Reviews (1)

Everything you wanted to know about Trees
One of the most beloved and memorable of all popular poems is Joyce Kilmer's 'Trees'" I think that I shall never see/ a poem as lovely as a tree'/ A tree whose hungry mouth is prest/ against the earth's sweet flowing breast/.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Natural History    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. Trees    6. Trees & Forests - General    7. Nature / Trees   

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Individual Photographer    3. Nature    4. Photo Techniques    5. Photography    6. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    7. Individual photographers    8. Nature in art, still life, landscapes & seascapes    9. Photographs: collections   

Reviews (69)

Hike on!
As a somewhat outdoor type (ski regularly, backcountry camp about once a year) I found this to be a pretty fascinating look at survival that comes at it from many different perspectives.It is not a survival guide per se.It is not an in-depth account of the survival stories that it tells (most of these stories can be found more detailed in more exhaustive accounts like "Touching The Void".)What this book is (as the cover indicates) is a look at that profound question of why some survive and others don't and what drives us to risk our lives for thrills.Like the systems he describes, even this question has many factors.There is no one way to survive, or one factor that makes somebody a survivor.All too often, the greatest "survivor", doesn't.And realizing and accepting that fact seems to be a big part in giving the best effort to beat the odds.
Compelling journalistic account about the moxie of survivor-adventurers
Elements of "Deep Survival" were quite memorable, especially the story of the ill-fated sailing venture where one incredible woman managed to survive unbelievably difficult circumstances.The work did remind me "The Perfect Storm" at that point.However, I agree with another review that the lengthy summary of Joe Simpson's ordeal on the West Face of Suila Grande WAS lackluster in comparison with the actual narrative in "Touching the Void.As a long-time climber, I found Gonzales' account of the tragedy on Mt. Hood realistic and compelling. Those of us who have survived mountain accidents can certainly identify with the stories related by the survivors of the fall down the ice field and with Gonzales' handling of that horrible event.My hands started sweating as I recalled some of my more harrowing adventures in the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.He's clearly a journalist/adventurer a la Jon Krakauer, not a scientist, so anyone reading the book should read the technical passages about neuroscience, etc. in that context.

Enjoy but beware of the wilderness.
Wilderness is so-called because it instills an element of fear and awe to those who live by the predictable rhythms of urban and suburban life (of course, there is also such a thing as urban wilderness; same rules as spelled out in this book may also apply).Wilderness is there to appreciate by those who should also be cognizant of its risks and any unforeseen circumstances.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (2)

In comparison, our cultural thinking is dead.
The perspective I have come to is that for most of my life I lived in a human world which has not been able to offer in any comprehensive way, what really matters.
Thomas Berry is a true genius
Every politician should read this book and then look into their hearts.I must say that Mary Tucker's Editorial Preface says everything about Thomas Berry and his desire to enhance human beings' relationship to Earth.His writing is accessible and undaunting.The gift of his genius, still going strong at 90 years of age is expressed again in this book and the message will bring you into the fold of his views with keen insight and compassion. I am so grateful for his gifts and just want you to read it and give it to everyone else you know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Geology    2. Environmental degradation    3. Essays    4. General    5. Human ecology    6. Moral and ethical aspects    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Philosophy    10. Philosophy of nature    11. Nature / General    12. Spirituality   

Editorial Review

"One of the real tests of writers," notes Ackerman in this liveliest of nature books, "is how well they write about smells. If they can't describe the scent of sanctity in a church, can you trust them to describe the suburbs of the heart?" Ackerman passes the test, writing with ease and fluency about the five senses. Did you know that bat guano smells like stale Wheat Thins? That Bach's music can quell anger around the world? That the leaves that shimmer so beautifully in fall have "no adaptive purpose"? Ackerman does, and she guides us through questions of sensation with an eye for the amusingly arcane reference and just the right phrase. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Beyond the book
She's an amazing writer.Her artistic, sensual passion wins the day, though she warms up to good science, too.If you enjoy all things Ackerman, or if you are especiallly interested in the senses, then you'll love Nova's "Mystery of the Senses." This is a 5-part documentary featuring each of the major senses.It is based on this book, primarily. It is narrated by Ackerman, and you'll find her (and her glorious '80s era hair) taking mudbaths, sitting by a stream, etc.Thevideo set, like this book, bridges the gap between sensuality and science; experience and explanation.

