This book is a unique look at chimpanzees and their long relationship with mankind, both good and bad. The story of this relationship is revealed to the reader using Shakespeare's play The Tempest and the "half beastlhalf man" character, Caliban. Peterson examines how Caliban is treated, and draws comparisons throughout the book to the chimpanzee's treatment a t the hands of man. With his extensive travels to the field, Peterson gives us intimate details of efforts in chimpanzee conservation and field research projects. His co-author, Jane Goodall, with her extensive knowledge of chimpanzees in the field, is an excellent commentator on the animal in nature. Her sensitivity for the species both in the field and in captive situations comes across in her writings. The mechanical effect of changing the typeface in the text to reflect either the thoughts of Peterson or Goodall is excellent. It offers the reader a direct insight into the specific thoughts of each author and how they relate to the different topics.
The authors give us detailed looks into chimpanzee society from a variety of different countries. Jane Goodall's accounts of the Tanzanian chimpanzees are punctuated with intimate stories of her years in the field. Peterson's account of animals in West Africa using flat stones and wood as anvils is seen through the eyes of one who is viewing wondrous things transpire for the very first time.
We are also offered a look at the problems wild chimpanzees face as food for man and as "attractive" little pets that grow into older animals with a limited future. The historical tale of chimpanzee capture and importation in the United States and other countries is both detailed and bizarre in its political twists and turns. Quite a cast of characters are paraded before the reader. They include animal exporters, research scientists, animal rights advocates, politicians, chimpanzee field workers, and top level pharmaceutical company executives, each with his or her own story, some quite detailed, that all unfold into a story fit for any television soap opera.
The authors devote some chapters to chimpanzees in show business and those held by private individuals. Again we are introduced to a wide variety of people who for one reason or another feel compelled to own and have an exotic pet. As was found in Africa, the difficult problem of housing and caring for adult animals is confronted in a variety of ways. Interviews with show business owners of chimpanzees give the reader a "behind the scenes" look a t the reality of having a performing animal. In the middle of this look at captive chimpanzees, we meet the Berosini Orang-utans and their story. Indeed, the story is fascinating, but what it has to do with chimpanzees, or Shakespeare's Caliban is a bit of a mystery. Its inclusion as a chapter unto itself is explained loosely, but never really hits the mark.
The authors explore conditions in various laboratories. Chimpanzees as re- search models for AIDS are dealt with in great depth. The authors also present the