Jane Goodall's Reading List
The 5 books that shaped Jane Goodall — primatologist & conservationist.
Revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees and became the world's most famous advocate for the natural world.
Influential Books
In the Shadow of Man
Jane Goodall(1971)
Goodall's groundbreaking account of living among the chimpanzees of Gombe — the book that changed primatology.
The Story of Doctor Dolittle
Hugh Lofting(1920)
Goodall credits this childhood book with sparking her dream of going to Africa to live with animals.
Tarzan of the Apes
Edgar Rice Burroughs(1912)
Young Jane was jealous that Tarzan married the wrong Jane. The book planted the seed of her African adventure.
The Origin of Species
Charles Darwin(1859)
Darwin's work is the scientific foundation of Goodall's research on primate behavior and evolution.
Silent Spring
Rachel Carson(1962)
Carson's environmental classic inspired Goodall's own transformation from scientist to activist.