"The Heady Succulence of Life" (p. 41)
Imagine having a witty and informed guided tour of one's own sensory apparatus! That is what Ackerman offers. By turns intensely intellectual and cybaritic, the result is an irresistable romp through the world of newly magnified familiarities.
A mixture of the memorable, the informative, and the banal
Essayist and poet Diane Ackerman is probably best known for her wonderful New Yorker articles on her investigations of the animal kingdom (including extraordinarily memorable pieces on bats and penguins), most of which have been collected in books. In those acclaimed essays, her idiosyncratic and emotive musings transform the behaviors of other creatures to a human and humane understanding while avoiding anthropomorphic traps.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. General    3. Human behavior    4. Life Sciences - Biology - General    5. Manners and customs    6. Nature    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Senses and sensation    9. Popular science    10. Science / General   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Journalism for Critical Thinkers From Any Field

This popular science book will blow your mind!
I was struck by something Brian Greene says in the intro to this
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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Collections Of Monographs, Essays (Multi-Subject)    3. Essays    4. Science    5. Science (General)    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Science / Essays   

Editorial Review

With language as colorful as a Canyonlands sunset and a perspective as pointed as a pricklypear, Cactus Ed captures the heat, mystery, and surprising bounty of desert life. Read more

Reviews (104)

I try to imagine a ride along the river...
Edward Abbey is a contradiction. A poet when describing the wonders of the desert and the joys of solitude; then he becomes a strident critic ofhis fellow man if they have the audacity to disagree with him. There is a definite will and intelligence driving the prose, but it is partially spoiled by the rants that Abbey goes on. The book has a split personality; celebrating the wilderness, but using a voice that often becomes so disagreeable that you might want to take asphalt to the park yourself. Finally though the poet wins out and you go along for the ride. I try to think of this book as rafting down the river, enjoying the wonders and trying to avoid the jagged rocks. A little white water is fine; just don't hold me underwater forhours at a time.

A yawn as big as the Grand Canyon
When this book first came out, it started a nationwide cult, primarily of college-aged students, who suddenly became entranced with nature and began to rally against the forces trying to contain it.Although he had written three prior books, this was Abbey's first major success as he relates stories from his two summers as a Park Ranger in the Arches National Monument in southeast Utah.There is no straight narrative here, just bits and pieces from his experiences in this desert land.He also finds time to boat down the Colorado River through the Glen Canyon before it is forever flooded by another massive dam. Although I stuck with this book to the end, I found it more sleep inducing than inspiring.Although written well, Abbey seems to find it necessary to include the names, bothEnglish and Latin, of every single plant and bush that grows in this desert.He even endlessly names the rocks. Then he goes on to the stars! And that trip down the river was mostly repetitive glimpses down side canyons.However, this is a forerunner to one of my favorite books, Abbey's "The Monkey Wrench Gang," as he gives us glimpses into the beginnings of eco-terrorism with the pulling up of surveyors' stakes and the destruction of billboards.I have read the "Gang" many times, "Solitaire" will just be once.

"Arches" Outshines Abbey's Militant Gibberish
Abbey is the type of person that you will either love or hate.There is no middle ground.Personally, I find few things in this book that do Arches the justice that it deserves and I can't tolerate Abbey's selfish militant eco-hermit gibberish.That being said, I'm a scientist and I realize the importance of preservation of our wild lands and I constantly encourage people to become involved BUT I will never become so selfish as to propose exclusion of these places to handicapped people.Futhermore, I could never place a snake's life in higher regard than a human unless the human is a worthless piece of sh*t.So, you can tell I'm not on the majority's side here...I won't glorify this Abbey's book like others have done in these reviews.Do yourself a favor and VISIT Arches and see these things for yourself.Its the most beautiful place you will likely see out West.For something really enjoyable, read anything by John Wesley Powell...won't be written about Arches but will describe the West in its early, unexplored days. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arches National Park    2. Biography    3. Desert biology    4. Essays    5. General    6. National parks and reserves    7. Natural Resources    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Park rangers    11. United States    12. Utah    13. Modern fiction    14. Nature / Natural Resources   

Reviews (200)

