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Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World
"Get rid of it, for gosh sakes! Get rid of it!" my aunt barked when she spied the garter snake latched onto my six-year-old arm. I then responded with, "No!" That's when everyone went silent until my aunt spoke out once again, "What do you mean 'no'? Why not?"
As the tears continued to stream down my face, I answered back through an exaggerated and convulsing huff, "Because I love it!"
It was then that Jeff Corwin was hooked. Whether it's serpents, lizards, crocs, or frogs, or any number of furry creatures, Jeff has spent decades learning-- and educating-- about the world's most diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Travel with him now through Arizona, Africa, Costa Rica, and Venezuela to encounter those who are familiar-- coyotes, elephants, anteaters, and crocodiles-- and meet those who aren't-- the vinegaroon, which keeps out of harm's way by gagging and repelling potential predators with caustic fumes; painted dogs, which allow only one monogamous pair within the clan to breed; the omnivorous kinkajou, which helps propagate the enormous strangler fig tree; and capybaras, the world's largest rodents, who happen to be excellent swimmers.
Bear witness to the codependency of all these creatures on either the plants that surround them or each other, and look behind the scenes to see Jeff's coming of age in the world of biodiversity. Some of the fabulous creatures in these pages are in danger of becoming extinct, while all carry a vital role in maintaining these ecosystems. Without the interplay of predator, prey, and symbiotic communalism, the world as we know it would be a vastly different place.
As the tears continued to stream down my face, I answered back through an exaggerated and convulsing huff, "Because I love it!"
It was then that Jeff Corwin was hooked. Whether it's serpents, lizards, crocs, or frogs, or any number of furry creatures, Jeff has spent decades learning-- and educating-- about the world's most diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Travel with him now through Arizona, Africa, Costa Rica, and Venezuela to encounter those who are familiar-- coyotes, elephants, anteaters, and crocodiles-- and meet those who aren't-- the vinegaroon, which keeps out of harm's way by gagging and repelling potential predators with caustic fumes; painted dogs, which allow only one monogamous pair within the clan to breed; the omnivorous kinkajou, which helps propagate the enormous strangler fig tree; and capybaras, the world's largest rodents, who happen to be excellent swimmers.
Bear witness to the codependency of all these creatures on either the plants that surround them or each other, and look behind the scenes to see Jeff's coming of age in the world of biodiversity. Some of the fabulous creatures in these pages are in danger of becoming extinct, while all carry a vital role in maintaining these ecosystems. Without the interplay of predator, prey, and symbiotic communalism, the world as we know it would be a vastly different place.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
4 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Corwin
55 books38 followersJEFF CORWIN
Wildlife biologist
Emmy-winning host
Emmy winner Jeff Corwin has been working for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world since he was a teenager. Animal Planet audiences best know Jeff as host of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE, one of the most popular shows on cable television. The series reaches over 13 million viewers in the United States and is viewed in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Since 2000, Jeff has partnered with Animal Planet and Discovery Communications as host and executive producer of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE. He also serves as the executive producer of the new series CORWIN'S QUEST. His first book, Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World from Rodale Publishing, is now in paperback.
When not in the field, Jeff lectures on wildlife, ecology and conservation to audiences across the United States. Jeff also established an interactive museum and environmental education center called the EcoZone. Based in Norwell, Mass., the town where Jeff spent his childhood, the goal of the EcoZone is to build awareness for the wildlife and ecology unique to the wetlands of southeastern Massachusetts.
Now an expert in rainforest animals, Jeff was first introduced to the tropical rain forests in 1984, while on an expedition to Belize. The experience fueled his interest in the study and conservation of these ecological marvels. In 1993, Jeff addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding the need to conserve neotropical rain forests. By 1994, Jeff had served as expedition naturalist for THE JASON PROJECT, the acclaimed documentary series produced by National Geographic and EDS under the direction of Robert Ballard.
Jeff has bachelor of science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College, and a master of science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1999, Bridgewater State College honored Jeff with a doctorate in public education for his work in communicating about the need for a sustainable approach to using natural resources and the importance of conserving endangered species. Jeff firmly believes that through education and awareness, the natural resources, wildlife and ecosystems that make up our planet will be conserved for future generations.
Jeff's winning personality, combined with his camera-friendly good looks, led editors to choose him as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and he was included on the highly regarded Entertainment Weekly "It List." In October 2003, Jeff made a guest appearance as himself on the popular television series CSI: Miami. Other television appearances include the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, Extra and Oprah. In 2004, Jeff won an Emmy for best performer in a children's series.
