Stones of Silence: Journeys in the Himalaya

by George B. Schaller

Paperback book.

Genres: Travel, Nature, Wildlife, Natural History, Nonfiction, Animals, Adventure

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1982

About the author

George Beals Schaller (born 1933) is an American mammalogist, biologist, conservationist and author. Schaller is recognized by many as the world's preeminent field biologist, studying wildlife throughout Africa, Asia and South America. Born in Berlin, Schaller grew up in Germany, but moved to Missouri as a teen. He is vice president of Panthera Corporation and serves as chairman of their Cat Advisory Council along with renowned conservationist and Panthera CEO Alan Rabinowitz. Schaller is also a senior conservationist at the Bronx Zoo-based Wildlife Conservation Society.

Schaller's work in conservation has resulted in the protection of large stretches of area in the Amazon, Brazil, the Hindu Kush in Pakistan, and forests in Southeast Asia. Due in part to Schaller's work, over 20 parks or preserves worldwide have been established, including Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in Nepal, and the Changtang Nature Reserve in Tibet, one of the world's most significant wildlife refuges. At over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), the Chang Tang Nature Reserve was called "One of the most ambitious attempts to arrest the shrinkage of natural ecosystems," by The New York Times.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a personal facination with the Hinalayas from Nepal to Afghanistan especially the Hindu Kush and Hunza areas. G.Schaller has done wildlife field life studies there, Brazil and the Serengeti. His descriptions of the mixed feelings of the government, upper class, and working man as to conservation cause us to reevaluate what can be expected in very poor areas. Do I let my child starve and preserve a species, or do I kill the animal for food or money but hope somehow my children's future supply of animals will be saved by others. The descriptions of the area and the hardships working there are well done. In addition and I knew and worked for Willie Unsoeld, one of the people who climbed Everest and other peaks in the area. Schaller was part of that crowd and I read 3 other books of this genre spring of 2011.

[Kjpout · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had it's moments, but mostly it was just too boring to follow. I've read similar books from other authors and I think it is mostly the authors way of writing and describing things that makes the reading experience seem so forced. It's definitely recommended if you're interested in the habits of goats and sheep.

[Emerson Grossmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Mathiessen's "Snow Leopard" back in 1980 or so. A friend had recommended it while I was working on trail crew in Kananaskis Provincial Park in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. I followed up on that with a dream destination of Kathmandu. I indeed did go to there on an around-the-world-trip in 1982. I went trekking for 31 days on the Annapurna Circuit and then up into the sanctuary--it was magic. I hired a bike and cycled through Thamel area of Kathmandu much like Peter had done years before. Unfortunately, Mustang and Dolpo were still off-limits as was Tibet. I read Schaller's book a few years later to get a different view on the their trek--he was more like a foil to Peter. I quite enjoyed it and would recommend anyone who read "The Snow Leopard" to read Schaller's book.

[Vaidya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schaller travels to different parts of South Asia studying goats. Covered are the Hindukush, PoK, Karakoram, and then down South the Nilgiris, back to Nepal, to Kang Chu and then the Crystal Mountain trip with Peter Matthiessen which is covered in his book, TheSnow Leopard. Was interesting to read the other side of the trip, and what happens after Matthiessen leaves.

Hope to read more of Schaller too.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am about to complete but no need to wait for giving my view.. Its highly recommended for those who love nature and nature studies. Schaller's experiences and narratives describing the Western Himalayan landscape and natural history takes us right to the spot. It is actually the sister book of the famous "Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen.

[Javier Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed account of George Schaller's quest to understand the wildlife of the Himalaya and preserve its fragile nature.

George's insights into the cultural, hardships and daily challenges are so thought provoking.
If you love wilderness travel this book is for you. A must read for aspiring field biologists.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Companion to The Snow Leopard by Matthissen about the same expedition; the two together make a fascinating view into human relations along with the naturalist focus that would be normally expected.

[Kevin Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes the author writes a lot about sheep and that can lead to sleep, but he is a keen observer of far more than sheep so his observations on travel, life, and human nature make for fun and interesting reading.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about goats and sheep in the this book, which follows naturalist Schaller on his studies of various species throughout the Himilaya. I did enjoy reading about a different time, when some countries were accessible (e.g., Pakistan) that are no longer, and others were incredibly difficult to access but today are not as much so (e.g., Nepal). Schaller certianly "roughed it" and his descriptions of the scenery and local culture are interesting.

[Johnr66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Famed naturalist/zoologist George Schaller travels in the Himalaya to study goats and sheep and to site the snow leopard - an animal very few westerners have seen in the wild. I have much admiration for Schaller, though I find his writings to be a little dry. He is not an introspective writer. He documents what he sees but rarely exposes his feelings. Still, I found this to be his best work, well worth a read.

[Mohan Alembath · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book from the world's foremost wildlife biologist. Smashing stuff.