Join Douglas Adams and wildlife expert Mark Carwardine on an extraordinary journey across the globe as they seek out some of the world's most endangered species. This captivating travelogue blends humor, adventure, and poignant reflections on conservation and the fragility of life. As Adams' wit shines through, readers encounter dazzling creatures like the kakapo parrot and the rare vaquita whale, making it a race against time to witness them before they vanish forever. With each chapter, the urgency of protecting our planet’s biodiversity becomes strikingly clear. 'Last Chance to See' is not just a quest for rare animals, but a call to action to preserve our natural world.
By Douglas Adams, Mark Carwardine
Published: 1992
"We are all living on this planet together, and we are all in this wonderful mess together. It is our responsibility to appreciate it, to protect it and to ensure we leave it for the next generation."
New York Times bestselling author Douglas Adams and zoologist Mark Carwardine take off around the world in search of exotic, endangered creatures. Join them as they encounter the animal kingdom in its stunning beauty, astonishing variety, and imminent peril: the giant Komodo dragon of Indonesia, the helpless but loveable Kakapo of New Zealand, the blind river dolphins of China, the white rhinos of Zaire, the rare birds of Mauritius island in the Indian Ocean. Hilarious and poignant—as only Douglas Adams can be—Last Chance to See is an entertaining and arresting odyssey through the Earth’s magnificent wildlife galaxy. Praise for Last Chance to See “Lively, sharply satirical, brilliantly written . . . shows how human care can undo what human carelessness has wrought.”—The Atlantic “These authors don’t hesitate to present the alarming facts: More than 1,000 species of animals (and plants) become extinct every year. . . . Perhaps Adams and Carwardine, with their witty science, will help prevent such misadventures in the future.”—Boston Sunday Herald “Very funny and moving . . . The glimpses of rare fauna seem to have enlarged [Adams’s] thinking, enlivened his world; and so might the animals do for us all, if we were to help them live.”—The Washington Post Book World “[Adams] invites us to enter into a conspiracy of laughter and caring.”—Los Angeles Times “Amusing . . . thought-provoking . . . Its details on the heroic efforts being made to save these animals are inspirational.”—The New York Times Book Review
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“We are all living on this planet together, and we are all in this wonderful mess together. It is our responsibility to appreciate it, to protect it and to ensure we leave it for the next generation.”
Last Chance to See
By Douglas Adams, Mark Carwardine
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Douglas Adams was a renowned British author, humorist, and dramatist best known for his groundbreaking sci-fi series, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." First broadcast as a radio show in 1978, it later expanded into a series of novels, a television adaptation, and a feature film. Adams's writing is characterized by its wit, absurdity, and sharp social commentary, blending elements of science fiction with humor to explore complex philosophical themes. Other notable works include "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" and "The Salmon of Doubt." Adams's unique style and imaginative storytelling have left a lasting impact on both the literary world and popular culture.
Mark Carwardine is a renowned British author, zoologist, and conservationist, celebrated for his deep knowledge of wildlife and his engaging writing style that often blends science with personal experience. He is best known for his influential works such as 'The Mammals of the British Isles' and 'The Natural History of the British Isles.' Carwardine's writing is characterized by vivid descriptions and a passionate advocacy for conservation, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. In addition to his books, he has contributed extensively to television documentaries and other media, fostering a greater public awareness of environmental issues.
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