Chasing after Chimpanzees: The Making of a Primatologist

William McGrew is one of the foremost primatologists in the world and leading expert in primate culture. His entertaining memoir offers insight into the life behind his illustrious career. Easy to dip in and out of due to the clever vignette format, but charming also when read in sequence, cleverly organised not chronologically but to build development of different aspects of his life and career. The vignettes paint pictures of moments of a life, from serendipitous routes into academia to truly remote experiences in primate field studies. This book is a treasure for aspiring primatologists, fieldwork enthusiasts, and anyone interested in historical trajectories through academia.

This is a beautifully written book, extremely easy to digest (due to the 'vignette' format, i.e. short stories). It is a uniquely window into the adventures of one of the most iconic naturalists and primatologists, who spend much of his time chasing chimpanzees across Africa. It takes you to a time when field work was so novel and challenging and life in the forests truly remote. It reveals the serendipities of the pathways into academia and field research (bumping into some of the most iconic characters of the 20th and 21h centuries!). This is also a funny and very enjoyable book to read. Incredible memories kept alive by taking precious notes that now turned into an excellent piece of literature! Highly recommended!

A wonderful insight into the life of McGrew – one of the world's best-known primatologists and a pioneer in the study of our closest living relatives – the chimpanzees. In this autobiography, McGrew shares his rich and adventurous life through a collection of witty and heart-warming stories. Topics are as wide as they are amusing, chronicling how a young naturalist from Oklahoma, through luck and determination, ended up studying wild chimpanzees and becoming the world's foremost expert on chimpanzee cultures. Clever, funny, and insightful, this book provides guidance and inspiration for academics and students but would also appeal to anyone interested in the natural world. A bonus is that all proceeds from this book go to support chimpanzee sanctuaries!

Those with an interest in primatology will have heard of Bill McGrew. His career is impressive and varied, spanning many decades and disciplines. This book gives readers a chance to learn about the person behind the research, with a conversational (and often humorous) style. The stories told are not in chronological order, which allows the reader to make connections between them and build up a good picture of McGrew's experiences. For those interested in pursuing an academic career, McGrew gives insight into many relevant experiences (e.g. fieldwork, publishing, teaching) and points out many fascinating areas of (often ongoing) research, while still making the content accessible to non-specialist audiences.

If you are interested in zoology, primatology or fieldwork, this book is a must. From iguana, to gulls, chimpanzees to tapeworms, there is a story here to inspire students, academics and all those interested in the natural world. This is a heartfelt, funny, and heart-warming account of a lifetime spent exploring, learning, and researching chimpanzees (and other primates!). A personal insight into the life and times of a primatology great!

A series of short-but-sweet anecdotes from the life of one of Britains preeminent primatologists. Stories about Jane Goodall, Ardipithecus ramadus and JRR Tolkein. Topics range from Prof McGrews brush with hit 'n' run shooters to the finer points of Chimpanzee dentistry. Accessible, punchy style and written as short, self-contained chapters, so easy to dip in and out of. Well worth the price of entry!

It is a privilege to read the record of such an unusual life, one spent equally in the forests of Africa as in the ivory towers of academia. Autobiographies of academics aren't often as fun as this short memoir and certainly don't contain as many adventures. One cannot help but read it and feel inspired.

A fascinating read which chronicles William McGrew's remarkable journey through his life, research and amazing encounters with chimpanzees and other animals. The book's format as a series of amusing and heartwarming vignettes make it easy and enjoyable to dip in and out of. An added bonus is that all of the royalties from the book are going to support chimpanzee sanctuaries!