West Virginia University alumnus Thomas Ofcansky brings his extensive knowledge of Africa to the WVU Press with his new work, Paradise Lost: A History of Game Preservation in East Africa.

The book focuses on German and English colonial rule and its role in the development of policies affecting and influencing the creation of game reserves and the preservation of the flora and fauna of East Africa.

Paradise Lost also discusses more contemporary game policies, contrasting the goals for the future with the current reality of game preservation, game reserves and national parks.

Dr. Ofcansky received his doctorate in East African history from WVU in 1981. He held a number of academic appointments before joining the U.S. Department of Defense as a senior analyst for East Africa in 1987. He currently has a career appointment with the U.S. Department of State.

Beginning with Ofcanskys dissertation in 1981, Paradise Lost combines extensive study with the authors personal experiences in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda over the past 25 years.

Other works include Uganda: Tarnished Pearl of Africa, the Historical Dictionary of Kenya and British East Africa, 1865-1961.