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A fantastic read that should definitely be on the must-have list for any serious zoo enthusiast! The historical sections are incredibly well-researched, superbly written, and packed with so much detail that each one could almost be a book on its own about the zoo’s history. The overviews are spot on and really capture the unique character and genius loci of each zoo described. What I especially appreciate is the “zoo philosophy” and taste that subtly shines through at various points (like knowing I’m not the only one who thinks the exterior of Münster’s Meranti Hall is an unforgivable aesthetic mishap!). Another highlight is, of course, the many high-quality, current and historical images and photos that make the book a visual delight. The design team definitely deserves a big round of applause for that! All in all, I’m thrilled this book exists, and I, like certainly many other zoo enthusiasts, hope to see many more volumes covering zoos in other parts of Europe (and the world). Keep up the great work, John! Matthias, Germany
What a fantastic addition to the collection! David, UK
Amazing. What a masterpiece you’ve created 🤩
It’s a captivating journey that beautifully captures the essence of each zoo's unique atmosphere and the diverse creatures within. Your vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes made me feel as if I’m wandering through the enclosures alongside with you. Your passion for wildlife and conservation shines through, transforming a simple exploration of zoos into a profound reflection on our relationship with nature. This book is not just informative; it resonates deeply, leaving me with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the animal kingdom. A truly remarkable read. Karol, Slovakia
It feels a bit strange, as a German in Germany to read a book about German zoos in English, but I am really impressed by the book! Thank you, John, for writing it! It‘s really fantastic and worth every cent! Oliver, Germany
Your long-awaited book finally arrived yesterday, and I'm absolutely thrilled with it! So far I have only been able to read the introductions and have devoured the chapter about my home zoo Frankfurt - congratulations! I think it is the best book that has ever been and will ever be written on this subject. In this day and age, it is unfortunately a very big exception that someone takes on a topic so thoroughly and in-depth and invests so much time and energy in such a project. And without speaking the language of most of the publications a task like this seems to me near to impossible! Klaus, Germany
Magnificent! Extremely well-written and VERY worthwhile to have! Also, the illustrations are magnificent and plentiful, making this volume very attractive. The layout is wonderful as expected from Alan´s work. Highly recommendable! Peter, Germany
Easily the best book I have ever owned. Malcolm, UK
After a quick glance through I can honestly say that this is an outstanding piece of work ! I don't think I have seen anything like this in my long and undistinguished career ! The British book was brilliant but this is a whole other level. I look forward to spending months wading through it !! Congratulations and thankyou to all involved in its creation! Alan, UK
Thank you for writing and compiling this. It is excellent! If I’m tired at work today it is partly your fault - I couldn’t put it down until after 2am this morning. Andrew, UK
Your book is simply overwhelming, much, much more detailed than I had expected! I've now spent three days just reading Berlin and I'm thrilled. Honestly, you could take the 80 pages of Berlin and sell them in a larger font and with more pictures and old maps as a completely separate Berlin book of 150 to 200 pages! Klaus, Germnay
I simply can't give you enough praise for this book. If London Zoo got manatees, Douc langurs and shoebills I doubt if I would be as impressed. Well done, and sincere thanks for such an incredible book. Ian, UK
It is a masterpiece. Thank you very much for everything concerning this book. Ben, Germany
It requires courage for someone from another country to write a book about German zoos, even in English! But John took the challenge and succeeded. The book is packed with information about buildings, the collections and the people working in the zoos. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many new developments in German zoos in this book, as well as a lot of information and fun facts about the history of all the zoos described. I wouldn’t be surprised if even the Germans need to confess they’ve read facts new to to them. Marc, the Netherlands
I've so far only had time to dip into the new book, but what is abundantly clear is that, in common with the UK book, it is just so damn readable. Never before in the history of zoo literature has there ever been such an absolute 'page-turner' of a zoo book (bar the UK zoos book). A book that needs to be read from cover to cover - but will subsequently still serve as the best reference book on German zoos someone can own. A wonderful, wonderful achievement. Congratulations! Dean, UK
An absolutely brilliant book for anyone, even if they never have any plans to visit Germany,- or for those of us who now find travel difficult abroad because of health. A reminder of happy days spent visiting many of the places in the book with good friends. David, UK
We've had to wait a long time, but here it is finally; the long-awaited sequel to 'The Zoos of Great Britain and Ireland'.
To fall into the house immediately; the "Germany" book exceeds expectations on almost all levels. Much more text (whoever is looking for reading fun during the dark winter months - look no further); almost 200 additional pages, even more historical photos, more backgrounds and other 'prularia' worth showing. Even Frank Pé's beautiful paintings are on offer, yes; then I couldn't see it anymore. You're short of eyes and time when flipping through the 500+ pages.
The introduction takes you in tow through the author's youth and service introduction, several decades ago, with German zoo culture, and after that there is no holding back. Before you know it, as a reader, you are immersed in a world that we as zoo lovers know all too well. For the people who have visited the described gardens (almost all) it feels like coming home; the descriptions are recognizable, honest and often humorous. Frankfurt Zoo indeed lacks a decent restaurant, and in Walsrode time seems to stop quickly despite the fact that the collection is mouth-watering... Etc, etc. While browsing through and systematically choosing some pieces I wanted to read, all the memories of the past years came back and visits. The strength of this book is not only in its content, but also in its design. Like its predecessor, the design has become a very beautiful "cut and paste" steel. Even the color chosen as the theme remained the same.... I smell a trilogy coming on ... (at least!? ) Which immediately brings me to the people who created this book. I hope that John Tuson Alan Ashby and Rob Vaughan all have quite a few years ahead of them and that John doesn't dry up his (proverbial) pen in terms of inspiration and can provide us with such masterpieces in the (distant) future.
"To Els, with thanks for all of you enthusiastic support during the making of this volume - I hope you like it!"
Dear John; the first person to dislike this book is out of their mind.
And for all the zoo fans who haven't bought this book yet - are they still there? - go to the website and order that deal! This belongs in every bookcase of a self-respecting zoo freak. Els, Belgium
A masterpiece! Steven, The Netherlands
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