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
I want to like Annie Dillard, I really do. I think the world is a better place because Annie Dillard thinks and writes as she does. But, the bugs. Lots and lots of looking at, thinking about, and describing bugs. Some other creatures too, both larger and smaller than bugs, but mostly bugs.
Sublime, Ethereal Prose
Dillard is an amazing writer. Reading this is almost like floating down a river; the beauty around you is so overwhelming that you don't catch everything but what you do is simply breathtaking.
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
This is a wonderful book - it is poetry. It's a book to keep and to pick up again and again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dillard, Annie - Prose & Criticism    2. Essays    3. General    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Literary Collections / Essays   

Reviews (2)

THE BOOK FOR ABBEY FANS
This is a wonderful book for Ed Abbey fans because it reflects in his letters the many sides of Abbey we find in his writings, from his curmudgeonly old crank statements, his love of wilderness, and his heart felt feelings (such as his letter to his dad March 1975).I especially liked the foreward by Terry Williams.Oh! Where are you George Washington Heyduke?Someone should make of movie of the Gang!

Abbey: Now, more than ever
This book is a great reminder of how far ahead of his time Abbey was.Issues he was concerned about 40 or 50 years ago are argued with a passion and intellect that is missing from today's political discourse.Also missing today is the humor and constructive anger which served as an undercurrent for much of his writing.Beyond all this literary mumbo-jumbo, Abbey still makes for a great read.This is possibly the last of his writing to be published.Savor it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1927-1989    2. 20th century    3. Abbey, Edward,    4. American - General    5. Authors, American    6. Correspondence    7. General    8. Letters    9. Literary Collections    10. Literature - Classics / Criticism    11. Literature: Classics    12. Nature / Essays   

Reviews (72)

My new hero.
After I read this book I had a new hero. I have always wanted to do what Conway has done with his life. And, according to him "You can."
All around, an easy and enjoyable read.
Gilbert's style is very modern, i.e. modern phrases, etc., which may turn some folks off.If you look past that, the story is fascinating, and Gilbert does a very good job of telling the story to the reader.As far as the subject, Conway could not be surpassed, he's a very interesting man with an even more interesting (perhaps idolized) lifestyle.

North Carolina Icon
I am from NC and had a chance to meet Eustace at Merlefest, the bluegrass festival that he attends every year (In his teepee).He seemed very laid back, appreciative and polite in person.At the time, I had only heard of him through a few friends that read this book, but I had not read the book myself.I was extremely curious about his life and views after meeting him and read the book about him, "The Last American Man".
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Masculinity    6. Men    7. National characteristics, American    8. Naturalists, Gardeners, Environmentalists    9. United States    10. Nature / Essays   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (115)

Modoc the Elephant and the Boy who Loved Her
Before there was Dumbo, before but not quite before there was Toomai of the Elephants, there was Modoc and there was Bram, the boy who loved her. Boy and elephant, born on the same day, in the same hour, two souls intertwined throughout a lifetime.
Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived
This is by far one of the best animal stories I have read. It is moving, heart-felt, entertaining, touching and funny all at once.
Great, great book
I ordered 2 more copies of Modoc so I could pass it out to friends.I LOVED the book.It emcompassed the qualities that I hold most dear:love, compassion, commitment, loyalty, determination, understanding and perseverance.It engulfed for me - I couldn't put it down.And was glad no one was home as I finished it - I was sobbing.Many of my friends have read it - all liked it, only a few were as passionate as I was about the book.....but I would still highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Circus    4. Circus animals    5. Essays    6. Mammals    7. Modoc (Elephant)    8. Nature    9. Biography: general    10. Domestic animals & pets    11. Nature / Animals   

Reviews (67)

Comedian As Scientist Entertains As He Informs
I picked this book up recently for the first time since high-school, some 15-plus (!) years ago.Maybe it was Steve Irwin's death, or a viewing of the documentary Grizzly Man, that got me to thinking about it- either way, I'm glad I did.I'd forgotten what a wacky character Farley Mowat was, and how much more there is to this quick read than dry scientific reporting.
"Wolves, please don't cry."
NEVER CRY WOLF is Farley Mowat's first-person reminiscence of his time spent studying wolves in the Canadian arctic. NEVER CRY WOLF, first published in 1963, was one of the earliest, most widely-read, and most effective conservation narratives ever penned. It's Russian edition (the title of which, literally translated back into English, is WOLVES, PLEASE DON'T CRY) was responsible for a Soviet ban on wolf hunting that spared the animals in their natural habitat and gained Mr. Mowat a notorious reputation at the U.S. State Department, which banned his subsequent entry into the United States.
Three Stars for Entertainment, Zero for veracity
I can't believe all the reviewers gushing about this book. It is propaganda, propaganda for a good cause. But, like all propaganda, it is not bound by truth or even by facts.
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Essays    3. General    4. Habits and behavior    5. Juvenile literature    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. Wildlife    9. Wolves    10. Marriage, family & other relationships    11. Nature / Wildlife    12. Popular psychology   

