The Evolution of Gerald Durrell: A Naturalist's Critical Biography

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In The Evolution of Gerald Durrell: A Naturalist's Critical Biography, Mary Sanders Pollock revisits the life and work of Gerald Durrell, one of the most significant environmentalist figures of the 20th century. This new biography tracks Durrells evolution from a free-range childhood on Corfu through his time in Africa, South America, and the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Durrells early work is described in his numerous travel narratives, but his conservation activities culminated in the stationary ark, a conservation zoo on the Isle of Jersey which still plays an important role in global wildlife conservation efforts. This biography situates Durrells writing, collecting, and conservation practices within the frameworks of animal studies, conservation biology, and postcolonial history. Familiarizing readers with the broad range of his cultural impact, from The Corfu Trilogy to his BBC television specials, Pollock shows how Durrells approach offers models for how life on earth is to thrive and survive: scientists must make greater efforts to touch hearts and minds, and cultural workers must communicate more about science and the perilous existence of other species.

Reviews

Mary Sanders Pollocks new biography of the Gerald Durrells life-long fascination with animals is a gem. Vividly written and entertaining, the book addresses the colourful life of the passionate conservationist and the numerous animal personalities he share his life with since childhood in Corfu. * Jopi Nyman, Professor of English, University of Eastern Finland, Finland *

Author Bio

Mary Sanders Pollock is the author of Storytelling Apes: Primatology Narratives Past and Future (2015) and Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning: A Creative Partnership (2003) and editor of two critical anthologies. She is Professor of English Emerita at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, USA, where she has taught British literature, literary theory, and environmental studies; she is past director of the Gender Studies program at that institution.