The Gonzovation Trilogy

GON·ZO·VA·TION
1. alternative conservation through the act of gonzovating and exhibiting compassion for the natural world.
2. the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources to include forests, earth, and water.

GON·ZO·VA·TION·IST
1. an alternative conservationist.
2. a person who makes sense from the nonsense

Over the course of three remarkable books packed with wit, warmth, and extraordinary art, Ralph Steadman and his co-conspirator, author and film-maker Ceri Levy, sought to change the way we look at conservation. The first, Extinct Boids, featured vanished birds like the Dodo, the Great Auk, and the Carolina Parakeet, with a variety of boids like the Gob Swallow and the Needless Smut to keep them company. This was followed by Nextinction, where the focus switched to birds that are still just about with us, such as the Giant Ibis and Kakapo, along with classic Steadman creations such as the Unsociable Lapwing. The series was completed by Critical Critters, featuring critically endangered mammals, insects, fish, lizards and trees – a stunning collection, with a strong conservation message.

This box set brings the three elements of the Gonzovation trilogy together for the first time. These books form a body of art of rare brilliance. Packed with trademark Steadman humour, they also represent a powerful and compelling appeal for change in the way we treat the animals that share our planet.

All of us can follow the gonzovationist path – let The Gonzovation Trilogy be your guide.

About the Authors

Ralph Steadman was born in 1936. He began his career as a cartoonist, and through the years has diversified into many creative fields. Ralph collaborated with Dr Hunter S. Thompson in the birth of 'gonzo' journalism, with Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; he has illustrated classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island and Animal Farm, and written and illustrated his own books, which include Sigmund Freud, I Leonardo and The Big I Am.

Steadman is also a printmaker, and has travelled the world's vineyards, culminating in his books The Grapes of Ralph, Untrodden Grapes and Still Life with Bottle. Steadman's recent books for Bloomsbury include his epic collection of bird illustrations, Extinct Boids.

Ceri Levy is a film-maker, who started out making music videos before moving into the world of documentaries. His works include Bananaz, a film about the inner machinations of the group Gorillaz, and the forthcoming The Bird Effect; he is also co-curator of Ghosts of Gone Birds, and therefore a crucial cog in the boids' creation myth.