Editorial Review

Longtime animal lover Kobie Krüger got a little more than she bargained for when she married a game warden and moved deep into some of South Africa's wildest country.Read more

Reviews (22)

Wonderful Book!
I agree with all of the earlier reviews of this book - it is a must-read!My family had the privilege of visiting Kruger Park last November.Ms. Kruger does a wonderful job of capturing what it feels like to be there.I highly encourage anyone who can to make the trip - South Africa is a beautiful country that shouldn't be missed.

if there were 10 stars, this book would get them all
The question is - where do you go from here? After this book you have to take a break before launching yourself into any other read just because there's so much verve and life to this book, it lingers in you for days. You laugh with it and you cry with it. Extraordinary book!

A Great Escape
This is one of my favorite excape reads.I've read it many times and each time get just a bit more out of it as well as the feeling of being there and wishing I was.It's an incredible adventure written with humor and honesty.Life was not easy and it certainly wasn't dull.Ms. Kruger displays the courage and humility it takes to survive, sometimes alone, as part of Africa's protector.The interaction between humans and animals, even the fearful-for-her snakes speaks volumes.It's a book I don't want to end. Imagine raising children to appreciate life in this incredible location! Wonderful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    2. Essays    3. Kruger National Park    4. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    5. Lions    6. Natural history    7. Nature    8. Nature / Field Guide Books    9. Nature/Ecology    10. South Africa    11. Wildlife    12. Wildlife Conservation    13. Zoology    14. Krüger, Kobie    15. Nature / Wildlife   

Editorial Review

Holley Bishop loves bees. No, more than that: she idolizes them. She marvels at their native abilities and the momentous role these misunderstood and unjustly feared creatures have played in the development of human history. And with her book, Read more

Reviews (17)

She's as sweet as....
I don't think I can add much to all of the valid points the other reviewers have touched on (although I take issue with the scientific criticisms of one reviewer - I think she didn't read those passages closely enough) however I can't resist saying how enjoyable and eminently readable Holley Bishop's book is.
well written
I found this book to be a great read. The writing was quite eloquent and absorbing and I found that I got to know honey bees intimately. Because the structure of the book, the sense you get of the history of the honey bee is somewhat fragmented. I agree with some of the other reviewers that there is something lacking to the science side, although very well researched and very nearly comprehensive, I didn't feel like the social and environmental issues facing this amazing creature were sufficiently addressed. I was dissappointed that the issue of genetically engineered food and organisms was glossed over, this however may be because the book is largely set in the USA which is one of the few countries worldwide where the implications and effects of GMO's for humans and animals are also largely glossed over. I felt that Hattie Ellis in her wonderful history: "Sweetness and Light: The Mysterious History of the Honey Bee" did a remarkable job at addressing the various issues of the plight of the modern honey bee, and like Holley Bishop's book is a very compelling read.

Good History Book, Bad Science Reference
Bishop presents an entertaining history of bees and beekeeping, and gives us an absolutely fascinting tour into the relationship between humans and bees, both ancient and modern. What she misses are her science references:
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Subjects:  1. Agriculture - General    2. Essays    3. Honey    4. Insects & Spiders    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Specific Ingredients - Natural Foods    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Animal husbandry    10. Nature / Insects & Spiders   

Reviews (15)

Beston is without a doubt the best!
I wouldn't dream of heading for the Cape without this book--Henry Beston captures the Cape more beautifully than any other author.THE OUTERMOST HOUSE is one of those enchanting books which improves with each rereading.

Customers interested in this title may also be interested in ...
Since Amazon hasn't provide a link between Outermost House, by Beston, and The Winter Beach, by Charlton Ogburn (ISBN 068809418X), I would like to suggest here that, if you like Outermost House, you will almost certainly enjoy The Winter Beach, as well.From the jacket description: "A naturalist and man of rare wisdom shares with you his journeys along the Atlantic shore."

