The End of the Game: The Last Word from Paradise (1988 softcover edition) by Peter Beard is a seminal work that combines photography, personal narrative, and historical documentation to chronicle the decline of African wildlife, particularly elephants, due to human intervention.​

Originally published in 1965 and revised in this 1988 edition by Chronicle Books, the book spans over two decades of Beard’s work, featuring more than 300 photographs, drawings, and archival materials. It delves into the lives of notable figures such as Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen), Philip Percival, and Colonel John Henry Patterson, providing insights into the history and impact of big-game hunting and colonial expansion in Africa.​

Beard’s narrative is both personal and historical, reflecting his deep connection to the African landscape and its inhabitants. The book includes previously unpublished diaries, such as those of Colonel Patterson, and essays by contributors like Paul Theroux and ecologist Richard M. Laws, offering diverse perspectives on the environmental and cultural transformations of the continent.​

This edition is presented in a large-format softcover with French-fold covers. It remains a powerful testament to the consequences of human actions on wildlife and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts.​