Description

A rare and exhilarating combination of first-rank science and top-notch storytelling, this superb translation brings to an English-speaking audience for the first time writings that are remarkable in their richness, their wit, and their penetrating insight.

Vojtech Novotny is no ordinary scientist. A world-class researcher and a brilliant writer, he works not in a pristine lab but on location in one of the toughest regions of the world--not only is New Guinea a high-risk locale in terms of tropical diseases and venomous wildlife, but it is also one of the most lawless places on Earth, with a very high homicide rate. Moreover, Novotny works closely with the indigenous peoples--natives who still hunt food with spear and arrow--involving them in his research and profiting from their deep familiarity with this rugged landscape. As a result, he has many a fascinating tale to tell, and he is a marvelous storyteller. Indeed, this is an unusual and fascinating collection of almost one hundred brief vignettes, adventurous tales, and reflections that illuminate life in the rainforest, the workings of science, and the native peoples of New Guinea. The pieces are amusing, thoughtful, evocative, and sage. The short pieces are separated here and there by "intermezzi," in which Novotny recounts his many bouts of malaria--extraordinary short passages that strikingly capture the experience of jungle life. And placed, jewel-like, at key points in the text, are the extraordinary drawings of Benson Avea Bego, a self-taught Papuan artist from a remote village.

Ably translated by David Short, this delightfully engaging collection of notes and reflections brings to life--with warmth and wisdom--the place, the people, and the pursuit of knowledge deep in the jungles of New Guinea.

Features

• Uniquely arranged and beautifully told stories from one of the world's leading tropical biologists
• Engaging accounts of the natural history, and people and cultures of one of the last wild frontiers in the world, and one of the most dangerous
• Captures a unique and rich ecosystem and a remote and exotic human culture, both of which are already beginning to vanish
• Accompanied by beautiful illustrations from self-taught Papuan artist from a remote village

Reviews

"When not busy with his researches (and these are recounted with a winningly light touch), Novotny has found time to explore this unique culture. The results are spectacular: an exercise in witty and whimsical amateur anthropology that puts the professionals to shame."--Geographical

"What is striking about Notebooks is how there is a perfect balance between the academic and the literary. This is a very intriguing book with thoughtful and intelligent analysis and conclusions, and yet one does not feel as though they are reading a stuffy academic publication. Czech author Vojtech Novotny (translated by David Short) has provided a very interesting tale of travels, broadening horizons and insight unto the human condition." -- Sacramento Book Review

"Novotny's enthusiam for a country where he has worked for many years, his humor, and his ability to convey the fascination of scientific research make this book a perfect answer to anyone who thinks that everything has been catalogued and scanned, an unorthodox travel book that restores our faith in the weirdness of the world."--Benjamin Moser, Harper's Magazine

"Focusing on the people and their way of living, little escapes Novotny's attention; he examines the base-13 number system, myths about dwarfs, the price of brides (L5,000), and other idiosyncrasies..."--Publishers Weekly

"[Novotny's] wry remarks on the ease of his 'commute' to an outlying laboratory (featuring blocked bridges, a bandit attack, several flat tires, and attempts at climbing muddy hills) and tips for the field biologist (expect malaria; whatever happens, don't panic) will intrigue both armchair travelers and lovers of popular science."--Booklist

Product Details

256 pages; 20 B&W halftones illus.; 5-1/2 x 8-1/2; ISBN13: 978-0-19-956165-0ISBN10: 0-19-956165-6

About the Author(s)