Bird-watching the Soul
There's an H.G. Wells story (in Bloom's anthology for children) called "The Remarkable Case of Davidson's Eyes"; the title character is struck by lightning and undergoes a visual hallucination in which he believes he sees a desolate island, or as he puts it, "Dark sea and sunrise!And yet I'm sitting on a sofa in old Boyce's room!...God help me!"I didn't think much of the story at the time I read it, but now, on reading "The Outermost House," I find it a remarkably excellent and relevant critique of American nature writing.Surrounded by friends and family, Davidson's gaze is turned inward-or rather projected far outward-to a pristine setting that becomes a horror to the reader.
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Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. Ecology    3. Essays    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Natural History    6. Nature    7. Oceans & Seas   

Reviews (6)

Dust Collector
Good intentions but no substance. If you own an outboard, you know that each size and brand are quite unique and generalizing the repairs of them is about as useful to an owner as a dry lake. This book is very small and it WILL collect dust or end up beneath a repair manual. Believe me.

Excellent overview- but buy the service manual too
This book provides a thorough explanation of the workings of 2-stroke & 4-stroke outboard engines, with conscientious troubleshooting guides & meticulous maintenance schedules.However, it works best as a companion to the service manual (not the general Owners Manual, but the Service Manual) for your specific model.Consider the number of outboard engine types and it's easy to see that diagrams and descriptions included are necessarily generic.If you're the kind of person who likes to know the theory behind the black box before fixing anything, order this & the manual.If you just want to learn how to clean your carburetor, call your manufacturer & get the manual.

Great info for 99% of outboard owners
I'm not quite sure what the reviewer from Raleigh, N.C. expected from this book. It is clearly not written with the intent of teaching you how to tear down and rebuild outboard motors. The editor's review above clearly says that. But If you are looking for a good common sense all-round outboard motor troubleshooting guide, then this book, combined with the specific shop manual for your motor, some moderately cheap test equipment (which you may have a lot of already) and anyone with a descent mechanical aptitude will probably be able to fix 90% of all the problems they will ever encounter with an outboard motor. The other 10% I personally will leave to the pros. It will also teach you how to avoid a lot of problems in the first place which is the biggest savings when your talking outboards. I am just a hobbyist, not a mechanic and this book has already helped me get two old motors back up and running and has been well worth its price to me. The book is well organized and is easy to understand. The author keeps things simple and down to earth and isn't trying to impress anyone with a bunch of techno-jargon. Sure the text could have been larger, maybe the pictures a little better, but hey what's perfect for everyone? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Maintenance and repair    4. Outboard Motors    5. Sailing - General    6. Ship Maintenance And Repair    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - General    8. Ships & Shipbuilding - Repair & Maintenance    9. Sports    10. Transportation    11. Boating    12. Engines & power transmission    13. Shipbuilding technology & engineering    14. Ships & shipping: general interest    15. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (29)

A Simple Unavoidable Secret
I can't count how many copies I've bought of this book because I keep giving it to people. Years ago, it got me to study my cat tracking a cockroach without letting the bug know he was watching. That started my process of becoming more carefully observant of everything around me. It isn't ESP. It is, simply, paying attention. Most importantly, it is love, respect, and appreciation for All Life. By the time you finish reading (no doubt still hungry for more), you'll have gotten the message and probably given it a try. If you're serious about it, you'll find your life changing little by little and you'll discover how you can improve your relationships with others - animals or people - or insects, plants, and the planet itself. Once I chose to be somewhat of a reclusive hermit, but I couldn't do it because I have literally millions of intimate friends.The evidence of long ago that there was harmony among all on earth is still present. In choosing to stand there, we can begin to resolve our differences. We can evolve as humans. We can put an end to war and pestilence unfailingly, "whenever the human does his required part." Written in 1954, Boone's message is more important for us now than ever.

Profound impact
I read this book back in the late 50's and still own my original copy.It had that much of an impact on me! I have always been an animal lover, esp. dogs, but this book taught me more respect for all living things.I was fascinated with Boone's experiences and remember way back then trying to control a fly in a similar way.(I don't remember if I were successful.)
Simple and Juicy and Right to the Heart!
My life has been about animals for so long...I even run a pet-care business!When I was kid, I knew all this stuff.But then I "grew up" and somehow lost track of the wonder of 'being still' and 'knowing.'In this phase of my life I'm finally back on track -- due in large part to the amazing animal teachers in my life.(And some great insight by humans as well!)This