Il cuore selvaggio della natura. Dispacci dalle terre della meraviglia, del pericolo e della speranza

by David Quammen

Questo libro si presta a essere letto in molti modi: come «una serie di dispacci da una battaglia all’ultimo sangue» – la battaglia per il futuro della diversità biologica sul nostro pianeta – travestita da romanzo di avventure, o viceversa. Ma anche come un invito a risintonizzare il nostro battito cardiaco con quello nascosto nelle vastità dimenticate della natura di cui siamo parte. Dopotutto, scrive Quammen, è ancora possibile, basta restare in ascolto.

Nella «vita precedente» a quella che lo avrebbe eletto massima autorità sul Covid-19 – pandemia di cui sarebbe diventato l’involontario profeta – David Quammen è stato anche, se non soprattutto, un avventuriero audace e insieme scanzonato. E, in quella veste, autore di una serie di memorabili reportage per «National Geographic», che nell’arco di vent’anni lo hanno portato nei luoghi più riposti (e spesso meno affabili) del pianeta: dall’«abisso verde» di paludi del Congo alle giungle impenetrabili del Gabon, fino alla Patagonia e alla Kamčatka. Scritti con taglio e stile memori dell’amato modello faulkneriano, quei reportage sono vere immersioni visionarie, non di rado esilaranti, nella «natura selvaggia» e nella sua abbagliante – ma ogni giorno più precaria – esibizione di biodiversità. Alcune regioni di questo tour de force sono già familiari ai lettori di altri libri di Quammen, a cominciare da Spillover. Qui, però, l’esotismo allucinato e la fauna variegata di quei luoghi non sono inquadrati come «serbatoi di terrore» nella nostra problematica convivenza coi virus; piuttosto, come un labirinto di delicati ecosistemi, sempre più minacciati dall’invadenza antropica.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Animals, Essays, Africa, Travel

444 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

David Quammen (born February 1948) is an award-winning science, nature and travel writer whose work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic, Outside, Harper's, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times Book Review; he has also written fiction. He wrote a column called "Natural Acts" for Outside magazine for fifteen years. Quammen lives in Bozeman, Montana.

Reviews

[Ula Tardigrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of David Quammen - in fact, he is one of my favourite writers, and some of his books have deeply influenced my thinking - so I was delighted to read this new anthology of his magazine pieces. Previous collections of his writing have been short essays written for Outside magazine. This one is different because it is published by National Geographic and focuses more on the narrative, on-the-ground assignments, full of colourful characters and real adventures in wild parts of the world, mostly on the African continent. I loved every story. I also appreciated the short introductions and updates to each of them, added by the author especially for this publication.

If you're familiar with Quammen's writing, I don't need to encourage you to read this book. If you're not, it's a great place to start, as it's a page-turner and less focused on science than his regular books.

Thanks to the publisher, National Geographic, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Jean Blackwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand it's always nice to read about efforts that preserve and protect animals and the environment. On the other hand these essays left me feeling that saving nature has become the special preserve of the ultra rich. Whether they are using their money to directly purchase land and dictate the terms of reclamation and use or are subsidizing the scientific pursuits of others, they are playing an outsize role in determining the fate of the earth.

The ultra rich of course have always played an outsize role in despoiling and exploiting the earth. In fact, the earth's riches have most often been the source of their massive wealth, along with exploitation of human labor. So isn't it wonderful and fitting that now we are seeing a reversal of that situation as some of the rich are using their wealth to restore our damaged world?

Well, maybe. But in his well-paid wanderings around the world in the company of scientists and explorers, David Quammen has joined the ranks of a certain elite, those who travel the world on their quests to do good, basing their definition of good on the success of their personal missions. If these missions require an expenditure of enormous amounts of fossil fuels, even if it is just to capture great photos and observations for the pages of National Geographic. If these missions include indigenous people in the traditional role of bearers, even if, as Quammen claims, they are well paid, yet leadership always remains in the hands of the western explorers and scientists who dictate the goals, the means, and the day by day details of reaching their goals. It seems appropriate then that in imagining future financing for environmental reserves, Quammen and his elite imagine that ecotourism will pay for it all, more money from the wealthy that will dictate perhaps spas and golf courses and five star restaurants next door to the elephants and lions?

I'm disappointed that Quammen, a very good science writer, never seems to recognize the contradictions and problematic aspects of the projects he visits and observes. Perhaps his employer vetoes any such questioning or negativity in his reporting, fearing that reporters might be far less welcome to view environmental projects if they don't just heap praise on every endeavor.

