Earth's Last Great Places: Exploring the Nature Conservancy Worldwide

by Noel Grove

THE GREAT BOOK!

Genres: Nature, Travel, Reference, Nonfiction

191 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bud Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad but a bit US Centric is its portrayal of the breadth of nature across the world.

[Andrew Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earth's Last Great Places
By Noel Grove
Non-Fiction, Travel
191 pages

This book talks about some travelers who travel around the world to find the last real wilderness. But many times in the book, it is shown that things aren't really as good as they seem. The coral reefs in the south pacific ocean are considered to be some of the largest natural coral reefs in the world, supporting thousands of fish. But when the author goes there to visit the reef, the author finds that it is plagued with illegal hunting and illegal methods, such as blasting, which destroys nearby coral reef. But the author finds that people are creating projects that are trying to help, like in Guatemala, where there are armed rangers to protect the area, but just not enough funds to support these people.

I think that this is a good book for anybody who likes nature or likes travelling. One thing that I like about this book is that it has beautiful descriptions of the landscapes, from snowy mountains to lush jungle. when you are reading the book you feel almost as if you are also in that place. Another thing that I like about the book is that, unlike other nature books, it doesn't just focus on the animals. You also get to see what the lives of the native people are and see the world through their eyes. It gives you a different perspective on why people would be hunting endangered animals.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a few articles and dazzling photographs, this is a quick read and a great reference. However, it is not truly a tourist catalog, but a warning and a reminder: man destroys what he loves. Visiting these places, Mr. Grove hints to his readers, would ruin their natural beauty. However, they should be preserved. I was delighted at the large section focused on natural beauty in the United States. I thought I'd have to travel to other countries to see unspoiled nature, but there are many places even along the East Coast! I was a little disappointed at the Asian section, but I supposed the high levels of tourist development renders the majority of Asian wildlife "preserves" unable of being classified as the "last great places."

[Erin Bradford]

I didn't actually read this one. I spent about 10 minutes flipping through it while sitting in a lobby waiting for my doctor. The images alone make this title well worth its price. Beautiful and majestic. Reminds you of how magic or world really is.