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The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island
THE WORLD OF KONG:A Natural History of Skull Island
It was an uncharted island somewhere off the coast of Sumatra, it was a land whispered about by merchants and sailors. It was a place so unbelievable that no one dared believe in its existence. Except one man, the extraordinary showman Carl Denham. Many will, of course, remember his show on Broadway and its tragic ending. But New York is not where the story ended, it is where it began.
In 1935 a joint expedition of several prominent universities and organizations called Project Legacy was launched. Its stated mission goal was to create the first of several field guides to Skull Island, a land filled with creatures existing outside of their time, where dinosaurs roamed, evolved, and still lived. Only a year later it was discovered that the island was doomed; the geological forces that had formed the island were now tearing it apart. There were only seven more abbreviated expeditions to the island before its destruction and the start of World War II.
The journals, sketches, and detailed notes of the scientists who braved Skull Island would have continued to gather dust on shelves across the planet were it not for the work of the authors of this book. Here for the first time is their work, collected in a comprehensive edition of the natural history of this lost island. Here is "The World of Kong."
It was an uncharted island somewhere off the coast of Sumatra, it was a land whispered about by merchants and sailors. It was a place so unbelievable that no one dared believe in its existence. Except one man, the extraordinary showman Carl Denham. Many will, of course, remember his show on Broadway and its tragic ending. But New York is not where the story ended, it is where it began.
In 1935 a joint expedition of several prominent universities and organizations called Project Legacy was launched. Its stated mission goal was to create the first of several field guides to Skull Island, a land filled with creatures existing outside of their time, where dinosaurs roamed, evolved, and still lived. Only a year later it was discovered that the island was doomed; the geological forces that had formed the island were now tearing it apart. There were only seven more abbreviated expeditions to the island before its destruction and the start of World War II.
The journals, sketches, and detailed notes of the scientists who braved Skull Island would have continued to gather dust on shelves across the planet were it not for the work of the authors of this book. Here for the first time is their work, collected in a comprehensive edition of the natural history of this lost island. Here is "The World of Kong."
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 20, 2021
In preparation for Peter Jackson’s 2005 remake of the 1933 classic, “King Kong,” the Weta Workshop did an intense “exploration” of Skull Island where Kong had made his home. This involved not only designing the topography, but also the bizarre plants and inhabitants. Even with a runtime of approximately 3-hours, there were many creations that would never be seen in the movie.
But, they’re not lost. THE WORLD OF KONG: A NATURAL HISTORY OF SKULL ISLAND is an imaginative guide to what subsequent expeditions found there prior to the island’s sinking about fifteen years after the events in the movie. It consists of copious amounts of art work ... displaying maps, concept art, and “biological studies” that provide the feel of well-illustrated textbook. There is a history of the island, including speculation about the lost civilization that had built extensive structures before the later inhabitants retreated into a much more primitive life.
The contents are not cut entirely out of imaginative “whole cloth.” Scientific studies are occasionally amplified to justify the diversity found on Skull Island. This includes speculation that the island had once been a part of the massive super-continent, Gondwanaland. That added some credibility to the fantasy.
Books such as this one certainly appeal to “the child in me.” I must admit that I would have preferred to have had more information of the adventures encountered by the subsequent expeditions, especially since some of them were described as “disastrous.” It is also a reflection of its time that the concept artists are very shy about displaying nudity (with strategically placed hair in evidence), but are perfectly content with showing details of an eviscerated islander who fell victim to one of the scaly monstrosities.
Ultimately, enjoyment will depend entirely on why one is reading the book. Although it is never dull, the textbook format lost its novelty for me after a while. However, for the Reader who has dreamed about a visit to the home of King Kong, there is much here to enjoy.
But, they’re not lost. THE WORLD OF KONG: A NATURAL HISTORY OF SKULL ISLAND is an imaginative guide to what subsequent expeditions found there prior to the island’s sinking about fifteen years after the events in the movie. It consists of copious amounts of art work ... displaying maps, concept art, and “biological studies” that provide the feel of well-illustrated textbook. There is a history of the island, including speculation about the lost civilization that had built extensive structures before the later inhabitants retreated into a much more primitive life.
The contents are not cut entirely out of imaginative “whole cloth.” Scientific studies are occasionally amplified to justify the diversity found on Skull Island. This includes speculation that the island had once been a part of the massive super-continent, Gondwanaland. That added some credibility to the fantasy.
