really admired this book; led me on to other Thomas Bass books; brilliant exposition of science in Africa--genius, tribulation, determination; the best of science journalism

Thomas Bass travels through Africa, visiting and sometimes assisting various scientists and laboratories while he is there. The scientific programs he visits include studying how the desert is advancing, learning about evolution through studying fish mating patterns, the sociology and possible preventative measures for famine, hunting for viruses in Nigeria, and so on.

Bass does a great job of both taking the reader on a journey, as well as presenting the science in a way that just about anyone can understand. One of the things I really liked about this was that he didn't just talk about Europeans who come into Africa to study science, but introduces the many Africans who are taking an active part in developing science in their own countries. ( )