A silent, warm, green, wet world - this is the rain forest, a changeless place of mystery and wonder.
Through this enthralling study of the world's jungles, the reader enters a region where the temperature seldom ranges beyond 70º or 80º and a 200- to 300-inch yearly rainfall is common. It is the home of 1,800 species of termites, so vital to the life of the driver ant, which searches for food in deadly columns millions of ants strong; of myriads of other insects, reptiles, and birds; of flying squirrels, bats, and monkeys, including the small spider monkey, with the "pinched, drawn, suffering expression on its face." Here trees sprout from the trunks of other trees; roots enlarge, rise above the ground, and form grotesque buttresses; and gigantic ferns, strangler figs, and ropelike liana vines grow. Here is the source of bamboo, rubber, orchids, vanilla, nutmeg, mace, and bananas.
Along with his scientific examination of the rain forest's flora and fauna, Mr. Silverberg also tells of its exploration by such men as Stanley and Livingstone in Africa, Humboldt in South America, and Raffles in Asia. This beautifully written book will cast its spell over naturalist and adventure-lover alike, for it brings to light an exotic world that is known to very few.