Nature of the Rainforest: Costa Rica and Beyond (Zona Tropical Publications)
"What at first appears to be a new work by the distinguished naturalist Forsyth is actually an update of his 1990 Portraits of the Rainforest. The two pieces in Portraits that discussed in detail human activity in rain forests have been removed and replaced by three new reflective essays on the history, ecology, and future existence of certain rainforests. The new chapters have a much better fit here, as they express Forsyth's desire to give readers his sense of admiration and compassion for these relatively unknown ecosystems. While Forsyth's easy-to-read prose definitely helps to deliver his message, it is by far the photographs from the renowned Fogden that truly give readers reasons to appreciate these ecological treasures. Very few pictures from the original Portraits are included; instead, the photographers incorporate new sets of their spectacular and breathtaking images to create awareness and concern for these endangered rainforest ecosystems. Recommended for medium-sized to large public libraries and those with (introductory) natural history programs."—Library Journal"Adrian Forsyth contributes with this book to the genuine literature of ecology, wherein exact knowledge is expressed through the prisms of disciplined emotion. Such writing requires a rare combination of scientific training and metaphorical skill, and Forsyth displays the instincts of a creative writer, taking us deep into the tropical rainforest. Nature of the Rainforest calls attention to the best of this planet and to the compelling reasons why we should look south, inland, to the forest of dreams."—from the Foreword by E. O. Wilson"Nature of the Rainforest is an absolutely spectacular, essential addition to the library of any natural history buff, ecologist, or tropical forest conservationist. Its text reads like a Sand County Almanac for the tropics (something long needed and overdue) while the stunning photographs depict stories of how life works in this unique ecosystem. Adrian Forsyth loves the forest, understands the forest, and writes really well. The Fogdens' incredible photographs, which serve as biological portraits of ecology, left me breathless."—Meg Lowman, author of Life in the Treetops