The Dodo and the Solitaire: A Natural History (Life of the Past)
"The story of the dodo, like that of the solitaire, has been pieced together from fragments, both literary and physical, that have been carefully compiled and examined in this extraordinary volume." —Birdbooker Report"This book is the best source yet on these most familiar of extinct creatures.... Highly recommended." —Choice"A labor of love. There is great value in having all of this information in one, succinct package. This book is the definitive work on the subject." —Jeffrey D. Stilwell, Monash University"Parish’s historical account on these enigmatic birds ranks... amongst the most complete works on the Mascarene birds and will remain so for a very long time. If you have any interest in natural history... you should definitely consider reading Parish’s concise volume on one of the most extraordinary birds with one of the most extraordinary stories." —Priscum"Parish is intentionally cautious not to draw firm conclusions on the many debates regarding the biology, physiology and history of the Dodo. He prefers to restrict himself to countering arguments and debunking myths, often without offering a succinct alternative. While a source of frustration to a reader accustomed to digesting information in an 'introduction-supporting data-conclusion' format, this will ultimately prove one of the books greatest strengths. By refusing to wade into the debates, Parish has crafted a book that will firmly resist obsolescence." —thisviewoflife.com"As an up-to-date and comprehensive review of everything we know about the dodo and solitaire... this book will be enjoyed, and sought after, by an enormous readership. It deserves high praise indeed." —Journal of Verterbrate Paleontology"Parish’s magnificent, comprehensive tome compares very favourably indeed with its illustrious predecessors  […] For me, the unique way Parish’s book compares, contrasts, and focuses upon the historical accounts (translated into English when the originals were in other languages) gives a vitality to the dodo’s life story. It is as if the reader is witnessing at first hand this hapless, helpless bird’s fascinating but tragically brief existence […] The publisher has spared no expense on layout, illustrations or paper quality. This book is a thing of beauty in its own right that no ebook could compete with […] This is a wonderful, definitive treatment of the dodo and solitaire." —Fortean Times"Written in comprehensive detail, it is dense with an amazing amount of history, references, facts, maps, and illustrations." —Library Journal"…[A] magnificent, liberally illustrated book in quarto...not likely to be surpassed—of two tragic victims of history." —Svenska Dagbladet"It’s depressing to contemplate that two extinct species could be summed up in a single book—but if it must be so, it should definitely be a book as magnificent as this one. The Dodo and the Solitaire is a large, handsome book that offers as complete a record as is now possible of these two birds..." —10,000 Birds