When not traveling the world, Jeff can be found at his eclectic home off the coast of Massachusetts, which is decorated with unique and unusual artifacts from his globe-trotting. He lives with his wife Natasha and daughter Maya Rose.
Wildlife biologist
Emmy-winning host
Emmy winner Jeff Corwin has been working for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world since he was a teenager. Animal Planet audiences best know Jeff as host of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE, one of the most popular shows on cable television. The series reaches over 13 million viewers in the United States and is viewed in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Since 2000, Jeff has partnered with Animal Planet and Discovery Communications as host and executive producer of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE. He also serves as the executive producer of the new series CORWIN'S QUEST. His first book, Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World from Rodale Publishing, is now in paperback.
When not in the field, Jeff lectures on wildlife, ecology and conservation to audiences across the United States. Jeff also established an interactive museum and environmental education center called the EcoZone. Based in Norwell, Mass., the town where Jeff spent his childhood, the goal of the EcoZone is to build awareness for the wildlife and ecology unique to the wetlands of southeastern Massachusetts.
Now an expert in rainforest animals, Jeff was first introduced to the tropical rain forests in 1984, while on an expedition to Belize. The experience fueled his interest in the study and conservation of these ecological marvels. In 1993, Jeff addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding the need to conserve neotropical rain forests. By 1994, Jeff had served as expedition naturalist for THE JASON PROJECT, the acclaimed documentary series produced by National Geographic and EDS under the direction of Robert Ballard.
Jeff has bachelor of science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College, and a master of science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1999, Bridgewater State College honored Jeff with a doctorate in public education for his work in communicating about the need for a sustainable approach to using natural resources and the importance of conserving endangered species. Jeff firmly believes that through education and awareness, the natural resources, wildlife and ecosystems that make up our planet will be conserved for future generations.
Jeff's winning personality, combined with his camera-friendly good looks, led editors to choose him as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and he was included on the highly regarded Entertainment Weekly "It List." In October 2003, Jeff made a guest appearance as himself on the popular television series CSI: Miami. Other television appearances include the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, Extra and Oprah. In 2004, Jeff won an Emmy for best performer in a children's series.
When not traveling the world, Jeff can be found at his eclectic home off the coast of Massachusetts, which is decorated with unique and unusual artifacts from his globe-trotting. He lives with his wife Natasha and daughter Maya Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2022
Uses the same recipe from Corwin’s Experience, but a lot is lost in translation.
October 3, 2011
We got the book when Jeff was actually here in Jacksonville one year for a promotion for something, so we were actually lucky enough to get to meet him & have him autograph our copy :) It's a good book, & his passion for the creatures of the earth & their exotic locales is evident in every page.
March 22, 2019
Oh my goodness. I've loved Jeff Corwin since I was a kid (I say as I sit in a classroom) and have had this book in my closet for years and only just now finally read it. I loved this book and loved all the description that was used! It being filled with interesting stories from Jeff himself also add to the fun! Totally going to be looking for anything else written by him!
July 8, 2023
This book visits the Sonoran desert of Arizona, the savannah of southeastern Africa, the Costa Rican rainforest, and the llanos of Venezuela, with stories of some of the creatures that live there. Entertaining and educational.
November 13, 2017
Fascinating and at times hilarious. A story about a pissed off otter had me giggling.
July 4, 2017
I have always been more of a fan of Jeff Corwin even over Steven Irwin, may he Rest In Peace. Corwin has a great way of being educational but is light enough about it that you are having fun and laughing but still learning, which is also conveyed within this book itself.
Although Corwin is known for his bits of comedy and making you laugh he seems to save it mostly for the captions of his pictures within the book where he uses modern imitations of his joke. The rest of the book for the majority is given in a practical yet easy-to-read format while the seriousness of the subject matter is broken up with episodes and personal stories of Corwin whether from his boyhood days to preparing for marriage or even taping for his shows.
The main thing I have to comment on that I loved the most was the Table of Contents for in this particular one it doesn't only give you the section with a page number but a short summary. In a big book like this where it can be broke down into individual readings it allows you to find what you are wanting to read instead of random guessing or just reading cover to back cover.
From there Corwin takes us into four separate biomes where you are introduced into the battle for survival whether living in the deserts, the rainforest or the grasslands under whatever name they may be called. Furthermore coming from a guy who specializes in herpetology you get a chance to meet what would be considered the minor or forgotten players of other non-fiction books about the same biome so providing you with a new standpoint altogether.
