Madagascar: The Eighth Continent

Author's NoteAcknowledgmentsForeword by Russell A. MittermeierPrefaceMapIntroduction. Puts Madagascar in context, both geographically and historically. Part I: Deep into a Primordial Land: The Perfumed Isle. Part II: Deep into a Primordial Land: The Spiny DesertHerpetologist Chris Raxworthy's studies of reptiles and amphibians in Madagascar. Part III: Search for the Pygmy Hippo. Paleoecologist Dave Burney's groundbreaking studies of past environments in Madagascar. The setting is Anjohibe. Part IV: The Most Beautiful Enigma in the World. Archeologist Bob Dewar is trying to find out who the first Malagasy were, including when, how, and why they arrived. Peter Tyson tries to find out who the Malagasy are today. Set in the vanilla-growing country of northeast Madagascar near Sambava. Part V: Island of Dreams. Can Madagascar be saved? Primatologist and conservationist Patricia Wright attacks the problem at a rainforest national park known as Ranomafana, where she is perfecting a model for conservation. Set in the mountain jungle in the southeast of Madagascar, just off the High Plateau. EpilogueChronicles a single day in Madagascar, with personal experiences and anecdotes. Glossary. Source Notes. Bibliography. Index

Peter Tyson is a science and travel writer with over 25 years' experience writing about science, natural history, and conservation. He is the former editor-in-chief of NOVA Online, the website of the PBS science documentary series in the U.S. and has visited Madagascar on numerous occasions.

'Whether meeting a leaf-tailed gecko eye to eye... or describing conservation issues and local customs, Peter Tyson provides the most enjoyable book on the natural and cultural history of Madagascar I have ever read.' George B. Schaller, Wildlife Conservation Society 'A sharp picture of an intriguing place.' Scientific American 'Part field report, part travelogue, part ecological history, Tyson's book is an engrossing testament to one of the planet's most astonishing places.' Discover 'This is an absolutely absorbing book. Peter Tyson takes us with him on a journey of discovery, describing Madagascar with a rare depth of understanding, a fine eye for detail, and a sense of wonder that is most refreshing. There is humour, sadness, puzzlement, hope for the future. When you put the book down, you truly feel as if you have been there.' Jane Goodall 'Tyson's book blends adventure,science and history into an elegant whole.' Conde Nast Traveller