Fate of the Wild: The Endangered Species Act and the Future of Biodiversity

Although the National Zoo's Bonnie B. Burgess confesses at times to feeling more affection for animals than for people, in The Fate of the Wild she maintains a judicious balance between the arguments posed by environmental activists and by those who believe that too much environmental activism stands in the way of economic advancement. The focus of her book is the highly charged and complex history and future of the 1973 Endangered Species Act, which has come under close scrutiny over the last several years. Experts will appreciate Burgess's sophisticated understanding of biodiversity, while concerned lay readers will enjoy her informed and uncluttered analysis. ( July 15)