Photographic study of gorillas, chimpanzees, orang utans and bonobos, recounting Nichols' adventures among the apes, from the forests of Africa and Indonesia to a man-made world of zoos, nightclubs, medical labs, private homes and animal orphanages. Dr Jane Goodall provides an introductory chapter focusing on the plight of the great apes. Mary Smith outlines man's involvement with apes and highlights the National Geographic Society's contributions to ape research. George B Schaller provides an epilogue which sums up the mystery, depth and significance of man's relationship with apes.