The book for me has a bunch of emotional undertow for me, which automatically gives it the full stars. I was cheering for the young coyote, agonizing with the zebra stallion in his deadly lock and breathlessly exploring the other chapters. The book will catch your attention and pull you in but since it is about the natural world there is one complaint, which can't be helped.
Corwin is graphic, sometimes too graphic, but that is the way of the natural world. You want to know but when he passes you what you want you cringe back from the facts. If you can read and clean up the reading it may be a good book for somewhat younger kids but I wouldn't recommend it much for any younger audiences for that fact although they may just like the pictures.
Although Corwin is known for his bits of comedy and making you laugh he seems to save it mostly for the captions of his pictures within the book where he uses modern imitations of his joke. The rest of the book for the majority is given in a practical yet easy-to-read format while the seriousness of the subject matter is broken up with episodes and personal stories of Corwin whether from his boyhood days to preparing for marriage or even taping for his shows.
The main thing I have to comment on that I loved the most was the Table of Contents for in this particular one it doesn't only give you the section with a page number but a short summary. In a big book like this where it can be broke down into individual readings it allows you to find what you are wanting to read instead of random guessing or just reading cover to back cover.
From there Corwin takes us into four separate biomes where you are introduced into the battle for survival whether living in the deserts, the rainforest or the grasslands under whatever name they may be called. Furthermore coming from a guy who specializes in herpetology you get a chance to meet what would be considered the minor or forgotten players of other non-fiction books about the same biome so providing you with a new standpoint altogether.
The book for me has a bunch of emotional undertow for me, which automatically gives it the full stars. I was cheering for the young coyote, agonizing with the zebra stallion in his deadly lock and breathlessly exploring the other chapters. The book will catch your attention and pull you in but since it is about the natural world there is one complaint, which can't be helped.
Corwin is graphic, sometimes too graphic, but that is the way of the natural world. You want to know but when he passes you what you want you cringe back from the facts. If you can read and clean up the reading it may be a good book for somewhat younger kids but I wouldn't recommend it much for any younger audiences for that fact although they may just like the pictures.
March 9, 2009
I first discovered who Jeff Corwin was by randomly coming across his Saturday morning children's show one day. I immediately fell in love with the show because of Corwin's enthusiasm for the animals he was discussing and the various far-flung locales he was traveling to. Over the years, I began watching his show on Animal Planet and buying his DVDs. Again, I was attracted by his love and incredible knowledge of all the different animals from around the world; his boundless energy; his goofy and dorky sense of humor; his strong desire to protect and save the world's ecosystems; and how interesting he made the hour. And it didn't hurt that I found him very good-looking.
Reading this book was just as enjoyable as watching him on tv. He divides the book into four sections, covering the desert of the southwest, the rainforests of Costa Rica, the savannah of Venezuela, and the plains of Africa. Throughout each section, he follows many different animals as they struggle to hunt for food or evade predators, going into great detail about the brutality of life that they all face and just how by sheer luck many of them survive. Each section is told as a story, covering days and weeks, many times starting with one animal, leaving it to discuss another, and then coming back to the original animal. It's actually written very well and is highly fascinating. Throughout the book are personal stories about Jeff's encounters with animals. These are the highlights as they are very funny and usually he is pointing out his own foolish actions and the consequences of them. This book just increased my fondness for Jeff Corwin. I hope he writes a follow up to this book because of how much I enjoyed reading this. I really recommend this to anyone who has a love of animals, desires the conservation of the world's ecosystems, and enjoys Jeff Corwin's programs.
Reading this book was just as enjoyable as watching him on tv. He divides the book into four sections, covering the desert of the southwest, the rainforests of Costa Rica, the savannah of Venezuela, and the plains of Africa. Throughout each section, he follows many different animals as they struggle to hunt for food or evade predators, going into great detail about the brutality of life that they all face and just how by sheer luck many of them survive. Each section is told as a story, covering days and weeks, many times starting with one animal, leaving it to discuss another, and then coming back to the original animal. It's actually written very well and is highly fascinating. Throughout the book are personal stories about Jeff's encounters with animals. These are the highlights as they are very funny and usually he is pointing out his own foolish actions and the consequences of them. This book just increased my fondness for Jeff Corwin. I hope he writes a follow up to this book because of how much I enjoyed reading this. I really recommend this to anyone who has a love of animals, desires the conservation of the world's ecosystems, and enjoys Jeff Corwin's programs.
