Thank You, Madagascar

The Conservation Diaries of Alison Jolly

Zed Books (2015).

Hardcover Book with Dust Jacket

This autobiographical work was completed in the closing months of Alison Jolly's life, looking back over and quoting from the diaries she made during her half-century of involvement with Madagascar. She died in February 2014 and this book was published posthumously 14 months later.

Text from the Front Flap

Madagascar is one of the world's natural jewels, with over ninety per cent of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Few people knew it better than the pioneering primatologist and conservationist, Alison Jolly. Thank You, Madagascar is her eyewitness account of the extraordinary biodiversity of the island, and the environment of its people.

At the book's heart is a conflict between three different views of nature. Is the extraordinary forest treasure-house of Madagascar a heritage for the entire world? Is it a legacy of the forest dwellers' ancestors, bequeathed to serve the needs of their living descendants? Or is it an economic resource to be pillaged for short-term gain and to be preserved only to deliver benefits for those with political power?

Exploring and questioning these different views, this is a beautifully written diary and a tribute to Madagascar.

Text from the Back Flap

Alison Jolly was a world-renowned primatologist and conservationist. A portion of recently restored forest in Madagascar is named after her, as well as a new species of mouse lemur. She died in 2014.

Text from the Back Cover

"A captivating and absorbing account that reveals how the people and the land of Madagascar captured her heart." — Sir David Attenborough

"Without a doubt one of the very best books about conservation. I was truly absorbed from start to finish." — Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace

"A gripping tale of the birthing years of the environmental movement in Madagascar. Sometimes provocative, often funny and always with wisdom about human nature, this tale is history at its best." — Patricia Wright, Founder of Centre ValBio, Madagascar

"Alison Jolly's amazing eyewitness account takes us from the halls of the World Bank to the huts of forest villagers – and even to the ethics of mining companies. I recommend it especially to the Malagasy friends and colleagues who struggle for sustainability for our country." — Leon Rajaobelina, Conservation International