I'm not criticizing any particular study or project described in this book. I'm questioning the assumption of leadership and goal setting by the western white rich and their chosen scientific elite. Are they doing great things, are they doing them in the best possible way, are they doing the most needed and important projects that will in fact save the world? Maybe they are. But whatever you think about them just remember, your opinion doesn't count at all.

[Luca Morandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro bellissimo che consiglio di leggere
Mi ha messo voglia di viaggiare ed esplorare lidi inesplorati.
Mi ha fatto tornare in mente che da piccolo volevo lavorare in un piccolo museo francese dedicato alla biodiversità

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Quammen is my favorite ecology writer because he brings me into the forests, jungles, and tundra with scientists through great writing. I met Mike Fay through this writing decades ago in National Geographic and, with this book, have met philanthropists like Greg Carr. The imaginations of these people make what is left of wilderness possible.

I admit to enjoying NatGeo less since Fox/Disney bought the organization but this collection of Quammen's reporting reminds me of benefits a group of armchair ecologists can yield.

[David Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of Quammen's articles over a twenty-year period from National Geographic explorations around the world, although with heavy emphasis on Africa. Each piece takes us into the study and protection of unique ecosystems. Quammen augments each of the original articles with a brief prologue (presenting the circumstances and background of the trip) and epilogue (giving updates). Well written and definitely worth the read.

David J. Kent
Former career scientist
Author, Lincoln: The Fire of Genius

[Andrea Giovanni Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un invito a restare in ascolto del legame vitale che ci unisce al pianeta

[Dallin Kohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Quammen. I'm not a huge fan of essay collections and this book doesn't have the same magic of some of his other books, yet it was still a great read.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: The Heartbeat of the Wild: Dispatches From Landscapes of Wonder, Peril, and Hope
AUTHOR: David Quammen
PUB DATE: 05.16.2023 ow Available

For more than two decades, award-winning science and nature writer David Quammen has traveled to Earth’s most far-flung and fragile destinations, sending back field notes from places caught in the tension between humans and the wild.

This illuminating book features 20 of those assignments: elegantly written narratives, originally published in National Geographic magazine and updated for today, telling colorful and impassioned stories from some of the planet’s wildest locales. 

THOUGHTS: I am a huge fan of David Quammen - his writing has inspired me to love and appreciate nature - this anthology of his essays based on his assignments and travels all around the world, especially Africa is such a fantastic read. I learned so much about elephants, gorillas, lions of Africa, and the jaguars of South America.

Beautiful!

[Francesco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bello, molto ispirato e sempre interessante.

[Witches and books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Republished from Marginal Space

In David Quammen’s captivating book, “The Heartbeat of the Wild,” readers embark on a transformative journey that explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Through a collection of twenty narratives, Quammen takes us to remote and magnificent places, delving into the beauty, dangers, and perils of the wildness.

One of the central themes in “The Heartbeat of the Wild” is the crucial role of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Quammen emphasizes that true wildness thrives on diversity, supporting a delicate network of natural processes such as photosynthesis, pollination, competition, and predation. When these processes are disrupted, the heartbeat of the ecosystem falters, leading to the gradual demise of the wilderness itself.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Quammen argues that true wildness must be diverse and support a network of essential natural processes, such as photosynthesis, pollination, competition, and predation. If not, the heartbeat of the ecosystem stops, and the wildness dies. Another theme that Quammen explores is the resilience of nature and the importance of preserving it. Nature provides us with essential resources for our survival and well-being, such as food, water, air, and medicine. Preserving nature also helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts, as natural spaces can store carbon and buffer against floods, droughts, and storms.

Throughout “The Heartbeat of the Wild,” Quammen shares inspiring stories of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of the natural world. One such tale chronicles the journey of
Mike Fay, an American ecologist, conservationist, and explorer who follows in the footsteps of renowned figures like David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley. Fay’s expedition through the Congo Basin showcases the resilience of nature and underscores the critical importance of preserving it for future generations.