Books such as this one certainly appeal to “the child in me.” I must admit that I would have preferred to have had more information of the adventures encountered by the subsequent expeditions, especially since some of them were described as “disastrous.” It is also a reflection of its time that the concept artists are very shy about displaying nudity (with strategically placed hair in evidence), but are perfectly content with showing details of an eviscerated islander who fell victim to one of the scaly monstrosities.
Ultimately, enjoyment will depend entirely on why one is reading the book. Although it is never dull, the textbook format lost its novelty for me after a while. However, for the Reader who has dreamed about a visit to the home of King Kong, there is much here to enjoy.
December 5, 2012
(More pictures at parkablogs.com)
This is a very fascinating book. If it was passed to someone who has never watched the movie, I would have no doubt that the person would believe that Skull island is real.
This book is like a journal written by a discoverer — think Charles Darwin. The pages are filled with amazing paintings of dinosaurs, animals, creatures, insects and the habitat. And every one of the illustrated is documented. The level of detail and thought behind can be seen from the documentation. There are no pencil sketches, only beautiful paintings.
No where in the book was any reference made to the movie. And that I believe is what gives this book the authentic feel.
There are 6 parts to the book featuring the different sections of the island:
* The crumbling coast and village
* The shrinking lowlands
* The winding swamps and waterways
* The steaming jungle
* The Abyssal Chasms
* The Barren Uplands
Kong only appears right at the end of the book. 9 pages including pictures were devoted to it. Some reviewers claim that it's too little. But this is essentially a book about Skull Island, not about King Kong, who happens to live on Skull Island.
This review was first published on parkablogs.com. There are more pictures and videos on my blog.
August 7, 2014
Out of all the King Kong items that flooded the stores during the Peter Jackson 2005 King Kong resurgence, this is THE best item of them all. Although not really a King Kong novel, it has descriptions that add to the King Kong lore and really help flesh out the inhabitants of Skull Island, and is a must-have if you are a true Kong fan or if you want to know more of the full picture of Kong's history. This is also a great addition for cryptozoology and dinosaur fans. Nearly every creature ever seen in the 1933 and 2005 version are here, in text book description and usually accompanied by beautiful illustrations by some fantastic artists that worked behind the scenes of the 2005 movie. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with this book. I love skimming through it, especially if I'm reading any of the Kong novels or prequels, or preparing myself to watch either of the Kong movies set in 1933. Just excellent! If this were the only thing to have come out during the new film version, it would have been enough. It is one of my favorite books and highly recommended!
October 20, 2013
This is an intriguing book. Obviously intended to support the released of Peter Jacksons King Kong film the book is more of a natural history reference book than some guide or making of, that usually are seen.
The book is lavishly illustrated, though at times rather gruesome in its detail - which only adds I feel to its authenticity. The book shows how much thought and research has been put in to the film and hints at the amount of material that most of the time never sees the light of day let alone is treated as part of the vision that created the film. I know that a lot is said about Peter jackson's fanaticism towards his work but if this is the level of detail he expects for all his films then you just have to respect his passion for his work. a fascinating read although I think a few of these creatures will be haunting my nightmares for some time
The book is lavishly illustrated, though at times rather gruesome in its detail - which only adds I feel to its authenticity. The book shows how much thought and research has been put in to the film and hints at the amount of material that most of the time never sees the light of day let alone is treated as part of the vision that created the film. I know that a lot is said about Peter jackson's fanaticism towards his work but if this is the level of detail he expects for all his films then you just have to respect his passion for his work. a fascinating read although I think a few of these creatures will be haunting my nightmares for some time
September 4, 2022
I love the creativity that went into this book. As a big fan of the film, the concept of this book was right up my alley.
On the one hand, I feel like there were too many creatures ‘catalogued’ and wish they had specialized on half as many creatures, with twice as much habitat and behaviour information on them, but on the other hand, under the particular time restraints and hazard levels, I suppose there probably wasn’t all that much time to dedicate to studying each new species encountered.
The sketches and visual accompaniments were wonderful and provide the majority of the value to this book. I would have enjoyed the inclusion of some more hastily draw sketches and recovered photographs from the first venture, rather than full artistic rendering, but beggars can’t be choosers.
On the one hand, I feel like there were too many creatures ‘catalogued’ and wish they had specialized on half as many creatures, with twice as much habitat and behaviour information on them, but on the other hand, under the particular time restraints and hazard levels, I suppose there probably wasn’t all that much time to dedicate to studying each new species encountered.
