

UNDERINCLUSIVENESS: An entry from Thomson Gale's West's Encyclopedia of American Law

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Legal | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MRNLUM

Book Description

â€œWest's Encyclopedia of American Lawâ€ is 13 volumes and 5,000 entries of comprehensive information on the fascinating American Legal System and its components. Covering historical and current terms, concepts, events, movements, cases, and persons significant to U.S law, Westâ€™s has been written, updated, and reviewed by lawyers and professors with the everyday user in mind. Everyone from the layperson hooked on the weekly TV courtroom procedural to the serious student can find such valuable information as brief definitions of legal jargon, exhaustive examinations of courtroom procedure, explanations of complex topics such as civil rights, biographies of standout attorneys, analyses of controversial issues, and transcripts of crucial Supreme Court decisions.

Book Description

Completely updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Bahamas 2006 features gorgeous color photos of the magnificent pink-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and island experiences that await you. Inside you'll get complete details on the major resort areas of Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island, and Freeport/Lucaya, with candid reviews of the best resorts, restaurants, casinos, and attractions. Then we'll take you to the Out Islands, where you can find the perfect place to get away from it all on a your own stretch of secluded white sand. In every destination, you'll find complete details on beaches, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, golf, and other active adventures--plus the best beach bars and the top restaurants for authentic, spicy island cuisine. Whether you want an elegant honeymoon hideaway or an affordable family resort, Frommer's Bahamas 2006 can help you plan the island getaway that's right for you. You'll even get a color fold-out map, a complete cruise guide, and tips on find the best package deals.

Download Description

You'll never fall into tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go & they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide inlcudes prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us! Completely updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Bahamas 2006 features gorgeous color photos of the magnificent pink-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and island experiences that await you. Inside you'll get complete details on the major resort areas of Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island, and Freeport/Lucaya, with candid reviews of the best resorts, restaurants, casinos, and attractions. Then we'll take you to the Out Islands, where you can find the perfect place to get away from it all on a your own stretch of secluded white sand. In every destination, you'll find complete details on beaches, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, golf, and other active adventures--plus the best beach bars and the top restaurants for authentic, spicy island cuisine. Whether you want an elegant honeymoon hideaway or an affordable family resort, Frommer's Bahamas 2006 can help you plan the island getaway that's right for you. You'll even get a color fold-out map, a complete cruise guide, and tips on find the best package deals.

Average customer rating:

awesome

Great all-around book on Inventing

Invention TEXTBOOK

Great Advice

From Patent to Profit

From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition
Bob Dematteis
Manufacturer: Square One Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Advertising | Marketing & Sales | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Product Management | Marketing | Marketing & Sales | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Intellectual Property | Law | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition

The Patent Writer: How to Write Successful Patent Applications (Patents in Commerce)

Will It Sell? How to Determine If Your Invention Is Profitably Marketable (Before Wasting Money on a Patent)

Stand Alone, Inventor!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cashing in On Your Inventions

ASIN: 0757001408

Book Description

Creating a product and bringing it to the market can cost a bundle. With this complete inventor's guide, anyone with a creative streak can avoid potential problems and set a course for a successful launch.

Customer Reviews:

awesome.......2007-06-08

This book is extremely well written and organized. I have read lots of books on the general subject and find this book an excellent source of practical tips for the inventor.

Great all-around book on Inventing.......2007-01-04

This was one of the best books I have ever read on the entire process of inventing, from the concept of an idea until its finished. Big book with many useful resources and information

Invention TEXTBOOK.......2006-03-01

Some background on the author is helpful if you are considering purchasing this book as a means of learning the invention process (the following is a summary of the introduction): Prior to inventing several highly successful products, the author was a professional trainer. As a means of service and a way to fulfill his love of training, the author decided to teach an invention course at a local school and sought out a textbook from which to structure the course. No adequate book existed, so he wrote his own based on the insights gained from his experience.

There are many books on invention, but this may be the only textbook I've found. Have you read a textbook lately? They tend to be very comprehensive with a lot of pages. That describes this book as well. However, unlike many textbooks that are written by people who only know theory, this book was written by someone who achieved tremendous success turning patents into profit.

Conclusion: If you are looking for a fun ride, don't buy this book. There are many other excellent, inspiring, easy-to-read books available that fulfill that need (I benefit from those books, too!). If you desire a thorough textbook that comprehensively describes the entire invention process in great detail, and throws in some fluff to keep it interesting, this book is a must for your collection.

Great Advice.......2006-01-23

Since 1987, this author has received 14 patents and has achieved a 100% success rate in developing and marketing them. This is particularly impressive when you consider only about 3% of patents earn any money at all for their inventors. In this handbook he shares his hard-acquired knowledge concerning product creation, patenting, licensing, manufacturing, and marketing.