Quammen’s writing style is elegant, informative, and inspiring. His ability to paint vivid pictures with words allows readers to immerse themselves in the wildness and understand the intricate connections that exist between humans and nature. Through his prose, Quammen encourages readers to reflect deeply on their place in the natural world and the responsibility they bear in preserving it. “The Heartbeat of the Wild” serves as a powerful reminder that our actions today shape the future of our planet. It is a must-read for anyone passionate about the environment and the preservation of our natural world.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a title like Heartbeat of the Wild (National Geographic 2023), I couldn't wait to read David Quammen's story of walking across Africa, and for the most part, Quammen didn't disappoint. There were pages filled with the flora and fauna, the danger and drama, how Mike Fay (the star and intrepid explorer) almost didn't make it--

"it seemed almost impossible that Fay could complete this epic trek as projected, given the factors such as exhaustion, malaria, the politics of national boundaries, the finitude of patience and stamina among the men of his field crew, the occasional charging elephant, the swamp water to drink, the filaria flies to shoo off, and the Gaboon vipers to avoid stepping on—all that and the other considerations arrayed against him. But a year had gone by, and he was still on the trail."

Quammen was invited to join Mike Fay--an "untamable man who just loves to walk in the wilds"--in this year+-long walk, many areas so remote "...its chimps had never heard of Jane Goodall." Quammen did a few weeks at a time and then returned to civilization, to write about Fay's endeavor for National Geographic--

"...'We’re going to parachute into Borneo, live on crackers for a month, and look for the world’s largest spider; we have your chute packed and an extra crate of crackers; we leave Tuesday. Are you in?” my answer is “I’m in.” (Although I might ask: “How large a spider?”) Nick Nichols is one of those two people. Besides, who doesn’t want to spend weeks living out of a comfortable safari tent in the backcountry of Serengeti National Park, following lions with one of the world’s leading lion biologists and his stalwart field assistants..."

If you love nature and a challenge, what could be better? Me, I was thrilled to join from the comfort of my reading chair, and what an adventure it was. There were many times, I wondered if Fay could make it. I won't tell you if he did, but I will tell you the story is filled with gorgeous insights into the wildness of nature, how it is like nothing else:

"Africa is an extraordinary repository of wildlife. It’s the greatest of places for great beasts."

"One female chimp held an infant whose large ears stuck far out from its head, glowing amber like a pair of huge, dried apricots whenever they caught backlighting from a shaft of sunlight."

The only distraction from the feral beauty of Nature was the chunk of pages devoted to politically-charged issues. A few times my eyes glazed over and then I snapped back, grudgingly tolerating that ugly world for the opportunity to immerse myself in the uncompromising beauty of nature.

If you decide to read this, don't expect a modern Matthiessen. Often, the book is more about the people studying the animals and their goals for protecting the chimps and gorillas than it is about the animals themselves. That’s not good or bad, just an observation, but because the title led me to expect more Nature and less humans, I was a bit disappointed. Admittedly, that could be me and you won't have that reaction.

Overall, this is an intriguing personal book with lots to hold a nature lover's interest.

[Come Musica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il nuovo libro di David Quammen nasce dalla collaborazione pluriennale con il National Geographic.
Grazie a questa collaborazione, si è recato in Congo con uno scienziato americano, entrando in contatto con il lato selvaggio della Natura:

“Questo libro raccoglie una scelta dei reportage che ho realizzato per «National Geographic» nell’arco di vent’anni. Quando li ho scritti erano frutto di singoli incarichi, anche se era rintracciabile un comune denominatore che rifletteva i miei interessi personali, gli argomenti che gli editor consideravano adatti alle mie competenze e gli obiettivi della National Geographic Society.”

Queste avventure, però, affondano le radici in alcune letture di Quammen: una in particolare, “The Theory of Island Biogeography”, di MacArthur e Wilson, lo hanno “portato in foreste remote dove sentivo il battito della natura selvaggia pulsare come sangue nelle mie orecchie: l’Amazzonia centrale, il bacino del Congo, le paludi di Okefenokee, la Cordigliera centrale in Nuova Guinea. O in altri luoghi dove quel battito si è fatto debole e incerto, e rischia da un momento all’altro di cessare a causa di una perdita progressiva dei quattro elementi che ho citato – la diversità, la connessione, i processi e l’estensione –, luoghi meravigliosi ma tristi come il Madagascar.”

Quel libricino ha così tanto condizionato e influenzato la vita dello scrittore, tanto da indurlo ad abbandonare la stesura di romanzi per scrivere di saggi di storia naturale. In questo libro racconta molte delle avventure con Michael Fay, l’ecologo con cui ha fatto numerosi viaggi.

La raccolta dei reportage scritti in un ventennio “messi assieme, compongono un libro che non avevo concepito in origine, ma che ha preso forma piano piano nella mia mente – un libro sulle persone impegnate a salvaguardare il battito della natura selvaggia, sulle battaglie che combattono, sulle creature e i processi che cercano di proteggere e sui luoghi che conoscono e hanno a cuore.”