The sketches and visual accompaniments were wonderful and provide the majority of the value to this book. I would have enjoyed the inclusion of some more hastily draw sketches and recovered photographs from the first venture, rather than full artistic rendering, but beggars can’t be choosers.
June 27, 2022
As a massive fan of King Kong, Godzilla and monsters in general, this book truly invested me in Peter Jackson’s world of Kong.
I wanted this book for many years, but due to it being out of print it was difficult to find.
This book is written in a sort of documentary book or much like a scientific guide of sorts, albeit the fantasy kind. The book itself does not hold back when it comes to violent imagery as the conceptual art of the creatures regularly features blood and torn limbs. The conceptual art as a whole is gorgeous, kudos to the artists who designed these nightmarish creatures.
Also, the book does make it seem like Skull Island was a real place as it delves into these creatures' behaviour, their adaptations and how they fit into Skull Islands' ecosystem.
I would recommend this book to people who love King Kong, and monsters in general. Although due to being out of print, this book is quite pricey at around £70.
I wanted this book for many years, but due to it being out of print it was difficult to find.
This book is written in a sort of documentary book or much like a scientific guide of sorts, albeit the fantasy kind. The book itself does not hold back when it comes to violent imagery as the conceptual art of the creatures regularly features blood and torn limbs. The conceptual art as a whole is gorgeous, kudos to the artists who designed these nightmarish creatures.
Also, the book does make it seem like Skull Island was a real place as it delves into these creatures' behaviour, their adaptations and how they fit into Skull Islands' ecosystem.
I would recommend this book to people who love King Kong, and monsters in general. Although due to being out of print, this book is quite pricey at around £70.
December 11, 2019
Impressive collection of art and descriptions of the imaginary fauna on Skull Island, as developed by the Weta Workshop for the 2005 film KING KONG by Peter Jackson. Including detailed aps of the island.
June 3, 2020
Fantastic! Beautiful illustrations and detailed ecological information about Skull Island's inhabitants. Very fun (if far-fetched) speculative evolution. Highly recommend this book.
July 17, 2022
Brilliant work of speculative evolution with great artwork from the films concept artists. There are nowhere near enough books like this
January 1, 2025
An uncontested bible for speculative zoology and ecology. The thought, passion, and love for creating creatures is breath-taking. Whether you're a Kong fan or not, this book is King.
Read
March 2, 2025If you're a fan of the 2005 movie like myself then this is a must read, Holy peaking peak
July 26, 2015
This is a beautiful book that I am sad to have only found recently since it is now out of print and copies on Amazon sell for something like $60. But I would have had no reason to find it originally; I was not particularly interested in Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong, and even when I eventually saw it, it was not particularly impactful or memorable to me. So I think of this as a book that shouldn't exist, since it is such a nice book so full of details that I'm sure couldn't have come up in the movie. But it is what a good movie tie-in book should be: lots of nice art and a deeper examination of the story behind the events in the movie. And even better, it didn't just retread the same ground as the movie, it expanded on the story, describing a series of expeditions to the island after its discovery and before its destruction by geological catastrophe. I love this fictional conceit, the way that it shows people reacting realistically to a new discovery ("what, there's an uncharted island full of strange new creatures and seeming prehistoric remnants? let's go find it!"), which lends a bit of verisimilitude to the story as a whole. There would definitely be some interesting potential in stories about the expeditions.
I do have a few complaints though:
- According to the map, the island is a natural scale of 1:50,000. Being generous, it is at most a foot long, which means that the island would have been less than 9.5 miles long, and maybe half that at the widest point, though most of it was much narrower. I'm not sure if that jives with the inner cover maps and their depictions of charts with degrees latitude and longitude, which may indicate a larger land mass than the scale does. But in any case, I live on an island in Japan that was about three times as long, and more than three times as wide, and there's no way it could have been so overcrowded with all those exotic creatures
- way too much emphasis on alpha predators, or just predators in general. Ecosystems don't work like that. There need to be way more producers and herbivores than carnivores. Similarly, having a crumbling environment might help "drive" evolution, but it would more likely be in the direction of smaller size and more generalized habits to minimize energy needs and maximize adaptability, rather than towards a biologically costly arms race of armaments
- way too many radical variants of flying creatures. Among vertebrates there have been only three genetic lineages that have achieved flight. Flying is not easy, and yet the book includes flying rodents, flying amphibians, and flying lizards-- oh, and "vultursaurs" which look like pterosaurs but are actually are descendents of dinosaurs, a sort of what if birds evolved bat wings instead of feathers. And there are still birds, normal bats, and possibly even pterosaurs on the island, so it's not like flight was an especially open niche waiting to be exploited
- I'm okay with dinosaurs living on the island, but some of the creatures are based on ancient amphibians or synapsids, lineages that died off before or during the age of dinosaurs, so their continued existence doesn't make much sense
- naming that was just a bit too on the nose; most scientific names sort of point at features of the creature, but never as precisely as most of these do
Strangely, despite all of the obvious effort and talent that went into the art and writing, there is little here that stands out to me. I like the book as a whole and enjoy the setting, but most of the creatures in it seem to either be based on real animals "turned up to 11" or else sort of absurd. Weirdly the one thing that stands out to me as interesting and unique is the Formicavoro, a dinosaur (or possibly something else) evolved to feed on termites and ants. A strange choice, but it stands out for being believable (except for its size) and unique.
