Last Chance to See

This is Douglas Adams' best book. He even said so himself in an interview. It was not his most successful, economically speaking, but the most worthwhile of them. And although it covers real-life tragedies, it is dead funny. Especially if you are a traveller.

I love this book so much that I have bought it 4 times over the years and have given them as gifts. It is eye-opening, hilarious, and sad all at the same time. Cannot recommend it enough. A great piece of nature writing.

I am a big fan of Douglas Adams, from his Dirk Gently Holistic Detective Agency series to Hitchhiker's Guide. This book was recommended to me by a friend years ago and has been at the top of my favorite reads ever since. I reread it each year. My problem is that I also "loan" it to friends and end up having to replace it. Thanks for keeping it available! The book was in excellent condition and arrived quickly.

Awesome set of stories from a great author. Some of the stories are a bit out of date - some of the species are well recoved, some are gone forever. For me, that only added to the interest in reading this book.

Species survival is a major issue. Books like this should be a higher priority for us!

I was so excited to see something at least co-written by Douglas Adams that I bought the book immediately.A few pages into it I realized it was more or a Documentary than a narrative with characters.It was my fault for not doing more research.I found the reading to be moderately entertaining and Laughed riotously at the section where the Bird Mates with the Hat...Apart from a few inaccuracies That refer to Darwinism and Global Warming as proven theories,I found the book to be quite engaging.

Good book but not entirely without room for error. we are still in the finding process with a lot of this information. Some species are not as endangered as originally though and I for one like that kind of news keep reading though about animals and specie preservation the subject is with merit.

This excellent book about Douglas Adams' and Mark Cawardine's trek to find some of the rarest animals on the globe is now 21 years old. Their journey took place in 1988. What has become of the rare (sometimes critically rare) animals they discuss?

AYE AYE
1988: Almost extinct - about 20 believed to be left in Madagascar
2009: Recently, scientists have (thankfully) found that the aye aye is less rare than previously thought. It is now thought that the aye aye's range is much broader than used to be believed, though at very low population densities.

KOMODO DRAGON
1988: About 5,000 left, with 350 breeding females
1988: 4,000 to 5,000 left, with 350 breeding females. Weirdly, the Komodo Dragon was recently discovered to be one of the few animals capable of parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, which could mean some females could give birth even without mating.

NORTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS
1988: 22 left in the wild, critically endangered
2009: Extinct, due chiefly to massive civil wars in Democratic Congo (former Zaire). In 2005, four of the rhinos were spotted; now there appear to be none at all. Eight of the rhinos still survive in captivity, with a grand total of three actually capable of breeding.

KAKAPO
1988: 43 left in the wild
2009: 125 left in the wild, thanks to rigorous efforts by conservationists.

BAIJI YANGTZE RIVER DOLPHIN
1988: 200 left in the wild
2009: Extinct. The population dwindled to about 50 by 1997, to about 7 by 1998, and to nil by about 2005, thanks to the Three Gorges Dam. Qi Qi (photographed in the book), the last living Baiji, died in 2002.

RODRIGUES FLYING FOX
1988: 200 left in the wild
2009: 1,000 left in the wild. Still considered critically endangered.

MAURITIUS KESTREL
1988: 100 in the wild
2009: 800 in the wild - no longer considered endangered

ECHO PARAKEET
1988: 15 left in the wild
2009: 300 left in the wild, thanks to massive efforts by conservationists.

PINK PIGEON
1988: Fewer than 10
2009: 360 in the wild, again due to an immense effort.

Maybe we should have a moment's silence for the Northern White Rhinoceros and Baiji Dolphin, which are now surely doomed, unless some miracle occurs. But it is heartening to know that the conservationists on Mauritius and New Zealand really had an impact.

One of my favorite people in the world is the late author, Douglas Adams, best known for being the creative genius behind the wacky, madcap series, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (a "trilogy in five parts"). Those books have brought me an immense amount of joy -- but the chance to know Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Zaphod Beeblebrox and the rest of the colorful (and arguably insane) characters making up Adams' Galaxy, are only part of why I love him so.

Though he made his name as a science-fiction comedy writer, Douglas Adams was so much more than that. He was obsessed with technology (especially all things Mac-related), a self-described "radical atheist," a pathological procrastinator and a passionate proponent of environmental and animal conservation. And it was this, his devotion to the earth and its creatures, which lead him to write the book he was most proud of in his career: a quiet, little title that few have heard of called Last Chance To See.

Last Chance... is an elegy to the endangered species struggling for survival in our world. It chronicles Adams' journey across various continents in search of amazing, but nearly extinct creatures such as the silverback mountain gorilla in Zaire, a flightless bird called the kakapo in New Zealand, and the half-blind baiji dolphin in China.

Adams' trademark humor is evident on every page, but there's also an enormous sense of melancholy present in what he writes:

"I suddenly felt, well, terribly old as I watched a mudskipper hopping along with what now seemed to me like a wonderful sense of hopeless, boundless naive optimism. It had such a terribly, terribly, terribly long way to go. I hoped that if its descendant was sitting here on this beach in 350 million years' time with a camera around its neck, it would feel that the journey had been worth it."

I highly recommend Last Chance To See to every human being inhabiting this planet. It's a funny, moving farewell to the animals we've lost, and a call to action for the ones we're about to lose.

"Last Chance to See" is Douglas Adams' hilarious and though-provoking non-fiction, eco-travel narrative about circling the globe in search of some of the Earth's most endangered animals. We get to see a side of Adams that is deeply concerned with the plight of the beautiful, unique, and often ludicrously implausible lifeforms on our planet -- the same side that prompted him to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a rhino suit.

What made this book all the more meaningful to me was that I'd thought I'd finished all of Douglas Adams' books long ago. I loved them all, but I never fully appreciated the depth of his genius as a humanist and social satirist until, sadly, he had passed away. What's more, I never realized how much Adams' writings meant to me until I was hit with the cold, hard reality that he'd written all he ever would. Douglas Adams had hitched his last ride across the galaxy, and I'd never hear from him again. Or so I thought.

Infinitely improbable as it may seem, I heard from Douglas Adams again about two weeks ago. I was browsing around in Borders, long since resigned to the fact that I'd read the last "new" Douglas Adams book I ever would, when I stumbled upon "Last Chance to See." I felt like I'd gone into the pet store to buy a parakeet and, instead, found a dodo bird.

The endangered species Douglas Adams criss-crossed the globe in search of are all, in their own ways, remarkable and priceless. He urges us not to wait until they're gone to fully appreciate them, and he drives this point home to today's readers, in his own ironic style, by now being himself "extinct."

If you're a Douglas Adams fan, and you've never read this book, here it is -- your own "last chance to see" (or, rather, read) him. His own voice, his own words, his own experiences. For me, it was a fond farewell from an old friend I'd never met, who, from his new home -- far beyond life, the universe, and everything -- telling me, "Yes, I'm dead. But there are still a few rhinos and gorillas and dolphins that aren't. Do me a favor; make sure they stay that way."

Adams narrates his adventures travelling the globe with an experienced Zoologist, Carwardine, to see first hand the plight of several seriously endangered species. `Seriously'? Well, as he points out in his `rare or medium rare' chapter, one ecologist might panic about there only being hundreds of one species left - but that's the dream of another ecologist working to save a species with only fifteen: `Hundreds is common'.

I suppose there's some level of compassion-fatigue with endangered species - I was not surprised at the content of most of this book, much as I'm a little dismayed that I'm not more dismayed (if you know what I mean).

Adams, as you might have picked up if you've read any of his books, isn't too bad at this writing thingy, and the prose is engaging, amusing and occasionally insightful. Adams is good company, he's not preachy or condescending, doesn't claim to have all the answers, and describes what he sees without forcing it into some brutal agenda.

To be honest, my greatest pleasure in the book was not being informed - I'm sure you could find out this and more detailed information from other sources - it was in being informed by this particular narrator. I particularly enjoyed his presentation of some of the wonderful boffins in the field, particularly the Australian poisons expert - hilarious. Towards the latter part of the book I found some of these portraits more obviously contrived (and somehow the birds failed to interest as much as the earlier beasts).

That being said, there's enough fascinating people, places and fauna throughout - plus Adams' quirky perspectives, friendly company, consistent wit and occasional comic triumphs to recommend the read.

Douglas Adams' sense of humour is so strong, it could inject a bucketful of laughs into an obituary. Needless to say I wasn't surprised when this book, his elegy for endangered species, turned out to have a welcome balance between laughter and melancholy.
Adams is joined by zoologist Mark Carwardine, as they use their last chance to see a variety of animals on the brink of extinction, such as the Komodo Dragon, the White Rhinos of Zaire, New Zealand kakapos, and Yangtze river dolphins. Adams, amateur wildlife lover, is wise enough to know the purpose of his journey: to shine some of the glare from his celebrity as a "science-fiction comedy novelist" on the issue of global extinction. He does wisely not to downplay the plight of these animals in the favour of commerciality, but manages to produce an entertaining work nonetheless. Carwardine, and the other people we encounter, sometimes come off as little more than characters in a Douglas Adams novel. I am hesitant to believe that everyone he encounters has the same dry, deadpanned British sense of humour. Nonetheless, the characters' eccentricities further shed light on the kinds of people who are willing to undertake the monumental task of saving these beautiful beasts. It is not work for the dispassionate.
"The great thing about being the only species that makes a distinction between right and wrong," he notes at one point, "is that we can make up the rules for ourselves as we go along." Which brings up the second theme he hopes to illustrate here. Humans are dumb. No, that's too simple. Humans are egotistical, selfish, wasteful, materialistic, impudent, and dumb. The single, overwhelming reason why most of these animals must fight for their survival is the sheer audacity humans have in moving into their natural habitat, and upsetting the balance of nature. Adams has no time for individual moments of human idiocy, best exemplified by his wonderful line skewering young Yemeni men who insist on wearing rhino tusk costume jewelry: "How do you persuade [them] that a rhino horn dagger is not a symbol of your manhood but a signal of the fact that you need such a symbol?" His exasperation is evident in this and other such pearls of prose.
I admit that I read this book more for Adams himself than for the subject matter. It is a credit to the author that by the end, I felt some sense of emotional investment in the animals, without the bitter feelings that usually emanate whenever I am subject to an overt tug at my heartstrings. Adams walks that fine line quite well.

I received my first copy of Adams and Cawardine's LAST CHANCE TO SEE from one of my roommates in college. I say "first" because I am now working on my fourth copy -- people I loaned it to kept keeping it!
In LAST CHANCE TO SEE, Adams does for the non-fiction natural world what he did for science fiction: he tells an entertaining story that brings each character to vivid life for a reader. The fact that his characters this time 'round are not space aliens and a beleaguered human being, but rather the most endangered of the endangered animals on the planet makes no difference. The aye-aye, kakapo, mountain gorilla, Chinese river dolphin, Komodo dragon, and even the Rodriguez fruit bat ("...there are hundreds of them!") live on vividly in my memory, despite the fact that I have only seen the dragon and the bat in person.
The lessons to be learned in this book are most profoundly related in Cawardine's parable at the end: by losing these animals, and others like them, we are losing integral parts of the universe, important pieces to the puzzle of life. Once they are lost, there is no regaining them, and the world can never the same.
I would recommend this book to any nature lover (but don't ask to borrow my copy, I'm not losing another one!). I howled with laughter and retained the deeper meaning -- and from reading the other reviews, I can see others did the same.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE tops the list of my recommended, life-changing books. I believe nothing will ever knock it off the top. Read it!

Although I'm a huge Douglas Adams fan, I didn't touch his 1990 book "Last Chance To See" for 14 years because it wasn't a "proper" Adams novel. This isn't a fictional, funny book about the exploits of Arthur Dent & friends as they roam throughout the galaxy, or a fictional, funny book about the exploits of detective Dirk Gently. Instead, "Last Chance To See" is a non-fictional travelogue book that Adams co-wrote with zoologist Mark Carwardine, chronicling their year-long trek around the world in search of endangered species. While I appreciated what Adams was trying to do with this book, I just didn't care to read it. Now, 14 years later, I realise what an ignorant fool I'd been. "Last Chance To See" is a wonderful, funny, *important* book, and Adams has written it with the same wit & flair that he used for his best "Hitchhiker's" and "Dirk Gently" books. It is also very powerful and sad at times, in it's depiction of the grave circumstances that many of these endangered animals are in. But Adams never jumps on a soapbox and he doesn't lecture. He simply tells you of his travels and he gives you his very clever insights about these very precious animals and their situations, while mixing in some very good information & quotes about these creatures supplied by Carwardine (who also wrote the book's epilogue). And the travels of these two men is very funny at times, such as their problems at an African airport, Adams' battle with mosquitos, their search for condoms in China (though NOT for the reason you think), and the hilarious, hair-raising episode with a reckless Land Rover driver. And all the while, the reader learns about the plight of such animals as the Komodo dragon, the Kakapo, the blind river dolphins of China, the white rhino, and the silverback gorilla (and excellent photos of each are also included). And although Adams never preaches, he succeeds in making the reader aware---and saddened---of how thoughtless the human race has been in the past in the treatment of these animals. And finally, Adams concludes the book with a very powerful story he heard when he was young about the 12 books of knowledge that puts the whole thing in perspective.Whether you're a Douglas Adams fan, or simply interested in endangered species, this book is an absolutely essential purchase. Sorry, Douglas, that it took me so long to get to it! But I'm very glad that I finally read it. "Last Chance To See" is a funny, touching, thought-provoking book.

I have read many of Adams' books but this is the best by far. I picked it up when I was 14 and have read it so many times since. To be able to write about such things we only usually see through the eyes of scientists and zoologists, with such wit and realism makes his style and approach so vivid. He makes important and sensitive issues relevant to the average reader, rather than taking a morbid and patronising approach, so common in the world of conservation literature. There's not another book of its kind and doubtless ever will be - I suppose you could say that of all of his work. Many authors claim to write differently, but Adams' just is different himself. (Despite the cliche, I will admit to being inspired and I am now a devotee of the Kakapo rescue - and have also seen a living Aye Aye!). And to those who took time out to write a review telling us how bad the book was - then why bother to read it!(perhaps you could get out more?). And to the person from WA who said that there was no sense of humour in the book I'm intrigued to know what you consider to be funny - maybe you've been watching too much kids TV? Never mind

Somewhere in the depths of its vast corporate wisdom, the Guardian/Observer news organisation found a pearl of good sense. The pearl hatched a precious jewel of an idea. Send Douglas Adams, creator of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, accompanied by zoologist Mark Carwadine, to seek out some of the Earth's disappearing species. His account is classic Adams, with vivid description, poignant observations and incisive study of the people and places he encountered. The age of this book is of small account, even with the "Mark's Last Word" update segment closing the book. The book remains a pleasure to read.

Starting by his admission that he was "entirely qualified" for his role as "an extremely ignorant non-zoologist", Adams then describes their visit to Madagascar to find the aye-aye. A nocturnal lemur that "seems to be assembled from bits of other animals". He notes that the island was bypassed by the monkeys due to continental drift. It was the lemurs that occupied the aboreal environment. This was fine for the lemus until a different monkey, humans, arrived and began cutting down the trees. The lemurs, having fewer places left to hide, are increasingly constrained for habitat. This, of course, is the theme of the entire book.

The touring team moves through Southeast Asia to view the komodo, which may be the origin of the many "dragon" myths. Komodos are eating machines. Adams description of the way tourists are entertained by feasting komodos isn't something for the squeamish. Yet as he rightly points out, there is a tourist dollar factor to consider in how some disappearing species are to be saved. Government action is to be considered, but when wildlife becomes symbolic to a regime, endangered animals are just as likely to be further threatened. A "Leapordskin Pillbox Hat" resting on a President's head isn't the best example of conservation of species.

Of all the poignant accounts in this narrative, the kakapo must rate very high in our concern. Adams sets the scene with a vivid description of New Zealand's South Island - a place to "make your brain quiver". Landing a helicopter in that landscape also makes the brain quiver as Adams account of flying onto a ridge top demonstrates. His radio operator refuses to look over the edge while interviewing the pilot. But all the skilful piloting is of no avail as the team seeks the object of their quest. A strange, flightless bird, whose mating call was like "A Heartbeat in the Night", no longer offers his call from the ridge top. The kakapo, which inhabited the mountains for millennia, mate infrequently in a courtship beset with difficulties. With no natural predators, they failed to adapt to human-introduced dogs, cats and rats. Consequently, the population is down to about forty individuals when Adams visited New Zealand. In this case, a government has expended much effort in protecting this plump, lonely bird. An island suffered an extinction due to New Zealand's conservation efforts - it killed every cat on it. Free of predators, the island is now home to all the kakapos in existence. Every parrot bears a number tag, and a name. We meet finger-chewing Ralph whose sharp, powerful beak that never did duty as a defensive weapon.

Adams travelled to Africa to find rhinos and China to locate baiji dolphins in the murky Yangtze River. The rhinos almost escaped his gaze, but the baiji remained out of sight. The silty river caused the dolphins to adapt their hearing to life in the dark, but the multitude of noises created by human boats confuse them. The slaughter of dolphins by boat propellers is exterminating them. More active disturbances by our species have already extinguished the dodo on the island of Mauritius. Other species face similar fates. Adams encounters one of conservation's more exotic figures, Carl Jones [who also received attention from David Quammen in "Song of the Dodo"]. Jones' methods of preserving the Mauritius kestrel provides Adams with one of the most hilarious accounts in the book. How well Jones has succeeded remains to be determined.

The book is a delightful read, but that doesn't distract from the seriousness of the issue, nor Adams dedication to species preservation. Graced with some enchanting photographs, this highly personalised account still captures the reader's heart. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

A travel book written by that master of modern British understatement, Mr. Have-PowerBook-Will-Travel Douglas Adams. I, along with a large number of people, idolize Adams' sendup of everything science-fictional in the Hitchhiker's Guide books, but have been disappointed by the gradual falling off of quality in those books as well as the poor showing of the Dirk Gently novels. Have no fear when you approach this book, though, because Adams is in his best form here. If anything, this book is much too short.
Adams approaches travelling somewhere in between Tim Cahill and Redmond O'Hanlon. Last Chance to See... is a collection of essays on endangered species that Adams and photographer/travel-arranger Carwardine attempt to see. From the chicken- and goat-loving komodo dragons, to the reclusive kakapo bird in New Zealand, Adams has just the right amount of natural history plopped in along with his delicious brand of irony for this book to be educational as well as fun.
Not to get into the environmentalist spiel, but this is also a good book for your favorite logger or logger-minded friend. Maybe if Adams covers the spotted owl next, we can laugh at that bit of sadness as well.

A series of stories of explorations to the last few remaining members of
almost-extinct species. Although the subject is serious, the dry humor of
Douglas shines through every page of this book. Never heard of the kakapo
(flightless bird that walks miles before it makes its mating call), the
Yangtze dolphin or the Rodrigues fruit bat ? well, be fast, this may be the
last time.

Just one little snippet to get a feel for his style:

"The problem, it gradually transpired after a conversation which
flowed like gum from a tree, was this. She would only accept
Tanzanian currency. She knew without needing to ask that we didn't
have any, for the simple reason that no one ever did. This was an
international transit lounge, and the airport had no
currency-exchange facilities, therefore no one who came in here
could possibly have any Tanzanian currency and therefore she
couldn't serve them."

Douglas Adams takes the readers on a trip with him and Mark Carwardine around the world with an important message, saving of endangered species. In 'Last Chance to See', Adams takes his last chance to see a number of rapidly declining species starting with the aye-aye in Madagascar and proceeding to komodo dragons, mountain gorillas, north white rhinos, kakapos, baiji (blind Yangzte river dolphin, and a variety of critters on Mauritius.

Adams manages to get the basic message across that the world will soon be losing the animals and he does so without getting all preachy about it. Adams' light-hearted writing style absorbs you into his journey with zoologist Mark Carwardine and keeps you interested in the trials the must endure to just get a peak at some of these creatures. This is also a weak spot in the book. Adams almost doesn't emphasis enough just how close to extinction these animals are. I truly enjoy this book but Adams takes it less seriously than he needs to. He could have been a little more preachy but then you may not enjoy it as much. There is a nice inclusion of a list of foundations to which you can donate to but is dated to the publishing date of the book.

Overall, excellent read but the lack of hard emphasis on the topic drops it one star.

Look closely at the cover of LCTS. Note the twinkle in Douglas' eye. Writing about the real world after writing fictions, Douglas' nose for the absurd idea is directed at the causes of the situations he witnesses. A paragraph may be both a joke and a rebuke to humanity for not taking care of our neighbours. The writing itself is excellent; joke, description and account of the thought processes seamlessly bound. The tortuous sentences sometimes used by Douglas to throw the reader off-track are absent to let us concentrate on the seriousness of the situation, yet this is still a book to smile at. Besides the woes done unto them, we are also provided with hugely interesting accounts of the biology and behaviour of the creatures (and plant) in question, where Mark Carwardine's zoological expertise and associates make their mark. For those who have yet to read it - remember that since the book was written the damage to the planet by our species has increased.

I bought this book when it first came out not because I had any special interest in endangered species but simply because I bought everything by Douglas Adams. Few authors could write a book on such a serious subject and make it very amusing at the same time. It a sort of diary of a global journey taken by Adams and Carwadine to various habitats for species nearing extinction and the people working to save them. Adams passion for the subject is clear. Despite his frustration and despair that not all of the projects visited will be successful his witty style shines through. The absurdities of travel in less developed countries, the oddities of people met enroute and especially the visit to the doctor for the anti-venom kit are classic.
I've re-read this as often as the Hitchhiker series and highly recommend it.

If you liked the Hitchiker's Guide in science fiction, you owe it to yourself to read this work. Absurd, hilarious observations about *real* things will earn it a prominent place in your library. Same classic wit (bit with the venom specialist is great), same emotional connection. Heard about it second-hand and I'm glad I read it. You will be too.

As for the environmentalist aspects, the Baji Dolphin (China built a dam) and the White Rhino (war in Zaire) are gone from the wilds until someone clones one from their DNA in an uncertain future timeline. The animals in New Zealand and Mauritanas are recovering, as those countries are politically stable with staunch conservationism. The Komodo Dragons are unchanged.

It is hard to do this book justice.
Anyone who enjoys the humor of Douglas Adams' novels will laugh almost as often through "Last Chance to See." Yet there is so much more. Adams recounts true traveling experiences and describes human characters in a way that brings cultures and continents alive better than a National Geographic Special. His descriptions of the sought-after endangered animals are equally compelling, biologically accurate without being overly elaborate or dry. Remember, this is Douglas Adams, you WILL laugh.
Adams' discussions are thought-provoking and profoundly insightful, revealing much about the author while encouraging the reader to reflect on his/her own position--philosophical and natural. Anyone who has heard of Douglas Adams or Komodo dragons will love this book. And grow through reading it.

I was howling and in tears with the laughter while reading this book -- the scene in the chinese grocery looking for a "microphone cover" still makes me giggle -- and I first read those lines years ago! I'd hoped that Douglas Adams would have the time and ability to do a follow-up book -- but sadly the universe had other plans for him and intervened.
I've given away and recommended this book many times. Not just for the laughter, but also for opening more eyes to the sad truth of mankind's role in the extinction of animal species and to how much more empty our planet will be as each species becomes extinct. Where will we be when the komodo dragon, northern white rhinoceros, mountain gorilla, kakapo, baiji dolphin, and the rodrigues fruit bat and all of their cousins are extinguished from existence?
This is a book for those with soul and who like to share it. Thank you Douglas Adams, wherever you are now, for sharing your slice of humanity with us all.

Douglas Adams could have worked comfortably within his sci-fi niche for the rest of his career knowing that he had left his mark on the literary world. He chose to take a chance and write a non-fiction account of some of the most unique and fascinating animals on our planet (the same one that Ford Prefect, from the increasingly inappropriately named Hitchhiker's Trilogy, considered "Mostly Harmless").

His addictive writing style made this book impossible to put down. His accounts of the Komodo Dragon and the Kakapo bird are two of the most humorous, yet informative pieces that I have had the pleasure of reading.

I was fortunate enough to hear Adams speak at a local university a few years ago. The crowd was decidedly Hitchhiker fanatics but by the end of the evening, he had us all running to the bookstore to find Last Chance to See.

Read this book. You'll laugh. And you might even learn something, too.

When I first heard of this book I was rather suspicious, expecting from Adams more SF in the hitchhiker tradition. I bought it anyway, and a few pages later it started to dawn on me that this is the best book Adams has ever written. It is highly entertaining, filled with absurd anecdotes of human and animal peculiarities. It gives a very critical view on ecological problems, while at the same time being enormously funny. It is hard for me to say what part Carwardine took in the writing, but it seems that he at least exerted a good influence on Adams, sharpening his awareness for the problems that made it into this book. You will have many a good laugh reading this masterpiece, but that won't keep you from having to think hard about the way we position ourselves on this planet. Urgently recommended.

This book combines the best of Douglas Adams' humor with the reality of seriously threatened species that are sparsely inhabiting our planet. My favorite creature was the defiant kakapo, whose determination is seemingly intended for the bird not to survive, with its finicky eating and mating habits. Adams and Carwardine do a splendid job describing the countries they visit as well as the animals. Anyone who has traveled to third-world countries will recognize the inconsistent border guards and troubled flight schedules, currency problems and badly-behaving tourists. As the troupe travels around the world, the reader is treated to a first hand glance of the experience as well an in-depth description of the endangered species and their particular habits.

A race to document a dying species... Adams' wit and humor make an enjoyable read out of what could only otherwise be called a depressing topic. Still, through Adams' intelligent yet non-zoological eyes, we are shown areas of the world we will otherwise never see. The portrayal of the Kimono dragons, early in the book, is a shocking representation of what a a majestic reptile has been reduced to, and at the same time a morbid reminder of how wretched humans can be. Yet, due to Adams' skill we are able to feel his wonder and his fascination. We are able to get past the uncomfortable aspects of animal extinction, so that we can look it square in the eye and learn from it.
As much value on a humanitarian, ecological and zoological level as on a literary one. Adams' himself calls it his most prized and significant writing (I'm paraphrasing, read "Salmon of Doubt" to get his words).
I'd give it three thumbs up, but I only have two.

Douglas Adams is best known, and rightly so, for his hilarious Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy books (and radio serial and tv series). But after a while, the succeeding entries in the series (and in the Dirk Gently series) have a certain sameness. It's not that they aren't funny, more that the unvarying tone and the set up of the jokes becomes, if not tedious, at least repetitive. In 1988, however, Adams took his same skeptical view of existence on the road and went in search of some of the most endangered species on Earth and the resulting account of his adventures is fresh and very funny.
Adams and his "coauthor" (in a similar position someone once said, there is nothing more junior than being George Steinbrenner's junior partner), Mark Carwardine, who is a zoologist, traveled to Zaire to find the white rhino, to Indonesia looking for the giant Komodo lizard, New Zealand to see the kakapo (a nearly extinct bird), and so on. The actual travelogue is filled with humorous incidents and Adam's wry observations. From a trek with a freelance Kakapo tracker, to spending twenty hours at sea with a goat that's been dead for three days--the Komodos like them that way--to a flight with a Zairean pilot who leads passengers and crew in a prayer including the words "we commend our lives into thy hands Oh Lord," there is ample opportunity for a skilled humorist and Douglas certainly is that.
His discussion of environmental, ecological and ethical issues however is disturbingly politically correct; he is unable or unwilling to unleash his sarcasm on the received wisdom of the Green crowd. So here he is on the topic of Gorillas and Language:
Why [try to teach apes language]? There are many members of our own species who live in and
with the forest and know it and understand it. We don't listen to them. What is there to suggest we
would listen to anything an ape could tell us? Or that he would be able to tell us of his life in a
language that hasn't been born of that life?... Maybe it is not that they have yet to gain a language,
it is that we have lost one.
It's so treacly it makes your molars hurt--we don't listen to the forest people, we wouldn't understand the gorillas and perhaps we don't deserve the wisdom they could share. C'mon. Prattlings like this, which are mercifully few, cry out for a humorist of his rank, perhaps P.J. O'Rourke, to respond. One of the dangers of the form of relentless irony that characterizes Adams' writing is that you need to be ready to apply it to yourself as well. It's sort of disorienting to go along with him as he essentially pokes fun at the entire Third World and then suddenly have him present these bourgeois envirocommunist platitudes with a straight face.
The broader issue implicated by the book is actually pretty interesting. If we accept his figures, there are about 1.4 recognized million species and an estimated 30 million more still to be discovered. We all know about the poster child extinctions--dodo birds, carrier pigeons, etc.--and entire species disappear every day, whether we notice or not. The question arises: so what? Dodo birds look cute enough, but how is the quality of our lives effected by their disappearance? Rhinos are pretty cool looking but I'm never going to see one in person, what do I care if all that's left of them is the photographic evidence and written record which are already my sole experience of these beasts? Adams offers up the typical twaddle about biodiversity, the ecosphere, the interconnectedness of life and all that jazz, but what about the extinctions we had nothing to do with, like the dinosaurs? Obviously, even before we attained the power to cause mass extinctions they were occurring. Why should we try to stop them now? And if they are a natural occurrence, is it right for us to try to reverse the process. Moreover, if you accept Darwin's theory of natural selection, hasn't mankind been selected? If we want to open a chain of Kentucky Fried Kakapo restaurants, aren't we simply fulfilling nature's plan?
As I said, the book is very enjoyable and I strongly recommend it. But the politics are just unexamined rubbish and because they are presented as gospel truths, are out of tune with the joyfully acidic tone of the rest of the book.
GRADE: A-

Speaking personally (as a professional ecologist, for what it's worth), I have grown weary of the pedantic, condescending misanthropism that characterizes so much environmental writing. Too much doom and gloom consumes the soul.
Imagine, then, the thrill of discovering Douglas Adams' "Last Chance to See!" Adams' compassion (for all things, excepting perhaps a certain variety of tourist) is obvious and his sense of humor is contagious. His insights into life as an endangered species and our relationship to the natural world are equally remarkable.
This book is a quiet little miracle. Douglas Adams had a big heart and it shows on every page. What else can I say?

I just picked up this book to read again after 3 1/2 years. It still holds up as a very well written text, put together with the same tongue and cheek style which has made Mr. Adams such a well known contemporary author. In this book he takes us through his journeys as he explores the status of several endangered and exotic species, and his pointed commentary illustrates how tenuous the situations of many of these species are.
Interestingly enough, Mr. Adams, in writing a non-fiction travel related piece, sounds very much like Mr. Bill Bryson, the author of "A Walk in the Woods" and "In A Sunburnt Country." If you are at all interested in exotic travel or biology, or simply enjoy a good story, then this is an exceptional book to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Douglas Adams presented the information in a way that made it easy for even the least-conservation-minded to understand how many species are disappearing, and how quickly they are doing so. Although he talks about several 'well-known' species, such as the white rhino, he also illuminates the plight of such unknowns as the kakapo. The only fault of the book is the amount of time spent on his travel mishaps; while these easily make up some of the funniest parts of the book, I would rather have learned more about the animals and their habitats.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

With the BBC and zoologist in tow, Douglas Adams visits a number of the world's most out of the way places looking for some of the world's most endangered animals. The travels are a series of comic mishaps, dealing with corrupt officials, obnoxious fellow travelers, and some examples of transportation that would make you swear off travel. These problems do seem a bit too familiar too anyone who has read of travel in the world's harder to reach places, but Adams generally keeps things moving along with his light touch. . When he finally sees these animals in the wild, it has a transformative effect on Adams; he becomes thoughtful and starts to ruminate on the future of these animals and their rightful place in the ever-changing world.

Each chapter focuses on a different animal, from the death dealing Komodo dragons to a Chinese community's attempts to save the bannji, a fresh water dolphin lost in the world of sound that is now the Yangtze River. This sectioning, while giving each animal its own spotlight, creates a disconnect for the reader. Each trip is a separate event and this works to the book's disadvantage as the central theme of preserving these creatures gets lost amidst the travelogues. But it still has impact, and Adams's humor never makes it less than readable.

I simply cannot recommend this book strongly enough. It's entertaining yet heart breaking. Adams takes his usual style and puts it to a service that is its high calling. You will know the loss we have caused as a species and know the responsibility we share for repair

If you need a book for your Biology project on endangered species and need facts, this book is NOT it. If youre looking for drama and enlightment, this is also NOT for you.
This book is instead a humor book like the HitchHikers Trilogy (even though its not a trilogy). Its about endagered species like gorillas and other strange fauna, as well as the other stranger species that our biology teachers and Discovery Channel never told us about. Even if you think that you know about all endangered species, are a part of WWF, and spend millions on saving them, you probably have never heard of the many fauna featured in this book and even if you have, this book would make you laugh. But if you think that this book has no seriousness and is all funny, that wouldnt be correct either. Last Chance to See would lead you off loving Douglas Adams and his humor but it'd also leave you collecting pennies in a jar for saving these funny creatures. Even if nonfiction and animals is not for you, id highly recommend reading this book.

This is a nonfiction book chronicling science fiction writer Douglas Adams attempt to find endangered animals around the globe. He is joined in his quest by, animal expert Mark Carwadine. Together, the 2 amazingly different people travel, talk and just have a good time. Their goal is to alert the casual reader, to the possibility of animal extinction. Adams' sense of humor is still there, amongst the gritty truth but, it may shine through a little too much. It's hard for me to tell what he's being serious about. I recommend this book.

This book was very guiding to showing what types of endangered species were out there. I loved how they choose to take a common man to give the representation of people who are not into this type of thing, it showed how a commoner would react to these situations. This book also had a lot of fun with how Douglas Adams would react and think of what is going on. If I was traveling across the globe for a fruit bat, I would think it was dumb too! It was really good to see Adams poking fun at some of the ideas Carwardine would think of and some of the ways he is taking these experiences. I just really wish they would have slowed the pace of the book a bit. It would be one morning in the section I just finished reading and then all of a sudden they moved on to a new week. Other than that, I enjoyed the humor this story has presented and learned about the endangered species discussed. Great job Douglas and Mark!

This book brings together two of my favorite things - conservation of the natural world and Douglas Adams. It is easy to read. It is magnificent in scope and context. I read it when I was a child and then again as an adult, and it was just as beautiful both times. The bit about venomous creatures and the guy's wife is a joke I tell to other people. It has a dusty, delicious feel to it, the perspective of an outsider in the world of scientists, who nonetheless sees things with equal love and fascination (albeit with a different perspective). One of my favorites of all time. I will read this to my children if I ever have any.

Being a fan of Douglas Adams, I picked up this book right away...and I personally consider it to be his best work. The world of conservation is not often viewed at from a light-hearted perspective, and this book allows readers to ease into serious topics with an infusion of humour. The people they meet, th experiences, the descriptions of the animal kingdom all point to a world that is quirky and loveable.

It was announced in the newspaper a few days ago that the Baiji dolphin has been written off as extinct...I would love to read a follow-up to see what happened with the sanctuary. Unfortunately Douglas has passed on as well, so an update is unlikely.

I can't recommend this book enough.

We lost Mr. Adams not long ago, so it was painful for me to read this. But I must say, the man knew his stuff. He approached his subject from a layman's point of view--the best approach one could choose, because most of us seem to have lost touch with the aliens that inhabit our own world. Aliens who have for much too long been ignored and endangered by all of us.
Suddenly we find ourselves contemplating the blind baiji dolphins of China--as though we ourselves had seen such fragile, wonderful beasts. We find ourselves searching the night for heavy-weight parrots in New Zealand who have forgotten how to fly and what's worse, how to mate. We are at last made aware of the lovely island of Maruritus where dodos died and where many other birds are in danger as well.
It is disheartening. But it is enlightening.
And, actually, Douglas makes us laugh--especially at human beings, who, he reminds us, are animals, too.
How are they doing, all these creatures, 12 years after this slender book was written?
Give this book to the animal lover in your life. It is a Hitchhiker's Guide to hope.

Some people may be shocked and slightly confused to hear this, but Douglas Adams' series about hitchiking the galaxy are not about that at all, but about the absurdities of the world around us, seen from the unique perspective of a fantastic narrator. In the same way, this fabulous book, Last chance to see, is not just any ordinary book about endangered species.

I'm an environmental science major and as such have a massive textbook not 3 feet from me right now which I could open and read bland paragraph after bland paragraph of much more useful information than Last chance to see could give me. And yet I choose to read Last Chance to see, simply because any part of the world seen through Adams' eyes is bound to give even the foremost scholar on that subject a radically new, radically funny, and radically compassionate feel for something that they thought they knew everything about already. It saddens me every time I rememeber that that window to the world has been closed forever, never to be regained, much like the very animals he describes.

I've been an environmentalist and and an Adams' fan separately for years, and seeing one passion through the lense of the other makes me incredibly happy, so happy I could fly. I just hope I remember to miss the ground.

I am not an Adams fanatic and found his other books amusing, not wildly funny. I enjoyed this one much more, with Adams being funny, but also very, very serious at times. This book is a mixture of nature and travel writing and comedy, and the resulting cocktail is a resounding success. Adams could have been a much better travel writer than somebody like Bill Bryson, who tries too hard to be funny and can be very condescending.
Read this whether you like books on nature or not. You will not be disappointed.

If you're NOT a Douglas Adams fan, read LAST CHANCE TO SEE, because you'll become one at the end of it.

If you're NOT a nature-lover, read LAST CHANCE TO SEE, because you'll become one at the end of it.

If you're a Douglas Adams fan, and haven't read LAST CHANCE TO SEE, read it NOW.

If you're a nature-lover, and haven't read LAST CHANCE TO SEE, read it NOW.

If you're BOTH a Douglas Adams fan and a nature-lover, and haven't read LAST CHANCE TO SEE, drown yourself in a well.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE is an account of Douglas Adams's expedition in search of endangered species, which he undertook with zoologist Mark Carwardine, at BBC's urging.

And oh, it is also the book Douglas Adams was most proud of.

And also the one I'm most proud of having read.

Adams managed to fulfill his purpose behind the book, which is to create awareness among us humans that we're not alone on this planet, and even though we're the third most intelligent species (behind mice and dolphins, obviously), it doesn't mean the rest are bunk.

But that's not all Adams did. He made a non-fiction book, which by some other author might have been a tad boring, refreshing to read. He mixed an apt proportion of his trademark humour into the facts he has put forth. Some of the quotes, as with his other books, will live on forever.

As soon as I finished reading the book the first time (six re-reads in four months since I found it, by the way), it hit me: The person who wrote this is no more, there won't ever be a similar book, not by him. And there was a tear in the eye...

Last Chance to See, by Douglas Adams, is a powerful and insightful look at the alarming number of endangered animals and the attempts being made to preserve them. Written by Douglas Adams, the hit writer of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, Last Chance To See is a non-fiction book that appeals to the entire range of senses. Adams manages to intertwine humor into a glum topic, which sets this book apart from his others, such as Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
In the book Adams travels around the world with zoologist Mark Carwardine, and relays the humorous and sad details of everything he sees. Adams does a great job with imagery and draws the reader into the stories of these fascinating animals.
Even though chapters of this book were written between 1985 and 1989, Adams is able to tie them together well to create a flowing story. Most people should enjoy this book because of its many facets. It is a comedy yet it still speaks seriously about the animals and their plight. The book is accompanied by captivating color photographs of the animals Adams treks around the world to see. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for more of Adams' wit, or those interested in the absorbing tales of these disappearing species.

Some years ago Douglas Adams wrote The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a story about the world being unexpectedly demolished by hideous creatures from another planet, Vogons. It was meant as a joke... Now, animal by animal, tree by tree, the world is being demolished around us; not by Vogons. Adams decided it was time to think about the absurdities of life on Earth, and what we are doing to it. He teamed up with zoologist and photographer Mark Carwardine, and together they set off around the world in search of some of the rarest and most endangered animals on Earth. As Adams stated so eloquently: "My role, and one for which I was entirely qualified, was to be an extremely ignorant non-zoologist to whom everything that happened would come as a complete surprise."
"This isn't at all what I expected," to borrow the opening line of Last Chance to See. The potential for a highly serious novel, preaching at the reader to `save the earth', is quelled by Douglas Adams' enormous skill for satire. In his lifetime, Adams had a long history of support for the wildlife cause, although he was better known for his unorthodox humour. In this novel Adams succeeds in finding comedy in the most unlikely situations: While preparing to enter a snake-infested island in search of komodo dragons, while unexpectedly coming face-to-face with a two-metre high Silverback Gorilla, and while attempting to mime the word `condom' to puzzled Chinese shopkeepers.
Last Chance to See is witty and well-crafted. Adams shows, rather than tells, the native attitudes and challenges for these animals. The trip to Zaire to see one of the 22 remaining northern white rhinos is introduced with the shocking image of leopard skin, made into a "rather natty" pill-box hat adorning the country's president in an airport photo. Amusing and disconcerting descriptions of bureaucratic extortion efforts and ask-questions-later poaching patrols follow.
The vivid and powerful descriptions of scenery add to the poignancy of the writing since many of the species disappearing are losing habitat. Adams writes of Fiordland, New Zealand, "The land is folded and twisted and broken on such a scale that it makes your brain quiver and sing in your skull just trying to comprehend what you're looking at." The quest of this journey is the kakapo, a fat, flightless bird with strange mating habits that involve acoustically controlled booming. In this case, their search was limited by the government's reluctance to allow anyone access to the few remaining and protected birds.
In addition, Adams and Carwardine also pursued a glimpse of a baiji river dolphin in China, and many endangered birds, along with Rodrigues fruit bats in Mauritius. The writing deftly recreates some of the rather eccentric characters they encountered along the way, some of whom are included in the colour-photo inserts. As a travel book, Last Chance to See provides a glimpse at the primitive nature of travel into the `third world.' Rather than promote the places mentioned, Adams introduces a reason for escaping the commercial tourism arena very early in the novel. Kuta Beach in Bali is described as "lined with gift shops and hamburger bars and populated with crowds of drunken, shouting [Australian] tourists, kamikaze motorcyclists, counterfeit watch sellers and small dogs"(pg.15).
This novel is hardly a piece of promotional literature for Bali or even Africa and China. Each place's degradation is presented as a product of mass tourism, namely endangering the already endangered animal species. Adams does point out, in his ironical style, that funding in such countries is only obtained through the lure of the `tourist dollar'. Bureaucratic governments see environmental protection as a waste unless tourism dollars can be earned in exchange for `bumping up' the local wildlife population. China is largely exempted from these bureaucratic measures - 2001 reports state that only 5 Baiji dolphins remain in the Yangzte River - another Adams irony come to fruition perhaps?
In contrast to this, Mauritius, Komodo (Indonesia) and New Zealand are seen as the last bastion of untouched beauty. "The only roads that approach the Fiordland National Park [New Zealand] peter out quickly in the foothills, and most tourists only ever explore the fringe scenery...very, very few experienced campers try to get anywhere near the heart of it" (pg.100). Yet, it is these places that are presented as having the most prolific amount of endangered species (an irony in itself?). Komodo, Mauritius and Fjiordland are all presented as remote and difficult to reach by commercial methods, and yet endangered species still continue on their journey to extinction.
Last Chance to See brilliantly brings the environmental situation to the readers, evoking gasps, laughter and tears. Although it was written over a decade ago, this work doesn't feel outdated. It is unfortunate that Adams' relatively recent death preceded another series of journeys. Mark Carwardine's final chapter evokes a sense of unfinished business. Although his writing tries to bring optimism to a desperate situation, the reader is left with a feeling of hopelessness. The enormity of the `endangered' list, and the small number of people dedicated to the `cause' are desperately unbalanced.

Adams presents some brilliantly humorous insights into the absurdity of human nature. It is this that brings the reader to a rapid conclusion. This is the last chance to see. The inevitability of extinction for the animals visited on Adams and Cawardine's journey is felt with sadness - yet it is accepted as a given. Adams' somewhat Darwinian approach to `the wild' is rapidly picked up by the reader until, by the final chapter, Cawardine's attempt at optimism is almost dismissed.

This book was an absolute delight to read. It will make you laugh but also makes you think and feel very sad that such beautiful creatures are no longer here on earth and others are becoming extinct. The authors (Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine) go on a journey to see the world's rarest and most endangered animals. Along the journey they tell of their adventures with the animals as well as dedicated people trying to save them. The main species featured in the book are the komodo dragon, northern white rhino, mountain gorilla, kakapo (ground dwelling parrot), baiji dolphin (Yangtze-River dolphin) and Rodriguez fruit bat. Each of these animals have a heart breaking story and people racing to save the species. I would recommend this book to nature lovers of any age. There were many parts of the book I enjoyed during my journey around the world with Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine. I learned things that I never knew, not only about the animals but also about the places they visited. I stayed interested throughout the entire book and that is a task for me. It seemed as though they had many obstacles to conquer in the beginning of their travels. I would have to say my favorite part of the book was when they were looking for and found the mountain gorilla. The excitement they were feeling passes right through you. I really enjoyed the part when the gorilla watches the author as he takes a piece of pink writing paper out of his bag and starts to take notes. After a short while the gorilla touches the paper then the top of the pen. The gorilla did not want to take the pen or paper, he just wanted to see what it was. That would be so cool to experience and scary at the same time. The funniest part in the book was when they went to China, to the Yangtze River to look for the baiji dolphin. They decided they wanted to see what the river actually sounded like under the water and to record it, but they forgot to get water proof microphones, so what they did was go to buy condoms to cover the microphone with. They didn't speak chinese, and the Chinese women didn't really speak much english, so they had to figure out a way to tell them that they needed condoms. It was hilarious! Then there is the breath taking journey to find the kakapo. This was one of the more intense searches for a species. The guys along with the help of a kakapo tracker by the name of Arab and his dog Boss, went through a lot but did finally find the kakapo. Of course I cannot forget the feeling of fear I got from them as they approach the Island of Komodo in search of the komodo dragon. Knowing that just the saliva of a komodo dragon can kill man is enough to fear. Still you can sense the joy these men feel when they locate one of these animals. These are just samples of the exciting stories you will read in the book. Each of the animals have their own special part in the book. The author tells in detail about the animals and the journeys they themselves take to find the species so they know for sure that they still exist and try to make sure they continue on in life. I feel that if more people paid attention to what is happening to our animals maybe they would try a little harder to keep them from going extinct. For instance, the most famous extinct animal of all is a large dove with the weight of a well fed turkey, the dodo. This animal was clubbed to death just for the sport of it. It's meat was tough and bitter so there really has never been any reason for humans to kill it. Then there is the story of the extinct giant tortoises. These are all very interesting, but sad stories. As you read through the book there are many animals mentioned and the status of their species. I am sure if more people read this book, these and many more animals would be cared for before they too become extinct. After reading the book, it seems as though things are going in the right direction for those animals, as at the end of the book the author tells of a coupke letters they received. One was good news and one not so good news, but so long as we keep getting the good news the efforts being made to keep these animals from becoming extinct is well worth the time and money it takes. You will have to read the book to find out what an awesome journey Douglas adams and Mark Carwardine can take you on and how you will feel as though you are there with them. This is a great book so take the time to read it, you will not be sorry!

Last Chance To See, written by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine, is a book about survival. Adams takes the reader on a wonderful exploration of isolated locations in the world and some not so isolated. Locations like the Yangtze River in China or go island hopping along the Indonesian archipelago, where myths come alive. Places where some of God's magnificent and strangest creatures live. I'm not sure "live" is appropriate; let's say where they may possibly teeter on the brink of survival. Creatures like the mystical Komodo dragon and the fragile Kakapo. This could be possibly the last chance to see some of these magnificent creatures.
On a scale from 1 to 5, I give this book a rating of 4. Some may find this book to be a little monotonous. However, I found it rather enjoyable and educational. The excursions that Adams shares with his traveling companions, the reader, are intriguing; as well as, learning about the people that are involved in the preservation projects and the geography lessons are quite enlightening. Adams attempts to keep the reader's interest by mixing in his personal traveling fiascos and humor. He lingers sometimes too long on these predicaments, in which I believe distracts from the book.
So What? Who cares that these animals may become extinct? We all should care if nobody else, I care. Carwardine sums it up well "there is one reason for caring...the world would be a poorer, darker, lonelier place without them" (Pg. 213). If we allow these creatures to become extinct we may never know if they held the keys to cures of some of our deadliest diseases. But, for no other reason they deserve to live. I believe along with Carwardine that the steps we take to ensure that these creatures continue to exist will also guarantee are own survival.
Last Chance To See gives the reader some insight on how some people may look at nature. It brings awareness to the fact that we cannot risk throwing off the balance of our fragile ecology by killing off species due to our own ignorance, or even worse, by doing nothing to stop such atrocities. Unfortunately, issues like these if not brought to the forefront are easily ignored or believed not to exist. Adams enlightens the reader of these issues; regrettably most will continue to deny there is a problem. All the knowledge in the world, if not applied, becomes worthless or worse yet, powerless. Adams challenges us to look at the effects that civilization has on our world and have the fortitude to do something about it. If everyone does a little it will add up to a lot.
I can't say my life has drastically changed since reading the book although it has affected the way I look at my own misconceptions about nature. It has enlightened me on how severe it is for these species and others that are on the edge of annihilation. I am now conscious of what products I choose to endorse.
I believe everyone should read this book, if just for the splendid journeys Adams takes the reader on. In the process you might learn a thing or two. If you are animal lover this book will make laugh you, cry, angry and leave you with a glimmer of hope. If you know nothing about rare species of animals it will give a thrilling education. For those who are made to read it by an instructor, don't worry: you will enjoy the journeys. Oh, and one more thing, keep a map of the world close by for reference, you might get lost!

This is a wonderful book and very much deserving of atleast one read if not more. I am on it for the second time. The author beautifully blends a historical account, a scientific account, and a personal account of the search for some of the rarest animals on earth. He also brings a cultural aspect to the plight of the animals and laces his experiences with wonderful humor. I would definantly suggest this book to everyone!
I am more than willing to talk to others about this book if you would like.

Last Chance to See, by Douglas Adams, is a very entertaining book. Adams, the author of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, delivers another hit in the non-fiction stories of his adventures searching for endangered animals. While this book is not his normal style of sci-fi comedy it is still a very good read. When a person thinks of such endangered animals as the Aye-Aye, Mountain Gorilla, White Rhino, Kakapo, Yangtze-River dolphin, and the Rodriguez fruit bat they don't usually think that a whole book about them could be interesting.
But the book doesn't just talk about the animals, it tells of the difficulties involved in traveling through foreign countries and the language barriers produced. It is these experiences that provide humor to a dull subject. An example of this humor is when, in China, Adams and his comrades wish to waterproof a microphone so that they may record the YangtzeRiver dolphin in its natural habitat. Let it be known that to waterproof a microphone all you need to do is put a condom over mic and secure it tightly. The fun really begins when the group of guys try to explain that they wish to buy condoms to Chinese women who do not speak English. This would be where the art of gesturing comes into play.
Humor, although a very good element tohave in a book about endangered animals cannot be the only one. Writing and style of interpretation is the most important because with humor alone all you have is a comic book. A great point in the book where Adams shows his inventive writing ability is his first impression of seeing a silverback gorilla. The descriptions and adjectives he uses allow the reader to feel as if they are right there next to him seeing everything for themselves. Adams ability to capture such awesome moments onto paper is the true reason this book is so fascinating.
The book is good but it isn't perfect. The gaps between seeing the animals and trying to communicate with the locals the book can drag a little. Although this can cause a loss in momentum these dull moments are few and short. But just
because they are boring they do serve a purpose, and sometimes set up the humor that comes later.
In all this book is very good and interesting and should be read not only for its creative writing and humor but because of the message it brings to the
forefront.

Last Chance To See is an adventure everyone should be a part of. The stories never take the same path. As other documentary essays just inform you of the animal you are reading about, Last Chance To See informs and asks you to help in the conservation process. I find myself thinking about animals a lot more now that I have read the book. Definitely consider reading Last Chance To See.
Now that I have read the book my ears tend to hear endangered and perk up a bit. Everyone has a different way of looking at animals that are endangered. Now, after reading the book, I don't see them as endangered at all. That word is no more to me. I only see animals as "there or not."
I believe we, as humans, are to take care of the animals in this world. Douglas Adams, author of Last Chance To See, makes you see how ridiculous our efforts are to help the endangered animals. More often then not, we as humans ruin the animal's natural habitat. Tourists come in to a fake environment, planned out for the animal getting fed on a very strict schedule, never having to move more than a couple feet. The poor animals become lazy. Not because of themselves but because we make them lazy. The book has definitely changed my take on animals.
This book can be for everyone though. You don't have to be on one side of the fence or the other in regard to endangered animals. You just have to like animals. Who doesn't like animals? I suggest this book to those that are adamant about conservation, like to hear about cool animals or just like a different kind of documentary.
These essays are written very well by Adams. He brings you through the trip and all the problems they encounter. However, these are not normal essays. You aren't subject to endless lists of information. You are actually brought along with their group as they encounter White Rhinos, Silverback Gorillas and the Baiji Dolphin. Adams even adds humor to the story and that makes a big impact when you are hearing about animals you didn't even know existed.
In my eyes this book gets four stars. You may ask why after all the praises I gave it, it didn't get five, well, I don't think I have ever encountered a book worthy of five stars. Last Chance To See is definitely a good book. You will enjoy the humor, adventure and definitely the "colorful" natives as I have. I enjoyed the read from beginning to end.

Initially I did not want to read this book. It was an effort for me to start. As someone who has an interest in nature and environmental preservation but a laymen's orientation, it was an effort. Observing, admiring, being fascinated by exotic and unique creatures in a reserve or zoo is very different from reading about them, even with color photography.
What Adams and Carwardine have done is fabricate a humorous odyssey of sorts founded in knowledge with a purpose, interspersed and laced with moments of poignancy. At first glance, The Last Chance To See portrays an air of the flippant and artificial. The author's are adept speaking with a "Jay Lenoistic" voice where useful. This serves the purpose of `drawing you in', as it were, where you might not otherwise mentally care to go. Once "there" however you find yourself somewhere between curious and captivated by the admixture of political, environmental and travel log topics.
It also becomes quickly clear that had the authors and their party not been in search of the Komodo Dragon, as well a host of other rare and exotic creatures, they would not have ever been in many of the places vividly and humorously described. The beginning of the book is essentially a travel log with the relative inaccessibility of Madagascar detailed with attendant difficulties described. Slow as a start, though, this detailing serves to "humanize" a story (environmental odyssey) by placing it in terms familiar to all. The Komodo Dragon is introduced as a man-eater who as a scavenger prefers dead meat. As a live person, this was somewhat reassuring to hear-I guess. Though blatantly intended as "environmental shock therapy", it imparted to me vital information about a species of exotic nature, which is important for me as a citizen of the planet with all its other varied members to know. Along with the appropriate respect (through distance) an appreciation can hopefully be realized as well.
Though concerned about the author's ribbing- well intentioned or not- which seems to be largely aimed at 3rd world countries, the text also bears out the extreme passion and devotion of a growing number of environmentalists on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves and who being residents like us of this same speck in the Universe deserve all of the advocacy possible.

"Last Chance to See" by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwadine is a great book that teaches its readers about the worldwide problem that there is about endangered species, and how in the last couple of decades it has been rising because of the humans fault. This book contains a little of everything. It contains comedy, tragedy, and a lot of information.
The information that it carries is all about the animals that he and Carwadine go to visit in the wild. They go to visit animals such as the Mountain Gorilla and White Rhinoceros from Zaire, Africa, the Yangtze River dolphin, from China, and the Komodo Dragon, from Komodo. All through out each story, Douglas tells us interesting facts about the animal that they are visiting, and the habitat in which the animal lives.
For example, did you know that there are more poisonous snakes per square meter on Komodo than on any equivalent area on earth? Well, if you didn't, now you do.
All though out their journey, Adams and Carwadine have something funny to do. On every story in the book, there is something funny that either of them, or both, do. For example, when they were near the Yangtze river, they wanted to see how the noise pollution in the river was like, but they forgot to get water proof microphones, so what they did is that they went and bought condoms to cover the microphone with. They didn't speak Chinese, and the Chinese didn't speak English, so they had to figure out a way to tell them that they needed condoms. If you want to find out what they did, read the book, otherwise I'd be spoiling it for you, but to me, this scene was hilarious.
This is also a tragic book, since in it they go and visit animals that are on the verge of extinction because of our fault. For example, in New Zealand, the Kakapo, a very fat parrot that forgot how to fly, were almost completely wiped of because explorers that went to explore those island brought their pet cats and stoats and lost them, they started eating these poor flightless birds. Now there are a few of them left and they only live in two islands in which every moving thing was killed to ensure their survival.
There is a lot of information that could be acquired from reading this book, but don't take my word for it, go and read it yourself.

In reading the book, Last Chance to See I have come to understand that not even the most remote places are remote anymore. In this book, author and narrator Douglas Adams travels around the world doing "biographies" about animals. He writes about white rhinos, Rodriguez fruit bats, kakapos, and others that are rarely seen and admired. While reading this book I found that every where humans are often ruining the world and then desperately trying to fix it only to cause more harm to the land and resources in an attempt to save theses animals. Reading this book has made my life different because I now think more about that which has been forgotten and it has made me want to do what I can to help, wherever I can help, now more than ever.
Adams talks about how it's new to him and he doesn't have much an opinion; he just writes what he sees. As the book goes on, he starts to form an opinion and expresses himself. I enjoy the large range of animals that he treks the world to see and take pictures of rare animals. He also describes what he sees and the nature of people in their home town.
On a scale of one to five stars I would rate this book a definite five stars. It has all the things a five star book should have, in my opinion. It has adventure, anticipation, sadness, joy-- all theses things and more in a book is what makes it great. That is why I enjoyed this book. Personally I like animals and a book about endangered animals and all about the things they do and how they live is right up my alley. I think that if there are people out there who want to change the world, then reading this book might even give them good ideas on how to do so. It gives you the look of life that you can't get sitting at home. You won't be able to put it down. I had the hardest time putting it down, especially during the parts when he was describing the trails he had to walk and what he has to go through to get to where he was trying to go.
This book is excellent. And I would highly recommend everyone to read it. Even if people don't care, learning something new will open their eyes to more than they can imagine. I would recommend that those read it that care about animals. I would recommend that those read it who need an adventure.

Reading Last Chance To See, has opened my eyes. There are so many places that I need to travel to now. There are so many endangered species that I need to see now. This book has changed me in some ways. I really never thought about extinct or endangered animals until I read this book. Now I wanna see these animals and help in some way. This book talks about the animals from all areas of the world. So many different countries.
I would definitely recommend this book to lots of people that I know. I would recommend this book to people like me. People that don't really have a sense of what is out they're in the world. This book just gives you a little taste of that. Just enough to get you interested and concerned. Last Chance To See says enough in the title. It is really last chance to see what Adams and Carwardine are talking about in this book.
Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine give great tales of their adventures. They go through many mishaps just to get to some of their planned destinations. I think that is what is so great about this book. There is comedy. The adventurers are real. They do whatever it takes to just see this one animal, or in some case's a plant. That tells the reader just to go for it, no matter what it takes.
I would rate this book a very high four. I give it that rating because this book is very easy to read. This book teaches you something new in almost every page. This book has humor and it makes you laugh. I gave it a high four because it's not the best book I have ever read, but it's a pretty good one. It's a book that kept me interested.
I usually don't like to read books. I am more of a magazine reader. This is a book that I would definitely recommend to magazine readers like me. It's more of an adventure then just a lot of facts. I first thought that, that is what the book was gonna be about. When you read about endangerment, its facts. This was actual real life stories.
I wanna see what Adams and Carwardine saw. I feel like I have to do something like that. This book tells you that if you wanna see it then go for it. Do whatever it takes to see something that really interests you. Put a little adventure in your life.

Douglas Adams looks away from the Hitchhiker's guide to the universe, into our own little world (Mostly Harmless as he referred to it). What he finds of course is that mankind is anything but mostly harmless. He looks at various species on the verge of extinction, and efforts to save them. The linguistic patina Mr. Adams draws over the subject is breath-taking, and certainly worth a second and closer evaluation. Readers will be amused by his language and his train of thought. But a closer read of the subject will show the deeper undercurrents of thought that have made Mr. Adams' works timeless classics.
One particular recommendation - for all the people making documentaries on these animals - Mr. Adams writes an illuminating close to an episode involving Komodo dragons (I will not spol the surprise). In particular, he focuses on anthropomorphizing animal behavior, and the senseless vicarious pleasure we derive from that. If that doesn't open a few eyes in National Geographic and other "fine" makers of animal documentaries, I don't know what will.
Its a pity Mr. Adams is no longer around to provide other perspectives for us to ponder.

After reading Last Chance To See I have a little better appreciation for the people who devote their lives to the preservation of an animal, or animals, that is on the verge of disappearing from the face of the earth. These people put a lot of hard work and effort into something that they believe in with their whole heart. I respect them for that.
In this collection of short essays from different locations all over the globe we see stange and unusual creatures that most of us have probably never heard of. I find it fascinating how the author describes the animals in ways that we who have maybe not seen these particular creatures can easily get a picture of what features and characteristics these animals possess. In addition to the animals, there are many interesting people that we meet along the way as well.
I would eagerly recommend this book to anyone because even if you don't agree with the ideas, at least you are made aware of what is going on in the world around you. As inhabitants of this planet it is good for us to know what effect we have on our environment and what we need to do for that effect to be a positive one.
On a scale of one to five stars I would give this book a four. It doesn't get a five because in some places the author goes off and takes us somewhere else that takes away from the story. Other than that the book is very interesting and descriptive. The stories are from all over the world and yet I feel as though I am right there along side a huge silverback gorilla or a reeking komodo dragon.
All in all this book was a great experience for me and I am glad to have read it and found out more of what is going on in the world around me. These animals are living on the edge of extinction, and they don't even know it. I leave you with one final thought: Now that we know these facts, what are we going to do?

I recommend this book to everyone to educate themselves on the extinction of animals across the globe, such as the aye-aye which is a nocturnal lemur from the large island of Madagascar, which is off the South Eastern part of the continent of Africa.
Also there are many other native spices along with the aye-aye on this island, these native spices exist no where else in the world.
I was amazed by the education I received from this book on endanger spices of today. Also I learned and agree on there methods and techniques on how to prevent the endanger spices from extinction. For example the Kakapo is on a road to a slow recovery in southern Stewart Island. They also have located a new female in the region. They relocated them with great risk to Codfish Island, but its hopes and high tech methods such as conservatives and special patrols that actually live on the island. All though there have been threats by hunters in the past hunted for sport, and have not realized the value of these animals to this day.
Since the beginning of time man has mastered the technique of hunting. All though it was a way of life until the genesis of agriculture began, man continues to abuse hunting leaving in its waste extinction by the handfuls. It seems through our selfishness many of us do not care about the extinction of fowl, mammals, reptiles, etc., etc.
I feel that the wildlife foundations through out the world do not receive the proper respect, creditability, and funds it deserves in order to preserve the earth's elements, and spices. I also believe there should be laws protecting and aiding those spices that are on extinction as well as those that are near extinction.

Last Chance To See gives the average person an opportunity to not only see endangered animals, but allows a glimpse in to the world of zoology and animal conservation from the perspective of an outsider. Throughout the book Adams quite amusingly relates the predicaments he finds the endangered animals in into analogies about computer programming, discotheques, and British motorcycles. Using the analogies Adams guides you through the many problems that threaten the animals he finds on his journey.
Adams journey to see endangered animals has him zigzagging around the globe. He travels to China to see dolphin, Africa to see rhino, New Zealand to see a bird that cannot fly, and a couple of islands scattered around the world to see a host of other animals. While Adams journey is to find endangered animals he also takes you along for the little adventures that come with traveling to countries with cultures that differ from his own.
While in China Adams finds that the language and culture barrier make it nearly impossible to fined condoms. Which are used to waterproof a microphone, so his crew can hear the dolphins underwater. During the condom shopping Adams attracts a large crowd of very curious Chinese people and finds he feeling like an animal on display in the zoo.
Last Chance To See is a good book that mixes humor and a concern for the animals that are rapidly dieing out, and the steps that people are taking to preserve them. Adams perspective as a non-zoologist is very helpful, because he explains animal behavior and some of the theories about conservation in laymen's terms. After reading this book I felt more connected to and concerned for animals that are endangered. I would recommend this book to any one who likes animals or likes to travel.

At what point do we give up the fight? Since I was a child, mankind has been battling itself in order to protect nature. My parents bought me magazines also when I was little about endangered species and it made me sad. Yet, it didn't have anything to do with me, those animals were just pictures. Most people would agree with me and that is why I believe Douglas Adam's took a vacation and went to visit these creatures. People enjoy something they can connect with and that is what makes Last Chance to See such an interesting piece of literature. Adam's takes what most would consider a "picture," and transforms it into a unique animal that has a personality as well a three dimensional characteristics.
To be honest, I found the novel to be somewhat of a bore at times, mostly due to the distractions around me. However, his use of descriptions and the ability of his story telling keeps the reader glued to the pages. If someone had some time to sit down and read this novel, I would say that there is no better use of ones time. The scenes and pictures in the book bring a sense of reality rather than fiction and I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn something new every day.

Douglas Adams has added another classic to a long list. He has proved himself as science fiction comedy writer and as a detective fiction comedy novelist. Now he has slipped into the world of travel with amazing ease, it seems there is little Mr Adams cannot write about. Although the book has a comical twist it never fails to under-line the major issues without patronising the reader. This leaves you somewhat enlightened and waiting for the next book from the enigmatic writer.

11/01/2003
In Search of The Weak
This is a review of a novel called The Last Chance to See, which is written by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine. This is an American duo who are highly obsessed with conservation of wildlife. They were part of a team that was sent by Observer Color Magazine to look for some of the world's most endangered animals Adams is a writer and Carwardine is a zoologist. I like this book because it is so captivating that, as I read it, I feel as though I am a member of this animal-searching team.
Adams displays a high level of intelligence throughout in his writing and this is one reason I would recommend that everyone reads this book. Besides teaching us about wildlife conservation, he tells us about how people outside America do live. Now I am for example, more informed about the poor infrastructure in China and how Chinese behave on the roads while driving or riding their bicycles. The book has indeed refreshed my mind and I feel like I have been out for a safari around the continents.
In a recent survey by a popular magazine, it was observed that many Americans did not only fail to identify correctly many countries on the world map, but that they also had difficulties locating some American states! If they read The Last Chance to see, their passion to go out and have a "chance to see" will be ignited. This will help them to learn more about the endangered animals and acquire general knowledge about the rest of the world.
There are others who ask, "What does the dying of animals in some remote countries of the world have to do with me? "Such people do not appreciate that the tenants of planet earth are closely interrelated and, like one advert by MSN says, "the flapping of the wings of a tiny butterfly in one place can cause a storm in a distant location" . It is a fact that the world is increasingly becoming a global village and we can only ignore what is happening elsewhere to our own peril!
Yet others argue that extinction is nature's way of maintaining balance. True, nature has to take its course but we have the ability to control much of what nature would like to do. For example if we live in a place that is prone to earthquakes, we avoid putting up high rise buildings. Likewise if we notice that a kind of fish is threatened with extinction due to water pollution, we should not wait until the species is wiped out. We should try to identify the problem so that we can find out how to save the animals. This is essentially what Adams and company are doing.
These gentlemen are very daring. They accept to go to remote places where they have never been to. A case in point is the tour that they take to parts of New Zealand where the terrain is so rough that very few expeditions have ever been made. We can learn from this pair because many times we have great ideas, which exist, only in our minds. The two gentlemen show us a good example of how we can plan and execute a difficult project.
I also like this book because of Adams's meekness. He praises and gives credit to his colleagues very often. He for example credits photographer Alain for all the good photos. He does the same to Richard and Carl, both of whom he says that their "first obsession" was birds. Richard and Carl were bird specialists. We have all met people who are guilty of professional pride-the kind who keep shouting about what they have achieved. I call them the "I" people. Last Chance would certainly help such people to see and appreciate the achievements of other people.
Of course there're some who do not appreciate what this team has done. They say that the areas covered were very minimal and that the tours were too brief to merit any credit. It would be wrong to allow such a weak argument to make us ignore the work done by this team. While what they have achieved may be only a fraction of what needs to be done, it's also true that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Furthermore, the effects of what the group is doing will be multiplied many times because the knowledge from this book will be passed from generation to generation.
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, this book scoops a 4. I won't give a 5 because on a few occasions, Adams goes too far when criticizing the behavior of the local people. I'm giving this rating because the book is simple and hence appealing to a wide population. So what? Let everyone go out and learn by having the "last chance to see"

Last Chance to See is a book about a group of scientists/journalists that travel to far away places looking for almost exticnt animals. The book was very entertaining, yet it made some very good points. It encourages you to look around yourself and to think about what you do before you do it and how your actions can affect the world.
When I first started to read this book I thought to myself, "Who Cares?" Why should I care about some strange bird that is almost extinct, or a white rhino. Why on gods green earth should I care. This is the conclution that I have come to, I have to care because it is common courtesy. Is it right that an animal should be killed only for the benifit of myself?
No, never, if I was an animal I would want the same common respect that a human deserves. Who would devote their entire life to these creatures? Anyone with a passion for life. After reading this book I understand where people come up with this feeling of protection.
You can feel the authors passion throughout the book. Anyone who takes a two day journey so that by some lucky chance they might get a glimpse of some people forsaken creature, has dedication. Any book that can make you feel what the author feels, or make you think is a book worth reading. I would recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor and a passion for thinking outside the box. The book was well written and kept me engaged

With self-deprecating humor and reverence for his subjects, Adams explores the environments of some of the most scarce and threatened species that share this planet with us. His stories weave the hilarious difficulties of traveling to remote and inaccessible regions with his amazing wildlife encounters (inches from a wild mountain gorilla?!). Adams, a gifted storyteller (who I had never read before), successfully personalizes the fascinating history, habitats and behaviors of species who often number less than a few of dozen. By visiting their world and conveying the plight of animals bordering on extinction through "unnatural selection", Adams reveals the value of a biologically diverse planet while highlighting the extraordinary efforts of naturalists to preserve it. Last Chance to See documents a charming and insightful journey that only a dedicated and privileged few will have the opportunity to experience in person. So, while Adam's odysseys send him slogging for hours through vegetation in an early morning rain or carting along live chickens to remote islands for food, the rest of us will have the pleasure of sharing his delightful but arduous adventures while cozily curled up in our favorite recliner.

Do you like humorous books? How about one's with travel, nature, and exotic, endangered animals? This book covers all of those subjects and more. The author and narrator of this book is Douglas Adams who travels along to many countries with Mark Carwardine. They go to places such as Komodo island (to search for the Komodo Dragon of course), Zaire Africa, Madagascar, and those are just naming a few. They go there to track down endangered animals, and they keep it interesting with their intelligence and humor.
Adams is a brilliant writer never leaving out anything. For example, when he can't think of anything else to say he writes that he can`t think of anything else to say, even printed in his book. When they were flying to China to look for the baiji dolphin Adams bought several different aftershave's just for the heck of it. That's where a lot of the humor comes in.
I can think of laughing at so many points in this book. Adams sarcastic and witty comments toward everything make you smile and puts you in a good mood. Such as when he talks back to a man in a blue polyester suit, in Tanzania at the "airport." Another person that I found to be quite humorous was Dr. Struan Sutherland a man who had devoted his whole entire life to the study of venom. Adam's and his crew went to go ask him what to do if they got bit by a Komodo dragon or a snake. His response was simply, "Don't get bitten." There was more, but I don't want to give it away.
This book is very adventurous, and a bit suspenseful at times with all the dangerous animals. They risked being hurt several times, which is definitely more interesting to read. So if you are interested in anything I've said Last Chance to See is a must read for you.

I'm a huge Douglas Adams fan, but I avoided this book for so long because I thought it would be scientific/tree-hugging droll. After a friend recommended it highly, I picked it up and found how wrong I was! It tells a very interesting recap of DA's adventures around the globe searching for species of animals that are going extinct, and the typical Douglas Adams humor shines through the entire thing.
I'm glad they included the picture section in the middle to give context to the travels and animals.

I actually preferred the book "Last Chance to See" by Douglass Adams over "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn. Not because one book was crap and the other wasn't, but because of personal taste. I enjoyed "Last Chance..." because not only did it have its moments of comedy, but it also had its serious side. I delved into the descriptions of animals that are on the verge of annhilation. From the Komodo Dragon to the Aye-Aye, it gave a very good look at a lot of species that I didn't even know existed. "Ishmael", as good as it was, was a very diffcult read, even for me. And I have read a lot of books that were usually above my age group's actual reading level. I want to be honest: I don't care to read a book just because someone says that I have to read it for a class. Although I love to read, a lot of books that are assigned by teachers, for the most part, don't catch my attention. I'm a person who, if not being caught by the book in the first two pages, will put it down. For example, I love the "Lord of the Rings" series. But when I tried to read "The Fellowship of the Ring", I became so bored that I started falling asleep. It was either put the book away, or risk spending the next five years of my life trying to read a book two pages at a time.
Do not mistake what I am saying as an excuse. It's just an example of how interested I can get in a book. "Ishmael" didn't do it for me. It was an interesting book. I'll give it that. But I didn't want to continue reading it. It became frustrating with all of the in-your-face philisophical ideals that the gorilla abd the man were debating. "You're not 'Goliath'." "What does it mean to have identity?" Yes, these issues are things people face, but they spend too much of their short, little lives worrying about who and what they are. It doesn't take a huge amount of time to figure this out. All it takes is some time, not a lot of time, to just sit down, and focus on what, and on who you are. It may be a difficult question to answer, and the answer may be a long time in coming, but at least you can quickly begin getting ideas as to the answer.
Also, the characters in the book, unlike the author of "Last Chance..." spent their time living in the past. They were living in all the hurt, and anxiety, and remorse, and hatred that they had brought with them into adulthood. The man was still pissed because he was the only surviving member of his family from the Holocaust. Okay, it happened to a lot of people. No need to harbor a grudge against his Creator because he had become a survivor, and there was certainly no sense in being pissed just because nobody wanted to teach him when he was a kid. He hated his past, but couldn't do anything to change it... and his obsession with being hurt kept him from looking to the future. At least Douglas Adams was trying to save the future of beings that rightfully deserve to live.
"Last Chance to See" was good in that it presented issues about animals that are endangered in a manner that us not offensive or in your face. Believe me, I like good offensive humor or rhetoric, but still, there needs to be some tact. And I feel that this book ("Last Chance...") had some. Not a lot, but some. However, I would not recommend the reading of this book to any friends because I have a lot of friends who do not like to read. Secondly, the ones that do like reading prefer books that are works of fiction, not a collection of essays written by a guy who compulsively buys bottles of aftershave from the duty free cart on his flight to China.

Douglas Adams' Last Chance to See is a book that takes the reader on his journey visiting endangered species. This could be the most boring topic to read about, but the way British writer Adams' writes is so funny the reader cannot help but laugh their way through the book. Above all about this book, the reader comes away with so much knowledge about these animals.
When it came to endangered species I was one of those people that would know the least about the topic, but because of Last Chance To See, I am familiar with all kinds of animals now. The book begins with Adams going to Madagascar going to see the aye-aye which is a lemur near extinction. Come to find out the aye-aye is a nocturnal lemur and is very strange looking. The book goes on to talk about komodo dragons, keas, kakapo, north island robins, echo parakeets and so many more animals. My favorite to read about was the Qi-Qi baiji dolphin. The information about the animal was absolutely fascinating.
Humorous comments about situations Adams finds himself in are written so cleverly. One of my favorites comments Adams makes is in reference to scrunching up Norway taking out all the moose's and filling it with birds would be a waist because it was already a place, New Zealand. Little comments and events that happen cause me to be even more interested in the book and enjoy reading more of it.
Adams non-fiction Last Chance To See is just a really well done book on endangered species. Adams makes a strong point in the book that if no one cares, and lets these animals become extinct, we can never bring them back. The world will never have these fascinating creatures if we don't put and end to the animals that are becoming extinct by the thousands every year. If anyone is interested in learning more on the subject and having some good laughs I would tell them to stick out the first chapter and once you get into the book you will really enjoy reading Last Chance To See.

Last Chance to See
Last Chance to See is a novel by Douglas Adams about endangered animals. Adams writes about his adventures seeking out very rare animals. Adams treks through places that are forbidden by animal rights groups to give us a glimpse of just how rare and endangered these animals are. However serious this issue may be Adams writes with humor and compassion. This book is a lot of fun and inspires you to learn more about these animals.
While following the African White Rhino, Adams dispels myths surrounding the endangered animal that could save his life. For example, Rhino's are often killed because there is a myth that their horns are an aphrodisiac. The White Rhino has two horns so poachers get more form just one animal. This myth has killed thousands of Rhinos. Dispelling myths just might help save these animals.
In New Zealand there is a rare native bird called a Kakapo. A Kakapo is a good natured fat parrot like bird who is basically defenseless against predators that humans have brought to New Zealand. What are the predators that have been brought by humans? You'd be surprised that cats kill more Kakapo's than anything else. In a special part of New Zealand there are Kakapo trackers who kill cats to protect the birds. This allows the Kakapo's to live the way they used to when humans did not live in New Zealand. Humans need to be aware of the things we introduce to different environments because it may be killing precious creatures.
Adams writes in a good natured, informative way to let us know how we should be aware of how we are affecting the earth. If you are interested in a great adventure book or a really informative environmental book you should pick up a copy of Last Chance to See. To entice you further, the book comes with great pictures of these rare animals. This book is sure to make you laugh and more importantly make you care. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to be a friend to the earth.

I was late to the "Hitchhiker" series, and can't figure out how, as an all-out child of the 60's, I managed to miss it. Once I found it, though - wow, does Adams' twisted world view resonate with me! So to have his humor and skewed view of the world intersect with the real world of endangered animal species - what could be better? I read it while travelling in Bali, which someone seemed entirely appropriate.

I just recently read this 10 year old book. It was absolutely fascinating and Adams conveyed the ideas superbly. It give a little more insight into Doug Adam's brain (quite a brain I must say!) And it also conveys the desperate measures we have come to to try and save wildlife from extinction. I think that these days we are drifting away from environmental issues but we must cling to them and work hard to save the remaining wildlife.

I was super excited when I found this book, I thought it was out of print and half expected it not to be shipped. But ship it did and what a treat it was. Adams has a brilliant way of being thought provoking, stern and silly all at once. The stories he tells in this volume really made me feel just flat out bad for all the harm we've done to these creatures, some unintentional some not. If you have any interest in animal preservation, put this one on your 'to read' list.

We now get to examine another side of the person that brought us the "Hitchhiker's Guide". I bought this book out of curiosity and was amazed at Adam's insight into the world around him. His dry wit has always been excellent in pointing out our human frailties, but he has now taken this to the next level by showing us detailed instances of how our frailties are screwing up our planet's species. This book, while very entertaining, was also quite depressing as he points out the damge we have done, and will most likely continue to do. I wish I could say this book will change the way we look at our world, but unfortunately, I think it will be too little, too late. Bravo, Douglas! For me, you have become more than just a humorous writer, but an entertaining voice for a silent conscience. Hopefully, some will listen and laugh at your words, then realize the plight we have wrought may eventually catch up to us.

This was the book that meant the most to Douglas Adams himself, because unlike the Hitchiker or the Dirk Gently series, "Last Chance to See" is a true story. It is the story of Douglas Adams and Marc Carwardine, a zoologist, travelling around the world to experience species of animals that are close to extinction. One of the animals, the kakapo, a parrot in New Zealand, is reduced to only 40. His journey opens your eyes what it means when something is gone forever, when there is no more chance to see it in real life. You experience different cultures and customs through the eyes of a writer who has written about them all along, but by using alien worlds as metaphors, this time it is real. I have read this book many many times, but sadly have to say that the event that really opened my eyes about what it means that you missed your last chance to see is Douglas Adams's death, with it, I missed my last chance to see. Because of this book, I developed an interest in evolution and a thirst for knowledge about the way this world works. I think it is essential reading for everyone who is remotely interested in anthropology, zoology, wildlife preservation or simply a good book.

Last Chance To See was a very interesting book to read. At first I was really struggling to get involved because I didn't know alot about endangered species and animals but as I continued reading the book I found myself more interested. Douglas Adams was a funny guy who kept the book somewhat interesting. This book helped me understand more about engangered species and animals that I didnt even know existed like for example the Komodo Dragon. Their saliva alone can kill a man which was very suprising to me. I had never heard of such a creature living in this world today. You can also learn about how they live and eat which is really important to recognize considering that there is small percentage of some of the animlas left. It also helps by giving you pictures to relate to while reading the story. I would definatly recommend this book to people that were interested in wildlife because it gives great descriptions and detail. I would also recommend this to people that aren't really educated about animals because you can learn how important they are and it could possibly change your mind on how you view them, like it did mine.

First off I would just like to say that I truly enjoyed reading this book. Every aspect of this book was great. I loved the setting, the characters, the information, and the format.
The setting of "Last Chance to See" was in many different places in Africa. This kept me interested thoughout the duration of this book. This book also had a lot of interesting information on endanged animals. I enjoyed reading about the Komodo dragon, the white rhino and the silverback mountain gorilla. I also enjoyed this book because it was very informative and funny. Douglas Adams used a lot of comedy to get his point across.
This book made me realize that there are a lot of species that are going extinct or are in danger of becoming extinct. I know that animals are partly to blame for these species becoming extinct, but I can't help but think that us humans have played a bigger role in the dissapearence of these species.
I really recommend that you read this book. Im the type of person that only enjoys action and horror books and I really enjoyed this book. If I can read this book the whole way through then I'm sure that anyone can!

"Last Chance to see" is a jurney after mans effort to protect our world from our damage.
After unconcious mistakes and deliberate cruelty, few nature lovers are trying to restore the biological diversity.
The book is for all of those who live on this planet, and by knowing or not, contribute to the extinction of many species.
After reading it, you might want to contribute to other causes as well..

You know, I normally wouldn't read a book titled, "Last Chance to See". It wouldn't stick out to me or jump out when I walk by browsing, say at a library or something. If I did happen to pick it up by some miracle, and browse the summary and quotes of praise by various media types on the back, I still wouldn't take it home, in all honesty. Perhaps I'm close minded, mean, or just don't really care about the environment (The whole book is about saving animals and how importandt it is to do), but stuff like this has never gotten me excited.
Well, guess what, I go to school. And so you can guess that I read it. The story goes like this. A writer(Douglas Adams, the author) and his animal freak friend (Mark Carwardine)travel the world to view and report on various endangered species. As the book comes to a rather sad and moving cnclusion that what we are doing to out planet and it's inhuman inhabitants is, if not anything else, sad. And out of the whole book, through Douglas' various adventures and realizing the dire and extreme situation that some animals are in, that was the whole point of the book and the most influential to me: that what is happening is just sad. He doesn't scold the readers into this conclusion either, if that's what you're thinking, but just paints a realistic picture of the state of things that most people, himself included, don't usually think about.
So, am I glad that I read this book? Yes. There are a couple small parts that I lost interest, as in any book, but it's very interesting and entertaining as a whole. Douglas Adams has an exaggerated and deadpan sense of humor that makes situations that could be dry very funny and exciting. He talks about these animals that you've never heard of before and makes you want to know more about them. And although I'm not anywhere near sending money to save an endangered monkey or declining to buy a fur coat (that is if I wore fur coats), I would say that the book might have budged something a little in my brain to at least think, yeah, it is sad.
Should you read it? I don't know; should you? Just kidding. I would say if you are set on your views of this planet and don't really care whart happens to it, then this will give you the other side of that argument in a genuine and honest way. You don't have to be afraid of being called uncaring, or worry about pages and pages of facts and numbers on the death rate of a rare bug in Swahili (Well, maybe a little but it's not that bad). And if you love animals and are big on animal's rights, well then to read it would be a no brainer.
The writing is good and for the most part keeps you entertained. There are parts of the book that will make you laugh out loud. I don't think it's on the level of a life altering experience, but it's good. If I had to rate the book from one to five, I'd give it a four. To give it a five would be unrealistic, but to give it a three would make some of you decide not to read it at all, and, that would probably be just sad.

in 1988, douglas adams took time away from writing highly silly science fiction novels to visit some of the rarest and most threatened creatures on earth. this account of his travels is as funny as anything he's made up, but touching in places too. i don't know how much bill bryson adams has read, but this could almost be one of bryson's travelogues. i say almost - adams doesn't quite have bryson's heart, but he's easily as funny.

Douglas Adams received a call, one day, requesting that he travel to the far away island of Madagascar. He was called on the pretense of writing a story on an endangered lemur called the Aye-aye, but it turned out to be much more for him. This trip ended up being the first of many ventures to far off places in search of various endangered animals. All of these things he wrote down in a book entitled Last Chance to See co-written with zoologist Mark Carwardine. The book takes you to many different places, from Madagascar (as aforementioned) to Codfish Island, off of New Zealand. You will also be introduced to many different people, from the crazy driving ornithologist Richard Lewis to the long-bearded Kakapo tracker Arab.
Adams does a fine job of combining the historical facts with humor to keep your attention. He also gives you a good look at how hard some of these people are working to keep these animals alive, and some with very little support or none at all. Adams stated sveral times that he is not an animal expert but he was willing to use what little knowledge he had and wanted to learn more.
So now that we are aware of these things what do we do now? Perhaps we should think twice befor dumping out trash wherever we like, or killing whatever we like. On the other hand we shouldn't get too concerned. That may cause more problems. Once the balance of an ecosystem is disturbed it can be vary difficult to fix the damage. In many cases it makes the situation worse than it was in the first place. We should try not to disturb mare then we already have. This book has opened my eyes a little bit more to the people who are trying to do these very things.
Though I didn't agree with some of the things he stated, such as his views on evolution, I did enjoy the book. I found some of the facts interesting and parts of it quite humorous. Three because it held my attention most of the time and make me laugh in parts. but some of it I found a little dull and it wasn't a subject that I normally read about. I would recommend this book to thise who are fascinated by far off places and are interested by animals, but I would also recommend it to those who maybe don't think of those things very often, (which ptetty much includes eveyone). This book will make you aware of some things that maybe you haven't thought of in a while or never thought of. Are we really aware of what's happening far and away?

Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine take on an extraordinary adventure, along with Chris, a producer from the BBC radio station. They are on their way to find animals that are merely becoming extinct. They go out looking for the Komodo Dragon of Indonesia, the kakapo of New Zealand, blind dolphin of China, white rhinos of Zaire, and the rare birds of Mauritius Island. They take the reader on an ongoing adventure.
With the laughs that Adams provides the interest continues to see what smart thing he will say next. Adams takes a twist on writing this non-fictional book because he is a fictional writer. He does a good job on providing detailed information and a broad understanding of what goes on with animal life. Overall the book is interesting because it talks about issues that are hardly taken into consideration. This book is perfectly fitted for environmentalist and animal lovers.

Okay so this is not reallly one of the best books that I've read, but there was more to it than just a couple of men telling a big, fat story. First of all the thing I loved most about this book was that these men had the chance to travel the world and discover all of the great animals that we don't see every day. The fact that they had a great opportunity to go out and study creatures that are becoming instinct or that they are already instinct. But as they would describe the characteristics of the animal and talk about the animal's ways of living I thought that would be great to learn. I also think that talking about animals that I never knew exist was the most interesting thing about the book. I don't know why I was so bored when they would talk about hiding shaving cream under the bed while they were in China. I thought that it was boring to talk every little stupid thing that they did, but I guess that's what happens when you are telling a long story. Things I don't really understand is that there was not much of action that goes on in this book and I am the type of person who likes action so the book was hard for me to adjust to since I expect a whole lot to go on in one book.

Douglas Adams shines again. A truly prolific writer with an amazing gift. In 'Last Chance to See', Adams shows us a more touching and serious side of his amazing writing talents and vision. In exploring creatures of our planet that may not be here much longer, the wry brilliance in his humor provides a glimpse into the tea-time of our souls here on earth and the chaos we humans sometimes impart on it. A must read for anyone who is concerned with the unique and rare creatures on our planet.

If you're one of those who don't care about the Earth we share, then pass this book by. Otherwise, you owe it to yourself to be guided by a great humorist, who doesn't forget that it's important to laugh even when faced with the most improbable tasks in conservation. Sometimes, that's all we can do.

A most thought-provoking, touching reminder of the fragile Earth.

I read this book a long time ago, in freshmen year of high school or so. I really enjoyed it then and I still enjoy it now. It takes the reader around the world and shows what is being done to help animals at death's door while giving the reader a little taste of other cultures and some amusing anecdotes. It's not a very long book either, so I would recommend it to others.

This book took me by surprise. If you expect the usual twisted science fiction that Douglas Adams normally is associated with, you will be surprised as well. It is fascinating how someone can make a book on the subject "animals under threat of extermination" that not only is interesting and informative, but also highly entertaining. This book is just as funny as his other books, but in a completely different way.

This publication opened my eyes to the dedicated actions of a few people who think more about the environment than they do about themselves. Adams writes in his usual style but does so with compassion for his subject and with understanding. This book was originally a newspaper article for the Observer UK but does not have the episodic feeling that others have.

DNA has written a brilliant and lighthearted look at a serious subject. Without ever preaching, he has managed to convey the fragility of our delicate and rapidly vanishing ecosystem. Adams has said, "I have made my career making a big thing out of little things, and a little thing out of big things." This book is the best and most educational demonstration yet that Adams can not only tell the big and little things apart, but that he can persuade the reader to agree

THE LAST CHANCE TO SEE IS A VERY UNIQUE, AND BIZARRE BOOK. YOU CAN TELL THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE THIS BOOK ARE ENVIRONMENTALISTS. THEY GO TO THE EXTREMES TO GET THEIR POINTS ACROSS THROUGHOUT THE BOOK. IF YOU READ THE BOOK YOU WILL REALIZE THAT THE ANIMALS IN THE BOOK DON'T DESERVE NONE OF WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM. GOOD EXAMPLES OF THIS IS THE LEMUR WHO IS KILLED IF SEEN BY ANYONE BECAUSE ITS BELIEVED TO BRING BAD LUCK IF SEEN NOW WHAT MORON SHOULD BELIEVE THAT I MEAN DAMN HOW COULD AN ANIMAL THAT LOOKS LIKE A RAT ON CRACK BRING YOU BAD LUCK. THE OTHER EXAMPLE IS THE WHITE RHINO WHO IS KILLED FOR ITS HORNS BECAUSE ITS BELIEVED THAT THEIR HORNS WILL IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE DAMN ITS NOT THEIR FAULT YOUR HORRIBLE IN BED THEIR STILL VIAGRA OUT THEIR. NOW I'M NOT AN ENVIRONMENTALISTS, BUT THOSE ARE STUPID REASONS TO KILL ANIMALS, AND I DON'T LIKE THE BOOK, BUT I DON'T HATE IT. AFTER READING IT THOUGH YOU REALIZE THE ANIMALS DON'T DESERVE IT. I DON'T EVEN LIKE READING EITHER. ALSO IF THIS SITE DIDN'T FORCE CENSORSHIP I WOULD HAVE WRITTEN MY REAL REVIEW, AND THIS CENSORED ONE, BUT IF YOUR A SMART PERSON OR KNOW ME YOU CAN GUESS WHAT I WOULD HAVE WRITTEN.

Absolutely fabulous. Adams way with words will make you care about plants and animals that you probably have never heard about. It's also refreshing to know that even someone as well known as Douglas Adams can still have the same rotten luck as the rest of us. Every twist and turn in his journey helps the reader to understand the mind of the author (did he base Arthur Dent after himself?) and holds your attention, even if you don't care about conservation. I recommend this book highly. My wife (who is not an Adams fan, nor a conservationist) has also enjoyed the book immensely.

Last chance to see is a really interesting book that keeps you entertained through out its reading.
Douglas Adams takes you on a great adventure around the world sharing his stories about searching for these endangered animals.
He takes you to places like Kamodo island the home of the man eating kamodo dragon.
Adams also comes face to face with a wild silver back gorilla and was so close the gorilla curiously reached out and touched his writing pencil. Not only is this book about endangered animals that can only be found in certain places of the planet, but Adams tells you about the funny chaotic stuff they had to go through in order to find these animals.
I could picture someone like Chevy Chase starring in a movie about this book.

I belive this book is the best book ever written. Not only did it made me care even more about endagered species, but now I am going to become a zoologist and study sloth bears in Sri Lanka. I have since formed my own conservation fund (small) and work at a rehabilitiation center for wild animals. This book also made me notice that even at the age of 16 you can make a big difference in this world, for me it has been to conserve endagered species. And it all started with this book. I hope Adams and Carwardine know how this book has effected people like me.

This is the second time I've read Last Chance to See and honestly, Adams can write anything and I will like it. This is his Voyage of the Beagle manuscript and he does the journey and the animals justice. I recently found out that Stephen Fry went on the same quest with Carwardine to check on the animals in the book and I am searching for that book.

With Mr. Adams' recent death, I decided to buy several copies of his books to give to people as gifts. Strange? Maybe. I can't explain why, but I did the same thing when Richard Gorey died. This book, "Last Chance to See," will be the one I purchase most. Much as I loved all of Adams' books, this is my hands-down favorite. It is hilarious at several points, in Adams' trademark style, but beyond that, it has heart and soul. The last chapter is, in its way, crushing. One more reason it's my favorite Adams book: He told me, in an email exchange a couple of years ago, that it was HIS favorite. I felt fortunate to be able to swap a few words with a man that brought me so much laughter, and with this book, a real sense of wonder and responsibility along with it.

Douglas Adams tells us about his extraordinary journey to view near extinct animals around the world in "Last Chance To See." Adams speaks of his encounters with many animals including the Kakapo, White Rhino, and Silverback Mountain Gorilla. What makes this book so interesting is that this is a true story of a man's conquest around the world to see these animals. While he tells us his story, he keeps it very true and honest while informing the reader at the same time. Not only did the book teach me many things that I didn't know, it also made me laugh out loud many of times. "Last Chance To See" is easy to read and written for people of all ages. If you get a chance, take time to sit down and enjoy this excellent book.

This is a book that gives great detail and examples of endangered animals. It gives the reader an opportunity to see endangered animals and a glimpse into the world of zoology.
Adam Douglas guides you through the problems that threaten the animals that he sees on his journey. Adam goes to many bizarre places in search for these endangered animals. While on his journey he also learns the way of how diiferent cultures live compare to ours.
This is a good that has a lot of humor and a loving concern for animals going extinct. It tells you that there are steps that are being made to help these animals. There is good detail on animal behavior that finds you there with these animals. Towards the end of the book you find yourself wanting to help save these animals.
This is a good book for those who enjoy traveling and love animals.

A man with a great sense of humor and author of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams take his readers to a trip to different places of the World to use the last chance to see a variety of animals on the brink of extinction, such as the Komodo Dragon, the White Rhinos of Zaire, New Zealand kakapos, and Yangtze river dolphins. Adams, amateur wildlife lover, is wise enough to know the purpose of his journey: to shine some of the glare from his celebrity as a "science-fiction comedy novelist" on the issue of global extinction. In this remarkable book he invites readers to explore a world of extraordinary exotic and endangered species captured here in words and pictures.
The book is very enjoyable and I strongly recommend it. This is ultimately a book of hope, inspiring us to consider the impact we have on the environment in which we live and urging us to take an interest in more than ourselves.

Last Chance to See was a really a great book! Two zoologists, Adam Douglas and Mark Carwardine take you on an adventure around the world to various places while they study endangered species. Although written in 1985-1989 Adam Douglas does an excellent job with letting the reader fill as if they are taking the journey with him. He uses humor and great metaphors while he is informing readers of what is out there. Adam and Mark's message in the book is strong, it really is our last chance to see some of these exotic yet endangered species. They open your eyes and for some make you think about what is really going on, the rest is really up to you if you want to find any way to help. The thing I liked the most about the book was the descriptions, the colorful pictures were great but, without them the book still would have been good. I would highly recommend that everyone should read this book.

Last Chance To See by Adams, Douglas and Mark Carwardine was a book that can intrest you. It's all depeanding on what type of book you like to enjoy. At first I thought it was interesting and it caught my attention because of how he described the different places and the animals which one probably has never seen before. An example of an animal which one probably has never seen before would be the Yellow Penguin and the White Rhino. These are animals that we probably heard about but really didn't pay attention to it. In this book your able to experience things that you've never heard of before. Last Chance To See was made for one to learn about different cultures and their custums.
To me this book wasn't all that interesting but it did catch my attention but one thing is for sure I would never read this book again as long as I live. The only way I would read it is if i'm forced to. If your the type of person that look's for books with action, mystery, laughter then this is not your book. Now if you enjoy to learn new things about animals, cultures, or custums or different places around the world then i would recommend this book.

This is without a doubt the most entertaining, moving, intelligent, witty book I have read. Douglas Adams and Mark Cawardine tour the world learning about endangered species and their saviours. Memorable stops on the way include a pink pigeon with an identity crisis and the invention (by themselves) of a remarkable new 'safe underwater recording technique'. Of course, you'll have to read it to find out what I'm talking about, but rest assured that this is a book that will make you laugh out loud - and that's not bad for non-fiction! With the exception of the first chapter of 'Mostly Harmless', this is the Douglas Adams' finest hour.

The book is great but the audiobook is magic! There is nothing quite like listening to Douglas Adams read his works. This book is quirky, funny and (shocker!) educational. For the love of all that is good, if you can read, pick up this book!

I read this book because of the author, no doubt about that!
I had read "The Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy" and wanted more laughing...
And I got it... But I got much more!
Never before has a book on rare species or ecology in general touched me so deeply. Douglas Adams masters the art of writing engaged and funny while actually telling important messages, that you can't help to be deeply moved by.
When you turn the last page, you have to restrain yourself not to take the next plane to Mauritius to help save the pink pigeon, or New Zealand in search of the Kakapoo!
This is the best non-fictious book I have ever read, maybe the best book at all!
Read it!

Last Chance to see is a great book. I don't like to read much and this book seemed kind of boring to me but once I got further into the book it was very good. Douglas Adams describes with great detail the exotic locations in which he is at that he makes me feel like I'm right there with him. I liked the way he writes how difficult it is of a journey to get from place to place just to see rare animals. Throughout the book he gives great information about certain animals that I didn't know about. The exotic and endangered animals in this book are described in such a way by Adams that I feel like doing something about them. I would recomend this book to anyone who is unaware of how close we are to killing out important animals.

I am not a reader, but Douglas Adams caught my attention with the humor and sarcasm that he expressed in the book. Douglas Adams and Marc Carwardine traveled around the world to experience species of animals that are very close to extinction. The journey opens one's eyes by seeing the different cultures and customs of countries. The vivid description of the magnificent animals and the places they live in are wonderful. Adams makes one aware of the ecological problems that this world has. I have developed an interest in learning about the wild life and their habitats because of this book. It is a great book even if half of my English class hates it.

In the book last chance to see i think the book was ok. Some parts in the book i liked and some i disliked. I liked when they were in China and looking for some comdoms,but the Chinese people didn't understand what they were talking about. I thought that part was funny and made the book more interesting. I felt the book had it's bad parts too because while reading this book it talks about too many animal,and got me confused on what animal was on what Island. Over all the book was ok and it did give you facts on how many animal are still alive. It also give you information where to find some of the animals they were looking for. I would recommend this book to people who like all animals that are in the forest.

The book Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine take you on a journey. Within this journey you come to learn the life of many animals that are about to become extint. Some of these animals you have never even heard of before such as the kakapo, who is a very friendly bird with unsual mating habits. Or the dangerous Kamodo Dragon with its deadly saliva. In all the author makes you feel compassion and understanding for these animals. You learn about their eating habits, mating habits, and natural habitat that they once lived in. You learn that many of these animals are becoming extinct because of mans actions. In all this is a good book that involves humor and education.

This book is pure Douglas Adams--totally hilarious with a bit of political commentary. But, unlike his sci-fi, it is about real stuff. Specifically, about amazing, highly endangered animals, the people around them and places where they live.

The imagery is great: consider the Komodo dragon slowing swallowing a live chicken one had been traveling with in an open boat which one had been intending to eat oneself; or the day-long effort to buy a condom in 1980's Beijing--desperately needed for a purely technical purpose I will leave to your imagination.

This is among the funniest, most poignant, and most culturally interesting books I have ever read.

Last Chance to See is a great book that I coundn't put down. In this novel, Adams writes about how he tracks down endangered species in different locations around the world. Although this is my first time reading a novel by Douglas Adams, he really made a great impression on this first time reader! I'm not a person that likes animals alot, but as I read further along in the book, I enjoyed learning about the different animals, places and cultures he describes with great detail. I enjoyed this book more because he found a way to make the book amusing, but also very serious at times. Douglas Adams is a great author, and this book is one that should be read by everyone.

This book shows that Douglas Adams can do far more than writing far-out (but still exelent) books. I think people who a) loves to travel in the remote areas of the world or b) is interested in the difficult situation many of our planets animals are facing in todays world or c) just want to read a briliant and funny book about traveling in some of the more exiting parts of the world should take a closer look into this book. I personaly liked the african part of the book where various officials continously moved them from place to place within the same 25 square meters.

This book was incredibly funnuy and informative. The authors bizarre sense of humor and spunk added much to reading this book. The way that the authors explain the kinds of things they are seeing and doing in complete detail really keeps the reader interested. This book shows that people really do care about wildlife. Most of the animals they encounter on their journey I have never even heard of before. My favorite part is about the kamodo dragon. I love how he anthropomorphizes these animals. The most interesting animal was the Kakapo. Not only does it have an odd name, but the features of this bird are incredible. Who knew that there are so many plants and animals becoming extinct every year? I definitely give mad props to these people that care and are trying to make a difference in the animal world.

Expertly written and Adams interjects not a little humor into an otherwise depressing topic. I wouldn't mind a slightly longer treatment of some of the animals seen, and an afterword detailing the sad demise of a couple of them would be welcome.

Douglas Adams has recently passed, but this volume remains as a testament to the type of person he was. Not just a humorist, but a true hitchhiker, wanting to see and explore every frontier. He brings the reader closer than most will ever get to some animals that, by their very scarcity, have become truly beautiful.

. . wonderful nonetheless. For, in equal measure, the book is interesting, touching, and funny.

In particular, I remember a story about the 'blue-footed boobie' (which is a rather naive type of bird) and a story about the snake expert who cannot abide snakes. There is a video available of a talk by Adams that introduces the book (via those stories, and more). That video is on YouTube and is called 'Parrots, the Universe and Everything'.

I had to read this book for my Biology class, but unlike most of my fellow classmates, I looked forward to it. I love the works of Douglas Adams and this was no exception. Most of the book was the type of writing you'd find in the frist two Hitchhiker's books but there was also the reflective "Humans are bad, we have to stop destroying the planet" that was in So Long and Thanks For All The Fish. In this case it worked. He made you feel sorry for the endangered animals. So I recommend this book for all fans of Douglas Adams, it's well worth your time

Too many endangered animals not enough time, more like too much to read and not enough time, thanks Scott. This book was informing but that's about it. I don't usually like to read about two men traveling the globe together looking for animals but never seeming to find them. After reading this book I am informed now of what is happening to the Komodo Dragons, the Kakapos, the White Rhinos from Zaire, and the Yangtze River Dolphins but I still feel the same. Adams, one of the men traveling, has a "unique" sense of humor that he throws at you every once in a while to keep you reading. I did not hate it but I won't read it again. If you have a lot of time on your hands and don't care what you read then this is the book for you.

If you're an Adams fan, you already know how creative and devastatingly funny he can be. You might not know he can also break your heart. A delightful, sad, funny account of the havoc we're wreaking on our planet. Wonderfully written.

If you are interested in seeing different animals from different parts of the world, you may want to read this book. If you are like me and don't really care much to learn about animals you probably don't want to read this book. I am not saying the author was a bad author at all, the book was well written. The problem is he wrote about something that I am not interested in reading. Adams did a good job describing scenes and explaining some of his experiences while searching for these animals. If you are interested in animals in general or animal on the verge of being extinct then this is a well written book for you to read.

The book was bery unique. I like the book because the narrator is a great writer. He makes the book more interesting with many of the embarrassing adventures they experiece. The book itself is animated with great descriptions of the many endanger animals they go to see. The many places that Adams and the missionaries travel, and the amazing adventures they when trough.
After I read the book I though in my mind of the many endanger animals and become concern. I would recommend the book to people who is very much interested on wild animals and like to travel.

Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine created an inspirational team of adventure seekers. Their approach towards finding and examining endangered animals from around the world and Their visual approach to the need to understand and their concerns have brought me to the realization of the needed changes that must be done in order for the exsistance of these animals to continue. The pictures and eventful dramas throughout their journeys was entertaining and heart warming. If you are a lover of the enviroment, animals and life, then this book is a must to read.

Douglas Adams set out to look for endangered animals, but it was the people he meet on his way that turned out to be more interesting. Take Dr Struan Sutherland, the venom expert. His expertise "is that of getting other people to handle the dangerous animals." and his hobbies are "gardening--with gloves; fishing--with boots; traveling--with care." And when asked if there's any venomous creature he's particularly fond of. "There was," he said, "but she left me."

It is sad that such books are needed, but there's some hope in the book that we can still overcome the extiction of at least some species that we are responsible for pushing to the brink of extinction.
And off course Adams provide some good humorous bits ;)

This book ended up being one of my favorite books! I was already a Douglas Adams fan going into it, so I was ready for a well-written and funny book. Not only was it hilarious at times, it was also very informative. It really opens your eyes to how desperate times are getting to saving these endangered species and how crucial every form of life is to this world.

If you love animals or are a Douglas Adams fan (or just like to read even), then you'll love this book.

A book that can bring tears to your eyes and on the next page have you rolling on the floor laughing, has to be worth reading.
Not only does Douglas Adams achieve this, but he's educating us as he does.
His wit and observations are priceless. I have given this book as a gift on many occasions. What's not to like?

Douglas Adams is, of course, famous for his humour and dry wit as witnessed in the Hitch-hiker series of books. How inspired, then, that he should turn his huge intellect and enthusiasm to a subject which is in great need of attention.
The seemingly inevitable fate of the species he writes about is thrown into even more tragic contrast by his excellent and witty writing style, and this, I feel, makes the book not only thoroughly readable and enjoyable, but as incisive and educational as it can be.

Being a Science Fiction Comedy writer, Douglas Adams makes learning about endangered species a joy, rather than learning about them from a textbook. Of course, being that his journey took place over twenty years ago, his facts and figures have changed, but this book still gives a great viewpoint into the lives of those that try and save these species. Humor and education combined, for anyone interested, this is a great read.

In the beginning I thought the book was somewhat amusing, however making fun of missionaries, making derogatory statements about people of faith because it doesn't fit with his atheism was too much for me. If you are an atheist you'll probably love the book, but if you are a person on faith it is offensive.

I was very surprised when, after the first 10 pages, I realized I had been laughing about twice as much as when reading the Hitchhikers Guide books. This is a nonfiction work based on his experiences (and those of his partners) searching for some of the rarest creatures on the earth. I couldn't put it down. A great, often educational, always entertaining book to read.

Reading this book is truly an incredible experience. Douglas Adams brilliantly takes us on a tour of the world's endangered species, his wit and humor along for the entire ride. While it is a most amusing read, there is more to it; Mr. Adams never lets us forget that this may indeed be our last chance to see some of these magnificent animals.

I never expected the man who kept me laughing throughout his career to make me weep. At the core of this light-hearted journey is a very serious subject; the fragility of life on earth, and humankind's abuse of it."Last Chance To See" is written in DNA's inimitable style, rife with dry humour, but he never loses sight of the tragedy, or the wonder

I first read this when I was maybe 13 and as soon as I finished it, I made a list of things I could do to raise money to save the Kakapos, one of the species with whom Adams gets acquainted in this incredible, incredibly funny, incredibly tragic book. It's as hilarious as everything else I've read by him. It moves me to tears every time I read it. Wow.

I just read this book for the second time, and I was more moved by its content during this reading than I was the first time. I cannot possibly express how good this book truly is. I am not a person to give a rating of "10" to many books (or anything else for that matter), but I do to this one. I wouldn't change a line. (Please see my earlier review of this work on this page for further detail.)

An interesting and humorous account of Douglas Adams' travels with a scientist and a photographer to see some of the most endangered animals in the world. Some might balk at the choice of a science fiction writer, but I think he was an excellent choice to capture the perspective of an outsider among the scientists. I learned a lot and laughed throughout the whole book.

Last Chance to See didn't exactly get me hooked. I had to read this book for class and this thin, paperback, eight chaptered book took me endless months to finish. Overall, i'm glad i read this book, otherwise i would never know what a komodo dragon was or a fruit bat. but it's also sad that these fascinating animals that exist are almost extinct. So read the book it might be the last chanct to read this book, before it becomes extinct off the shelves.

Last chance to see was another book that reminds us of the obvious. We all know that are fast growing population is overcrowding the earth but, nobody wants to stop having sex. Unless we find a way to control the population all species are going to be introuble including ourselves. I think the human race has bigger issues that need to be adressed. We should do somthing about but not to extrem matters.

Adams used his extraordinary narrative abilities to describe - in language at once humorous and brutally forthright - not only the endangered creatures he was looking for but how they became endangered. You'll feel an urgency to act while there is still time.

The book was funny but only after the jokes were broken down in class. On the serious side of the book it tells all about animals in danger of dieing off. Every trip that Adams and Carwardine took some thing interesting happened to make to trip even more memoralble. Over all the book is easy but yet hard to read depending on the reader.

Douglas Adams' favourite work is also his finest. His passion for the living world and frustration with, but ultimate love for, humanity - ideas which featured ever more prominently in his fiction - are to the fore here, dressed in his characteristic wit and style. We have lost not just our best fantasist, but a fine journalist.

Last Chance to See was an ok book. It had intresting facts on there that i didn't know before. Some parts were boring and seemed to drag on. It had some subtle jokes in it which were pretty funny. So overall it was a good book with nice facts

First I will start of saying a few nice things because I want to be fair to the writer. The adventure that the writer went through was amazing! He was very humorous at times and another good thing is that he was well spoken and vivid in his expression. At times this was tedious, which I will explain more in depth later in this review. At this point in our history, especially, our consumption based lifestyles obviously have ancillary consequences to our global circle of life.
I feel that the causes expressed in the book are valid and deserve human thought and interest, however, the lectured manner that the author speaks in order to solicit our understanding is thinly veiled and peppered with his obvious slant and bias.
When the author expresses alternative view points to his own it appears to be done simply for the fact that he's trying to express a sense of awareness and understanding of other points of view. These token tips of the hat, do not embrace alternative points of view with any sincere examination.
In conclusion, as much as I love the subject of endangered species, this book was not the greatest for reading....it should have been turned into a 30 minute educational video. While the message was good, the depth of explanation was unnecessary and at times the colorful imagery seem to lose it's initial message.

"Too much of any one thing is not always a good thing." My mother told me this one time when I was a little girl raiding our cookie jar. It never did quite sink in until I read The Last Chance to See. What started off as a hopefully action novel turned quickly into a 218 pages of go sleep reading material. It is my opinion that books should offer some sort of persuasive type material throughout it as well a "balance of action."
When I first started to read through this novel, I was very impressed with the Adam's use of detail and still to this moment appreciate it. However, the type of action was anything but unimpressive. I have to admit that there was a hint of sarcastic humor in this novel but none that seemed to jump out at you. I am not implying that I utterly cannot stand this book because there were several good things. The descriptions of some of these rare animals come across very powerfully. Yet, I feel that this author could have done a much better job in tying all the descriptions of this book together with a little more humor and some action. So in short I would not recommend this book to anyone who prefers a little more enthusiastic undertone thrown into the mix.

I'm not an environmental nut at all, but I truly enjoyed this book. Douglas Adams is a master of all types of humour. I have read all of his other books, hitchhiker's guide series, dirk gently, and this was by far my favorite book by him.

As an animal lover and enthusiast I was tricked into believing I would like this book. Two men searching the globe for animals that may someday not be here any more seems like it could be exciting, but it was anything but that. There was no point to this book. The only thing it did, besides bore you, was maybe inform you about some animals who are endangered. But you can just look at a list for that, there is no need to read a whole book. So just because you like animals, trust me it doesn't mean you will like reading about these men trying to find them.

Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine are guys who guide you through unfamiliar territories of endangered animals in the wild. To name a few they search for the White Rhino, Komodo Dragon, and Silverback Mountain Gorilla, both guys gave me a humorous vibe but I just wasn't felling their story it was to bland and boring,boring,Boring!It was nice getting to know about the kakapo a bird that was crazy for sex I would had never known such a bird species existed. Other than that I did not care for the mood of the story it was written sarcastically with no excitement. No point to the book just because we common people will never see an animal in the wild doesnt mean we dont care about nature

We have been made to read this book for school this year and i think that it could be the most boring book that i have ever read and i have read a lot of books! Not only does it bore me but Adams and Carwardine have no sense of humor and should never write again. Adams has really let him self down on this book and it is going to take a master peice to get him back into my good books. I would like to say that when i am rich and famous i am going to buy every single one of these and burn them. that is all.

The book Last Chance to See was a pretty good book. I really don't like reading but it was an ok book. I would not read it again because i hate to read. But if u are looking for a good book about endangerd aniamls then this is the one for you.

Last Chance to See was a book about a group of people going around the world and taking pictures of endangered or nearly extinct animals. I thought this book was an okay read. I did not love it, but I read it anyway. It was fascinating to find out about all the endangered animals out there in the world. Some of the animals mentioned in this book I never even heard of before. I enjoyed the pictures also because I was then able to put a face to a name with the animals mentioned in the book. I did not like some of the parts of the book, because they traveled so much that I often was confused while reading it. The strange spelling of the words in the book, and the humor sometimes through me off. In the end I feel this book was written for a good cause to let people know about all the animals out theree that are near extinction.

This is an amusing book, if a bit heavy on jocularity and whimsy. It's not a very useful one from a conservation viewpoint, although it is presented as such. But what do literary celebrities like Adams really accomplish when they flit about from one Third World country to another collecting spectacular megafauna adventures?
Their audience is largely, if not entirely, First World, and has no vote or influence in the countries visited, except as eco-tourists, and that's a perilously marginal trade. Adams doesn't write much about First World wildlife because the spectacular species are mostly gone. Wouldn't be much fun or profit in that. But how can the First World expect the Third World to save their spectacular species if the First World doesn't save theirs?
For example, many biologists say that the U.S.A.'s bison don't have much long term chance without the creation of a Great Plains National Park. That would be the equivalent of a Serengetti National Park, which Africa has long had. Fat chance, given U.S. agribusiness's stranglehold on North America.
So who's First and who's Third in conservation? It seems especially absurd for English celebrities like Adams, coming from a country that exterminated its megafauna centuries ago and that caused a lot of the present's endangerments through its rapacious commercial empire, to be globetrotting with bleeding hearts and fat advances.