Una lettura appassionante, con lo stile tipico di David Quammen, “un monito e uno sprone, a farci carico delle responsabilità personali che ricadono su ciascuno di noi rispetto a una questione tanto importante: il futuro della diversità biologica sul nostro pianeta. Non possiamo permettere che la natura selvaggia del Serengeti e di altri grandi paesaggi sparisca da questa Terra solo perché ci sentiamo comodamente distanti da essa, e perché la sua protezione è un compito che spetta ad altre, più eroiche figure. Dobbiamo riflettere sulle cose che facciamo, per intaccare quelle caratteristiche della natura selvaggia che ho menzionato all’inizio, quegli elementi necessari per la continuazione del grande battito...”

E nonostante gli ambientalisti e gli studiosi lo vadano ripetendo da anni, oramai, lo stato in cui versa il Pianeta è davvero preoccupante. E la consapevolezza che sia tardi, ahimè, per agire non è ancora radicata in ciascun uomo...

“È tardi, ma non troppo tardi. Ci sono ancora grandi paesaggi e grandi possibilità in tutto il mondo. Come ho detto, il cuore selvaggio della natura è intrinseco all’estensione, la connessione, la diversità e i processi dei grandi ecosistemi. Finché noi esseri umani riconosceremo questa realtà, la rispetteremo e ci sforzeremo di preservare quegli elementi tramite iniziative appassionate e sagge come quelle che ho descritto nel libro, in mezzo a luoghi magnifici che comprendono quelli ritratti in queste pagine ma anche altri, il cuore continuerà a battere.”

[Petch Manopawitr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good collection of great essays by David Quammen. Many pieces were assignment with National Geographic from the legendary Mega-transect in central Africa to remote rivers in Kamchatka, from the Serengeti savannah to the Patagonia - accompanied the field scientists and conservationists. This is probably the most apparent conservation essays as Quammen explores landscapes and ideas that exemplify what “wildness” still means in the twenty-first century.

If you like David Quammen's writing which is hard not to like if you are into conservation. He makes conservation science come alive and blends descriptive engaging style with conservation biology theory such as island biogeography beautifully. Since the breakthrough of 'the Song of the Dodo', he becomes one of my favourite conservation science writers of all time.

So this collection of essay is a modern classic with practical attempt, making people believe that it is not too late. There are still many wonderful wild places remained with amazing individuals working hard trying to save them.

As he put it, people are a problem to this planet but people are also the only solution. As he takes us around the world to learn about conservation initatives. David sums up take away lessons what might work and why. The key to success often requires passionated individuals, sciences, rigorous insititutions, wealthy angels and sensitivity to the need of local people living in and around protected areas.

We need to be more responsible to the way we live, the way we eat and share this planet not just for the future generations but also all the wildlife we share this planet with. (Conservation is)..It's personal. It's the choice we make. It's what we buy, what we burn and what we care about. It's where we place our feet.

It's late but not too late.

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lions, hippos and giraffes... oh my. And Bonobos and elephants and every other animal you can think of (and many you cannot) in Africa. This novel chronicles the adventures of the author as he writes his way across Africa on many occasions in conjunctions with various scientists, photographers and conservationists. This story was riddled with animals, insects, nature and adventures. I felt like I learned so much about history, conservation efforts and the impact on nature by humanity from this novel.

I think I defaulted into college mode as I read this one: my hand itched to take notes, I reread sections and I went down a few fact checking rabbit holes.

I loved hearing the stories about all the people and animals who crossed Qummen's path in these essays. I would never be able to live the life he depicts on these pages (1. I hate bugs 2. Burning off leeches is not on my bucket list 3. I don't like snakes 4. I don't like being muddy and dirty 5. I REALLY don't like bugs). Quammen goes into details about all these and more: homicidal lions, murderous chimps, rampaging elephants and more.

The overall message of this novel: humanity has messed up the natural order of the world... and humanity is also the only one who can fix this mistake.

This story is almost exclusively focused on Africa. If you're looking for more information on this continent, its nature, and its wildlife - this is the fact filled novel for you!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A consolidation of his writings over the last twenty odd years, mostly for National Geographic, where he was assigned to document various field expeditions, the most famous and the ones the book started out with being the Megatransect across Africa's tropical forest belt with Mike Fay. I remember being quite fascinated by this event back then, so it was a welcome trip down memory lane. This is what it's like to mount an expedition in Africa almost like Stanley's trip down the Congo, minus the violence, firearms and slavery.

