Henry's first book Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon was published by Macmillan Science in April 2006, was longlisted for the 2006 Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted for the Royal Society's prestigious General Book Prize. The paperback was published in May 2007. Henry is currently researching and writing his second book provisionally entitled The Way of the Panda: The Curious History of China's Political Animal, which will be published by Profile Books in 2010.
'This astonishing story of survival tugs at the heartstrings. If Darwin
were alive today he would be fascinated by Henry Nicholls' splendid account
of this solitary survivor from Pinta Island. A must for anyone who cares
about extinction or has a soft spot for the remarkable history of a very
singular animal.' Janet Browne, author of Charles
Darwin: Voyaging: Voyaging Vol 1
"Nicholls is surely set to become an author of many more fascinating science books. In many ways, this book is what good science writing is all about - explanation through a ripping narrative." Steve Connor, The Independent
"The literary device of placing a reptilian icon at the centre of a dynamic play about science, conservation and our attitudes to nature results in a highly readable book that has much to say about the ways we flounder around in our attempts to protect things that seem important to us." Nature
"Well written and fascinating — Nicholls’ passion for his subject and sense of humour are always evident." Times Literary Supplement
"Conscientious, comprehensive and balanced. Everyone with an interest in conservation should read this account and consider its implications." Trends in Evolution and Ecology
"Endlessly interesting and chockful of humour." Stirling Observer.
"Lonesome George will do for the cause of science and preservation in the
Galápagos what Jonathan Weiner's The Beak of the Finch did a decade before —
entertain, enlighten and encourage us all to do our part to preserve not just
these islands, but Earth itself." Michael Shermer author of In In
Darwin's Shadow: The Life and Science of Alfred Russel Wallace - A
Biographical Study on the Psychology of History
"Highly readable. I encourage you to read this succinct book and pass it on to your colleagues, even children." Professor Jeffrey Powell, Yale, writing in EMBO Reports
"Manages to package human drama, reproductive biology and a conservation message with humour and exemplary clarity." Folha de S.Paulo
"Told with real affection and humour — a fitting tribute to one of the voiceless victims of human progress." Guardian
"Like the best human-focused biographers, Nicholls uses his unusual subject as a springboard into more universal territory. He aptly portrays Lonesome George as a sort of reptilian Forrest Gump, an unwitting bystander continually thrust to the forefront as society's defining crises play themselves out around him." Wired
"This marvellous look at the conservation of nature, as embodied in one enormous reptile, is highly recommended." Booklist
"Nicholls' lively tale takes the reader on a journey through the Galapagos - and how much there is to loose." BBC Focus Magazine
"A warmly enjoyable book - a pleasure to read." www.popularscience.co.uk
"Is he gay, impotent or just bored? Read this fascinating book for the full story. It skilfully blends historical derring-do with cutting-edge conservation biology." New Scientist
"Not simply the story of a tortoise but the tale of that icon of
evolution, the Galápagos archipelago, and of the heroics and (sometimes)
seeming futility of the conservation movement. The science is compelling, the
tone is light - highly recommended." Olivia Judson, author of Dr.Tatiana's
Sex Advice to All Creation: Definitive Guide to the Evolutionary Biology of
Sex
"This is a wonderful tale of an almost mythical beast. Rich in historical
detail George's story is one of pathos, despair and hope with some quirky reproductive
biology thrown in for good measure. Henry Nicholls has done us all a service,
reminding us of the fragility of life in general and of one very special
chelonian in particular. Essential reading." Tim Birkhead FRS, author of Promiscuity
"When tortoises were common on the Galapagos island of Pinta, sailors ate
them. When they became rare, collectors pickled and stuffed the last few,
"for science". Now it seems that only one is left - the huge and
lugubrious Lonesome George - there is talk of applying the most heroic high
tech, cloning and the rest, to keep his lineage going. It is a cracking tale
- and crackingly well told. It is also salutary. Giant tortoises are indeed
extraordinary - but not as strange as human beings." Colin Tudge, author of The
Secret Life of Trees: How They Live and Why They Matter (Penguin Press
Science)