The author, Bob DeMatteis, offers several opinions that differ from what other writers in the field currently offer. For example, he puts down the need for a business plan if you go the licensing route. He never wrote one and feels that the company licensing your invention should and will do their own plan. However, getting an honest, unbiased evaluation is good even though potential licensees will want to gather their own facts.

In his chapter on invention strategy, he calls attention to the fact that inventors often fail to grasp that marketing and manufacturing can take 68% to 93% of your time.

In America, he points out; we have a fascination with thinking big. But the key to success is often in thinking small. That is filling a small (niche) market. He notes that it is often the fourth or fifth improvement patent that results in a commercial breakthrough. He notes how the Japanese have applied this principle with great success.

He stresses the importance of customer-driven innovations (CDIs). He lists a dozen areas where the right invention can turn customers on. For example, the environment area is now a hot button area and if you can double the life of a product, you also reduce trash by one half.

In the past, a basic design guide was "form follows function." Today, he suggests that "form follows emotion." He writes, "Don't kid yourself. People usually buy because the purchase raises a positive emotion." He discusses 14 ways to arouse emotions.

He observes that today's inventors are living at the right time because "in the world of patents, it is well known that patent values have increased 20-50 fold in just the past several years." He explains how the "Doctrine of Equivalence" and the 1997 Hilton-Davis case justify this observation.

Bob disagrees (and explains why he does) with some patent attorneys that feel a provisional patent application should include claims. He is strong on inventors using provisional patent applications, but cites several precautions to observe when doing so. He notes that while many worry about possible interference proceedings, it comes up only about once in 1500 patents filed.

He strongly recommends doing a preliminary patent search. It can save you a great deal of time and money. He stresses not overlooking similar words when searching. As an example, he lists 14 words that may be used in place of an ordinary word like "glue," such as "binder," "conjoining compound," and "adherent."

He takes note of how often inventors endure negative comments from pessimists. Many of his patents deal with plastic grocery bags and their racks and dispensers. Yet people will say "You can't patent a hole in a plastic bag." They see only the hole and not the function it serves.

The author suggests, like many do, that approaching very large corporations with your invention is very often a waste of time. Their billion dollar research labs haven't come up with it, therefore they can't believe anyone can.

He reminds us that trademarks can grow and grow in value and in time may exceed the value of the patent that inspired them.

He is often asked, in his seminars, as to what is the first thing an inventor should do. He replies that as soon as you can, get a marketing expert on your team.

He points out at least six times in his book how scam companies, "invention assistance companies," defraud U.S. inventors of 200 million dollars each year. Their ads run on radio and television and appear even in reputable magazines and newspapers. Donald Grant Kelly, a director at the U.S. Patent office is quoted as describing them as "ruthless highwaymen," "scoundrels," and as a "national disgrace." Their success rate is typically about 1 in 10,000! Avoid them as you would the bubonic plague. Heeding just this one bit of advice may save you between 20 and 300 times the price of this book.

From Patent to Profit.......2005-07-12

I doubt that you will find an inventor anywhere--even Edison--who has capitilized on all of his patents. Bob Dematteis has. I have read his book and have participated in his seminars. His is the most down-to-earth and valuable advice I have ever read in the intellectual property field. Rarely is one individual able to lead the way through the land-mine of steps it takes to turn an idea into a profitable venture. Just in writing a patent application the use of the word "and" instead of "or" can be enough to disqualify a patent's value before it is even issued.
Bob is clear and consise and takes you every step of the way. I have recommended his books to countless individuals and no one has ever been disappointed.

Book Description

This convenient archive of 253 high-quality, black-and-white images of flowers showcases the work of several different artists. A rich treasury of versatile, sharply detailed illustrations, it encompasses a profusion of tropical blooms, garden flowers, house plants, roses, orchids, wildflowers, and many other popular florals. An index makes it easy to find specific plants.

Decorative Flower Designs CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)

Average customer rating:

Decorative Flower Designs CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)
Susan Gaber
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0486995607

Book Description

Magnificent variety of lovely floral renderings — all botanically accurate. Dahlias, camellias, hyacinths, peonies, poppies, snapdragons, and other blossoms appear in small bouquets or as lovely single blossoms, with many of the compositions forming frames, repeating borders, and other motifs. 152 black-and-white illustrations.

Book Description

* Displays innovative techniques for flower arranging * Over 200 photographs * Sakul Intakul has made floral installations for the Queen of Thailand * Sleek, contemporary, cutting edge design

Flowers have always been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Thailand and a constant reminder of the country's Buddhist heritage and identity. As in other Asian cultures, flowers are lavishly used in Thailand to mark rituals and rites of passage; they are indispensable in age-old acts of worship, in celebrations, and in daily life. On their way to work, many Thais offer flowers and a heartfelt prayer at wayside shrines. Every day, scores of women at the royal court create floral offerings for the venerated Buddha images in Bangkok's temples and palaces. Thai Airways routinely presents orchid corsages to female passengers.

This stunning and refreshingly original book goes beyond the everyday: it elevates flowers from mere floral arrangements to meditative floral "installations." Created from a combination of exotic and colorful tropical flowers, plant materials--fibers and leaves from banana plants and coconut trees, culms and twigs from bamboo--and unconventional materials like wire netting, harmoniously blend a strong, usually three-dimensional, structure with the sweet and subtle elements of flowers. The philosophy behind the arrangements, the interiors or occasions for which they are appropriate, and a brief explanation of the techniques and materials employed will inspire readers to create their own artistic arrangements.

Customer Reviews:

Tropical Colors.......2006-05-22

I own hundreds of books on all types of design. This book on design with tropical flowers is the absolute most beautiful I have. The ideas depicted in this book are very simple for the most part and easy to do. And yet, the designs create a spectacular effect.

Beautiful Flowers.......2006-01-16

This book is a feast for the eyes. I stumbled on this book in a bookstore and was just mesmerized by the pictures. Beautiful exotic flowers in vivrant colors are arranged artfully in creative settings. Photography is brilliant.

Amazon.com

This is a good guide for beginners who want to systematically learn the ins and outs of QuarkXPress 4.0 for Windows and Macintosh. The writers introduce you to the interface, explaining documents, palettes, and menu options, and then get you started in creating and modifying documents. You add text and graphics; place items in frames; group, anchor, lock, and link items; navigate documents; and learn how to customize the package. Next you learn about formatting text and working with fonts, kerning, tracking, justification, style sheets, the find function, and the spell checker. You go on to learn about creating shapes with the Bezier tool, adding lines, importing graphics, and using the Text Runaround feature. You also use Clipping Paths and the Merge and Split commands, apply and change color, and learn about printing basics.

The writers then get into more advanced topics, such as creating, editing, and applying Master Pages; working with long documents, lists, and indexes; and publishing databases. Finally, you learn about color separations and get an overview of Web publishing as well as QuarkImmedia, the XTension designed for multimedia authoring. Throughout the book, you get a useful combination of explanatory text and illustrations as well as keyboard shortcuts. If you want to learn what QuarkXPress has to offer and need help learning about the tools at your disposal, check out this book.

Book Description

Updated and expanded, the QuarkXPress 4.0 Handbook is the best guide to the long-awaited QuarkXPress 4.0, covering dozens of new features and functions. This critical upgrade offers Macintosh, Windows 95, and Windows NT users a potent new set of publishing tools including Bzier boxes and lines, text shaping, and long document formatting.

The QuarkXPress 4.0 Handbook is the perfect guide to all of these improvements, teaching you to think the "Quark way" and publish like a professional. Part One begins with creating a single document page, then explains importing text and art, and gradually advances through master pages, typography, color basics, and printing your work.

Part Two is a detailed explanation of long documents and templates using multiple master pages and sectioning, indexing, and managing documents and databases. Part Three takes you from Quark user to Quark artist by revealing the tricks of the trade from style sheets and alignment to special graphic and typographic effects, color proofing, trapping, and Web and multimedia publishing.

Customer Reviews:

Basically a reiteration of the manual........1999-01-18

I was shocked and disappointed to find that it's basically regurgitated material from the Quark manual. I've been using Quark for years and was looking for some advanced material covering tips, shortcuts, and ways to push beyond the norm. This book is for BEGINNERS and should be labeled as such.

Covers what it needs to cover........1999-01-18

This book covers the fundamentals and more. It's well written and uses a plethora of examples.

Great for the beginning to mid-level users, it only falls short if you are a power-user, but I don't think power-users read books anyway. If they do, they should skip this one, it's geared to a layman.

Customer Reviews:

a book worthy of spending time!!.......2003-09-15

Ashenafi vividly tales a story of a family, which is full of challenge, misery,misforune, humour, brilliance waxed with an unwavering principle of hard work and resielence of a remarkable woman with no bitterness. It is almost like a fiction.

Review.......2003-08-14

A brilliant narration!! I hope the author achieved some kind of redemption, relief writing this great book. Myself, I could not put it down after I started it, frantically flipping one page after the other. It stirred something that I thought I was over with long time ago. I stayed awake all night thinking and reliving a nightmare until I heard my daughter calling `Daddy!' in the morning. Suddenly I was awake, back to reality, to my family where, possibly, my redemption is!!
I do not want to have anything to do with this stuff any more!! That is it for me!! I do not want to relive a pain again - even if it is through reading. The book is a masterpiece, but I do not want to see it again!

Amazing.......2003-07-30

This is a true example of Ethiopian literature. All the sayings and setting of Ashenafi's story reminded me of my childhood. I recomend this book to everyone. One minute I was sad, and then the next minute I was laughing, one minute I was serious and then the next minute I was smiling. I experienced pretty much all kinds of feelings while reading this book.
Please read it.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books