January 18, 2012
Here's another good one by Jeff Corwin. He sort of astounds me, because his writing is quite lyrical for a scientist. As usual, this book has its fair share of comical moments. He has a way of saying things that, despite the incredibly serious overtone of the book, makes it pretty laugh out loud funny. However, this book isn't for those with weak stomachs or soft hearts. Jeff is a naturalist, so he understands that the brutality of nature is necessary. Just because one creature may be furry with pouty eyes and cuddly little arms doesn't make it more valuable than a slimy one with fangs. In this book, the weak get eaten by the strong and the picture that's painted is as bloody and real as viewing it from nature's living room. I did a fair amount of cringing with the occasional "awww" for the poor unfortunate critters dispersed throughout.
Some people don't like the narrative style of this, but I thought it worked quite well. Most of us will never get the chance to experience and truly understand what it's like to truly experience the brutality of the natural world. This book opens a window to do just that. It's written by someone that, through his years of experience in these environments, has cultivated a raw understanding of how an ecosystem survives through cycles of life and death. Many things in this book astounded me. I really learned something and I was introduced to some creatures of which I'd never heard. This is definitely a worthwhile read if you have the guts to tackle it.
Some people don't like the narrative style of this, but I thought it worked quite well. Most of us will never get the chance to experience and truly understand what it's like to truly experience the brutality of the natural world. This book opens a window to do just that. It's written by someone that, through his years of experience in these environments, has cultivated a raw understanding of how an ecosystem survives through cycles of life and death. Many things in this book astounded me. I really learned something and I was introduced to some creatures of which I'd never heard. This is definitely a worthwhile read if you have the guts to tackle it.
August 21, 2008
I liked this book, but it struck as being something older kids or teens would like more than adults. He breaks it up into different sections, with each section covering a different region of the world. Within each section he starts with one animal, then ties it to to another animal dependent upon the first, and so forth, looping it back around in a circle to the one he started with. He had some good personal stories thrown in, which kept it interesting. And of course, being Jeff Corwin, there is a constant reminder of the need to protect the naturaul world around us, always a good message.
September 27, 2015
I enjoyed this book exactly as much as I expected to. That means I liked it a whole freakin' lot! Jeff Corwin was always one of my heroes growing up and still is now that I am more grown up. This book was a great revival of my old memories of watching his show. The whole book reads like a narrative you might hear while watching Planet Earth. Many times I stopped seeing words and saw vivid images instead. This book has everything from the calmest to the grimmest aspects of nature. I'd definitely recommend this book to anybody who loves animals like I do.
April 15, 2014
I enjoyed this book for the most part, with its discussion of all kinds of wild life and how they interact with their environment. He did a nice job of creating a story arc for each locale and bringing it to life. I also enjoyed the black box inserts with his own personal experiences, often tied to complete stupidity on his part. I could have done without some of the crude bathroom euphemisms, but I just reminded myself that all males reach the end point of their maturity at 15.
September 5, 2007
I love Jeff Corwin to bits. Back when I had tv, I used to LOVE his show. He was energetic, self-deprecating, enthusiastic and a hottie. His writing is a lot like him & I did enjoy his narrative however I'm just not a fan of imagined nature scenarios. The best parts of the book by far were his auto-biographical stories. If he ever releases a bio, I'll be on it like a Uromastyx on a mealworm.
November 18, 2008
Wow, I wish I could retain half of the information Jeff Corwin has put in this book.
He is very descriptive (to a fault) with his encounters with the animals he writes about. A very honest, detailed book.
I loved it, but it's not for everyone I'm sure.
He is very descriptive (to a fault) with his encounters with the animals he writes about. A very honest, detailed book.
I loved it, but it's not for everyone I'm sure.
March 7, 2009
jeff corwin actually writes really well. he is very descriptive and really, this book might be worth it just for his anecdotes. i learned more about different animals than i would have expected, which was great. i highly recommend this book
December 6, 2008
I'm reading this book for Biology class. It's really good.
October 16, 2008
Love the book! He is not only a amazing animal guy, he is an amazing writer as well. He is able to bring all of his adventures on paper to life!
August 8, 2009
Jeff Corwin always has amazing stories to tell and tells them in amusing ways.
Want to read
November 20, 2011An Easter gift from my sister and it looks SO fantastic! I already love the Jeff Corwin show but had no idea he'd written anything. I can hardly wait to crack this open and start to read!!! :D
July 29, 2011
Had the opportunity to meet Jeff with my daughter. He was a hoot! Loved his book!
February 3, 2013
This was a wonderful book. This book is perfect for anyone who has passion for nature, geography and a story of how it captivated one man's life through 4 incredible destinations.
June 18, 2020
Love this guy and what he does
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews