The Most Offending Soul Alive
Author | : Judith M. Heimann |
Publisher | : University of Hawaii Press |
Total Pages | : 486 |
Release | : 1999-11-01 |
ISBN-10 | : 0824821998 |
ISBN-13 | : 9780824821999 |
Rating | : 4/5 (98 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: An English eccentric and adventurer, Tom Harrisson (1911-1976) sought knowledge and renown in a dizzying number of fields, while breaking most of the rules of civilized society. He was a precursor in the field of modern market research; he won the DSO for his World War II service in Borneo; he led efforts to save the orangutan, the green sea turtle, and other endangered species; he discovered the oldest modern human skull known at the time. This hugely enjoyable story of Harrisson's extravagant, controversial life offers a sympathetic and insightful look at a charismatic figure who offended as many people as he impressed at the twilight of colonialism on the fringes of the British empire.