Light Shining Through the Mist: A Photobiography of Dian Fossey

by Tom L. Matthews, George B. Schaller (Foreword by)

In 1966, with no experience or formal scientific training, Dian Fossey left the United States and set up a gorilla observation camp in the Virunga mountains of Africa. Sponsored by Dr. Louis Leakey, the 34-year-old Fossey had embarked on a 19-year project that began as a field study of gorillas but expanded into a labor of love and a mission to protect the magnificent species from extinction. No human ever came closer to the mysterious mountain gorillas than Fossey, but as her relationship with the animals grew, her fierce battle against poachers did also. Fossey was murdered in 1985, but her legacy endures. This dramatic story of her vital work is an important record for a new generation of readers.

Genres: Animals, Biography, Africa, Nonfiction, Science, Environment, Childrens

64 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A photobiography of Dian Fossey. Though her failing physics and chemistry grades kept her from becoming a veterinarian, her life's work was ahead of her when she met her first mountain gorilla in Africa. Fascinating photos and captions add to the text. A great reference book, or read-aloud in chunks for information on mountain gorillas, and female scientists.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was an elementary aged book when I requested it from the Library, but that didn't matter once I read it. The simple language and photos impacted me greatly and gave me a brief, wonderful overview of Dian Fossey and her work.

"I had a deep wish to see and live with the wild animals in a world that hadn't yet been completely changed by humans. I guess I really wanted to go backward in time...the thought of being where the animals haven't all been driven into little corners attracts me so much."--Dian Fossey

[Debra Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photo book of Dian Fossey's work with the mountain Gorillas.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, short biography of Dian Fossey.

[Jane Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and a mist-read.🤣🤣🤣

[Sara Carmona · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting biography with original photographs. I thought the narrative jumped around a little too much, but it was interesting.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas in Africa until she was murdered. No one knows who killed her or why, but there is speculation that her anti-poaching activities and campaign to limit tourism in the gorilla parks may have been the motivation.

The story of Fossey's life is an interesting and inspiring one. Here's another strong woman to add to your women's history booklists. I've found National Geographic's Photobiographies series to be a great series of biographies with pictures that really make the subject matter pop. An afterward includes information about the state of the mountain gorilla today. The book also includes a time line, index, and extensive bibliography.

[kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked its portrayal of Dian fossey - warts and all

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs and highlights taken from Fossey's writings including her journals and Gorillas In the Mist. A treasure.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful quick read on the life of Dian Fossey. I admire her and her work! Great read!

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging text & great photos.