I do have a few complaints though:
- According to the map, the island is a natural scale of 1:50,000. Being generous, it is at most a foot long, which means that the island would have been less than 9.5 miles long, and maybe half that at the widest point, though most of it was much narrower. I'm not sure if that jives with the inner cover maps and their depictions of charts with degrees latitude and longitude, which may indicate a larger land mass than the scale does. But in any case, I live on an island in Japan that was about three times as long, and more than three times as wide, and there's no way it could have been so overcrowded with all those exotic creatures
- way too much emphasis on alpha predators, or just predators in general. Ecosystems don't work like that. There need to be way more producers and herbivores than carnivores. Similarly, having a crumbling environment might help "drive" evolution, but it would more likely be in the direction of smaller size and more generalized habits to minimize energy needs and maximize adaptability, rather than towards a biologically costly arms race of armaments
- way too many radical variants of flying creatures. Among vertebrates there have been only three genetic lineages that have achieved flight. Flying is not easy, and yet the book includes flying rodents, flying amphibians, and flying lizards-- oh, and "vultursaurs" which look like pterosaurs but are actually are descendents of dinosaurs, a sort of what if birds evolved bat wings instead of feathers. And there are still birds, normal bats, and possibly even pterosaurs on the island, so it's not like flight was an especially open niche waiting to be exploited
- I'm okay with dinosaurs living on the island, but some of the creatures are based on ancient amphibians or synapsids, lineages that died off before or during the age of dinosaurs, so their continued existence doesn't make much sense
- naming that was just a bit too on the nose; most scientific names sort of point at features of the creature, but never as precisely as most of these do
Strangely, despite all of the obvious effort and talent that went into the art and writing, there is little here that stands out to me. I like the book as a whole and enjoy the setting, but most of the creatures in it seem to either be based on real animals "turned up to 11" or else sort of absurd. Weirdly the one thing that stands out to me as interesting and unique is the Formicavoro, a dinosaur (or possibly something else) evolved to feed on termites and ants. A strange choice, but it stands out for being believable (except for its size) and unique.
July 4, 2012
The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island gives even more beauty and life to the world of Skull Island than either of the King Kong movies ever did. I didn't become extremely interested in King Kong because of the ape himself, but because I fell in love with the fantastic environment in which both directors surrounded the story. I prefer Peter Jackson's version simply because of how much more detail it has than the one from the 1930s and that is one of the reasons I bought this art book. It shows the creatures and environments that were never (or briefly) glimpsed in the film. I went through the entire book and looked at all the art before I even started to read it- it was amazing.
September 11, 2007
I have a soft spot for cryptozoology. I do. And this book I think really does all I that I want from a book of such. The writing is exciting and intelligent though never long-winded. They don't over work the gimmick of being a book compiled by explorers who barely survived the expedition to Kong's Island. And the art is gruesome, lush and beautiful. The lifeforms and the proposed evolution of such is concise and sensible. I just really can't say enough about this book. Kick freakin ass!
ahem.
ahem.
November 16, 2009
I stumbled upon this natural history of Skull Island in the bargain books section in a local shop. It's a wonderful book filled with nightmarish creatures, presented as though real from the expeditions to Skull Island from the 1930s. If you are a fan of King Kong or the work of Weta Workshop then this is a must. The level of detail and love that has gone into creating the world you only caught a glimpse of on film is truly stunning. One for fans of KK and make believe places.
September 12, 2014
This book is a great source on skull island. The illustrations are amazing and It contains fascinating data about the creatures of kong's kingdom. I just love it..
January 12, 2016
Excellent book/field guide describing the evolution of several prehistoric species isolated on Skull Island
April 1, 2016
I think this book is very interesting to read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews