The Mighty Rain Forest - Hardcover

Worldforest '90 is a week of international media events aimed at fighting the disappearance of the fragile rain forest ecosystem. Part of the organizing group's efforts includes this oversized, well-illustrated book that graphically shows the beleaguered forests for mass audiences. The diversity of plants, animals, and humans who subsist in these lush areas are vividly presented in non-technical and very readable terms. Nichol has a warm, engaging style; his anecdotes are laced with humor and poignant human experiences. He maintains a spirit of hopeful enthusiasm as he explains how ordinary people on the other side of the world can help stop the decimation of the rain forest, but he does not hesitate to describe those groups who directly or indirectly are contributing to the disappearance of the rain forests through overcutting, pollution, and depletion of the natural resources. A thoughtful introduction to a serious and complex worldwide situation that touches all human life, this is useful curriculum material for ecology classes and current-events discussions. --Mary T. Gerrity, Queen Anne School, Upper Marlboro, MD
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

While this is definitely a coffee-table book in terms of its size and the beauty of its illustrations, the text quite adequately summarizes present knowledge of the world's rain forests. Nichol, a British TV producer and writer, has traveled extensively in rain forest areas and writes with a light touch, including in his narrative some of his personal experiences. His message is serious, however, and the last half of the book is devoted to the discussion of the devastation of the rain forests and how it can be prevented or at least slowed. Sidebars on almost every page sound an ominous note, as they cite statistics and tell anecdotes on rain forest problems. The book concludes with a list of organizations working in rain forest conservation. A very good introduction to this subject; recommended to high school students as well as to general readers.
- Eleanor Maass, Maass Assocs., New Milford, Pa.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.