The rest of the book followed up with Quammen's other trips to that continent and his coverage of the conservation issues and their prospects surrounding mainly large megafauna like lions and elephants. There were a few excursions to the Russian far east, even one to the Arctic circle, and a chapter on the Tompkins' work in South America as well. Then there was his investigation of and fascination with the Ebola virus and its to date undiscovered host and origin, the subject of a couple of his other full length books.

All in, a refreshing read about conservation of large spaces and large animals and case studies of differing approaches, from private led initiatives to NGOs and science informed collaborations with the governing authorities. And of course, the adventures of being out in the field amidst the glorious scenery and creatures, which the author conveys so well.

[Read Walk Repeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of inspiring essays previously printed in National Geographic magazines (from the years 2000 - 2020) about the wonder and plight of wildlife and wild spaces and the amazing people who have dedicated their lives to document and conserve these animals and spaces.

My thoughts:
These essays were well written and informative and exactly what you’d expect from a National Geographic writer. Personally, I felt the stories were missing something without having the photography / pictures that would have accompanied these articles in the magazine. I did, however, really enjoy the additional comments the author added before and after each essay providing more insight and personal thoughts on his experiences. I would definitely read a memoir / biography by this author about his time working with National Geographic.

3.5 / 5 stars

💕You might like this book if:
🔹 you are interested in nature / wildlife (especially in Africa)
🔹 you always wanted to write for National Geographic and would like a little behind-the-scenes insight
🔹 You enjoy watching nature documentaries
🔹You are interested in learning a little bit more about the types of people who dedicate their lives to science / conservation

A huge thanks to @netgalley and @nationalgeographic for providing me with a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Quammen’s articles for National Geographic will make you long for adventure, while being glad that you’re traveling from your armchair. Each piece is prefaced by a short explanation of the circumstances under which they were written, as well as an afterword that adds relevant information about what happened after they were published. I liked some of the essays more than others, but they are all so well written that it feels like being there, even without photographs. Being an animal lover, I especially enjoyed the articles about bonobos, lions, and elephants. I was terrified by the one about chimps and how their interactions with humans living close to them can be so scary. Some of the pieces about conservation had too much political and legal information for me to grasp, but they were informative nonetheless. I read an ARC so there may be photographs in the published books, but I wish there had been pictures. The cover is so gorgeous and made more poignant by the story of the model, a lion called C-Boy, which is told in the book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/# National Geographic!

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains 20 articles on field research and conservation efforts that David Quammen wrote for National Geographic, first published from October 2000 through August 2020. The author has added new introductions and updates, which I found helpful. He also provides a foreword with some thought-provoking discussion of what constitutes wildness. Most of the stories take place in Africa, although a couple are set in Russia and one in South America. I found some of the stories more interesting than others, though each is interesting in its own way.

Although it’s not an easy read, this is a well-written collection of essays for anyone interested in ecology, field research, and conservation efforts. Quammen documents some sad losses and a plethora of concerns, yet he also shares hope that we can still preserve these wild places.

I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

[Chantal Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read 'The Song of the Dodo', I was keen to read 'The Heartbeat of the Wild' - and it did not disappoint.

The blurb provided is an accurate summation of the book. This is a curated collection of Quammen's writing for Nat Geo, covering mainly regions in Africa, although with a few trips to other continents.

Quammen is an excellent nature and science writer. I already knew that, and this book has reconfirmed it. His writing is compelling, entertaining, and poignant. I appreciated also the updates that Quammen provided at the end of each article, many of which were published around the turn of the new millennium.

One thing that I felt was missing were photographs, as Quammen often mentioned being on trips with notable wildlife photographers - but I imagine this would've significantly increased the cost of the book's production.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to find out as much as they can about all the different biodiversity crises facing us today.

[Eduardo Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

A risky gamble: repackage twenty-plus years of articles written for NatGeo, add a one-or-two-page intro and followup to each, and publish ... but without photos. I think it mostly worked. It kept the focus on conservation, fascinatingly bracketed by its two siblings, exploration and restoration.

Quammen writes about the boundaries. Where humans and nonhumans interact, it tends not to go well for the latter. It doesn’t have to be that way. When possible, he writes about exploration: learning about little-known wildernesses while they still exist. At the other extreme, he includes a few examples of restoration: through education and unimaginable devotion, some near-catastrophes can be averted. Maybe. “It’s late, but it’s not too late,” he writes in his Afterword. I like to think so too, and am moved by his cautious and honest optimism. I intend to give a copies of this book to someone or someones young.

[Lorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendido libro che ho amato!
David Quammen, celebre autore di Spillover, raccoglie in questo volume alcuni reportage sulla natura selvaggia realizzati per National Geographic negli ultimi vent’anni.
Oltre ai magnifici paesaggi e agli animali, la narrazione è incentrata sulle persone — scienziati, attivisti, fotografi, miliardari filantropi e gente comune — sottolineando quanto la dimensione umana e i bisogni delle comunità siano fondamentali per una conservazione davvero efficace e sostenibile degli ecosistemi minacciati.
Le storie di uomini e donne che hanno dedicato la vita allo studio e alla protezione di questi ambienti straordinari mi hanno profondamente emozionato.
Elefanti, scimpanzé e leoni sono al centro di molti di questi reportage: ne emerge il loro declino numerico, la distruzione degli habitat e la difficile convivenza con l’uomo, ma anche numerosi esempi di progetti di successo per la loro tutela.

Una lettura davvero piacevole, che consiglio a tutti.
Buona lettura!

[Macaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not an outdoors type person. I think I can be, but then I listen to an audio book like this one I wonder if I could do this. David Quammen travels the world for National Geographic. In the first essays of this collection, he’s traveling across Africa to help create a national park system through multiple countries, not all of which get along. The threats on the walk through the jungle is as small as a cut to as large as an elephant. I travel vicariously with them, knowing that I won’t do this myself. This collection of essays is a great. I’ve learned more about the world with this collection. I listened to the audio book, which is not listed here on GoodReads.

Thanks to Disney Audiobooks and NetGalley for the copy.

[David Rudin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding collection of essays from the last 20 or so years. Quammen has been around the block, a few times and this collection flexes those world traveler muscles. He reports in on a whole slew of adventures from following Mike Fay on Fay’s Megatransect through the rainforests of the Congo to travels in the Russian far north as part of a sort of bioblitz of the arctic. He also visits South America to tell the tale of the Tompkins conservation efforts in Argentina and Chile. However, most of the essays are set in Africa from Mozambique to the Okavango to the Serengeti. Really enjoyable reading!

Quammen sticks to his "beat" throughout which is wildlife and conservation.

[Nancy Mcdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book and a must read for anyone interested in conservation and wildlife. These are all essays which were written for and appeared in National Geographic Magazine , with introductions and updated information at the end of each. Magnificently researched and engagingly written, I loved it.
A bonus to me is that I am fortunate enough to know a few of the people featured (Dave Morgan and Crickette Sanz) and have met many others (Craig Packer, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Jane Goodall, etc.) It made me proud!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps my first line should be expressing my long standing love and appreciation for the author and everything he creates. He is someone who can make difficult science understandable and also has a profound and enduring passion for both his craft and conservation worldwide, perhaps most widely in Africa.
For me, who does not do essays or short stories to give this book a well deserved 5 stars says almost as much.
Wonderful collection of decades' worth of beautifully written and panstakingly researched pieces. (If the hard copy book includes pictures, I must see it!)

[Riccardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un viaggio travolgente all’interno di alcuni dei posti più affascinanti e minacciati del pianeta. Quammen si presenta come un’autore dalla scrittura scorrevole e da un occhio oggettivo, comico e sensibile che ci trascina con lui in delle avventure bellissime. Questo libro è una raccolta di alcuni dei suoi più importanti lavori per National Geographic e se siete appassionati della rivista dal bordo giallo o dai loro documentari non resisterete a queste pagine.

[Lori Leaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no surprise that I loved this book! I have been a fan of this authors writings since discovering him while living in Yellowstone. His nature writing is so evocative and brings the area you’re reading about to life, letting me be an armchair adventurer. Mixed in with some political commentary, this book really makes you think about what is or is not wild.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* David Quammen is one of the best science writers out there, and the quality of the work in this book does not disappoint. It's a collection of magazine articles, rather than a full length treatment of a single topic (which I personally prefer) and the commentary before and after each one elevates it above a simple "best of."

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really engrossing book where the author revisits articles he's written for Nat Geo in the past and updates them. As I finished it, I was hopeful for the world, but sad when I remembered that Nat Geo has laid off all of its staff writers and will no longer be publishing a physical magazine next year.
Up from 3.5 stars.
Thank you very much to National Geographic and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Bradley Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by David Quammen. At first I suspected it would be "just" a rehash of previously published magazine articles. But it's more. Taken as a whole, it's a passionate call for conservation of our remaining wild lands. Can we save them? In Quammen's words "it's late, but it's not too late."