Reviews (4)

Decoys and Proven Methods for Using Them
If you want information on decoys, how to use them, and methods, this book is the best. This, in my opinion, is the where, why, and how of decoys!!
Birds Beware Decoys Which Move and Yell!
Duck season is upon us and now the wildlife agencies allow Canadian geese to be killed; they are no longer considered an endangered species.Bald Eagles are, and you will be punished with a fine and perhaps time in jail ifyou even accidentally kill our National Bird.
A must have for hardcore Duck Hunters
This is the best Duck hunting decoy book I have ever seen! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birds & Birdwatching - General    2. Decoys (Hunting)    3. Hunting - Bird Hunting    4. Hunting - General    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports & Recreation / Hunting   

Reviews (1)

Recommended for every new California diver
The title may be a bit misleading in that this book isn't simply an identification catalog like some other field guides.The book is organized into chapters describing different marine habitats, and does a good job of providing the big picture.The author describes many species, covering their appearance, behavior, role in their environment, and classification.Most species that are discussed are accompanied by photographs, but not all.While this book can serve as a reference, I enjoyed reading it cover to cover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Marine Life    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. Oceans & Seas    6. Aquatic creatures    7. California    8. Other prose: from c 1900 -    9. Reference / General   

Reviews (21)

Wonderful, honest narrative about life experiences
I was truly sad to finish this book.Jill is very honest about her adventures and about the frustrating and life changing times she has had in the wilderness.Even if the reader is not an outdoorsperson, he or she will enjoy the vivid descriptions of the arctic communities, the relationship between Jill and husband Doug, the struggles Jill faces in life including her mother's battle with cancer and much more.Thank you Jill for writing such a beautiful book.

Inspiring, Adventurous, Real
I just finished reading this book.I stopped part way through, because it was so good, I didn't want to finish it yet.Now, I'm going to name it as the book of the month when I host my book club next.This book is so fresh, so in-your-marrow real, so insightful, adventurous, and breathtakingly descriptive, it defies easy categorization.Ms. Fredston is a fantastic writer, and after hearing her words for the last 286 pages in my head, I sincerely would consider it a tremendous privilege and honor to meet her in person.She has sent me on a search for the woman in me who is so wise, so calm in the face of crisis, so adaptable, so loving, and so passionate about life and living it.I know I have emerged from this reading with a sincere desire to make my life what it is I desire, instead of waiting for "someday".I am thrilled to have her voice added to the voices of other women, so few, who lead us boldly into our dreams, fears, and wildest adventures.You must read this book, and if you have a daughter in high school or college, give her one as well.

A great read
When a non-fiction book reads like a fiction book, I know I'm in for a great treat.That is, I find myself looking for little breaks during the day when I natch a page or two to read this book, I know that I have a winner.This is also written by a women who has learned a little bit about life in her winter job as a avalanche expert in Alaska, and she brings this understanding to her passion of rowing in the polar regions.It is Jill's descriptions that are a delight to the mind because they are so well written.Although, I have never seen as ice berg or an ice field, I feel that I have some greater appreciation of the beauty and harm (yes,harm) that they are capable of doing in a split second.I remember the words of some great sage, that said that getting there is what travel is all about, versus vacation when you take a jet and lay in a lounger by the pool. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alaska    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Canoeists    5. Canoes and canoeing    6. Essays    7. Polar Regions    8. Sports - General    9. Travel    10. Travelers    11. United States    12. Women    13. Women canoeists   

Editorial Review

Based on 15 extended trips to the Canadian far north over a five-year period, Read more

Reviews (22)

Good Arctic Study
This is a really good book.I think the author's ability to describe the Arctic environment and its inhabitants in glorious detail.Each chapter is devoted entirely to an Arctic creature or an environmental characteristic or to some historical context.My favorite chapter by far is "Ice and Light".In this chapter we get, I think, the most detailed description to be found on the colors of icebergs, flora, fauna, sea, and general landscape of the Arctic.In addition to that, we get an added bonus (especially for you astro-geeks out there).Lopez delves into the atmospheric phenomena that occur in and around the Arctic.I found this section to be truly amazing.The occurrence of these atmospheric effects resulted in some unique sightings by early explorers only to be later attributed to these phenomena.All in all, this is a really good read.

One of my favorites...
My favorite book, since I was in high school, has been Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire. I never thought any book I ever read could trump the drama and emotion of that book, but Arctic Dreams is its equal, if not its superior. I do admit I am biased. This book is like a life story of a person I have been in love with for my entire life.I've read a ton of books on the Arctic, and this is one of the best.
Extensive account on wildlife too....
I especially liked his account of polar bears, harp seals and whales and their intermingling relationships. His description of how he perceived his surroundings made me feel as if I was there! In fact, it made me book a 10-day trip to Alaska in order to escape the stresses of city-living for a while! I was somewhat surprised by the chapter on Eskimos and a thorough discussion of their origin since I had expected this book to be a travelogue at best. Of course, it is much more. The chapter on Ice and Light, for instance, is outstanding and has probably the best description I have read on the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis)!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arctic regions    2. Description and travel    3. Discovery and exploration    4. Essays    5. Natural History    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. Nature / Essays   

Reviews (34)

Real Deal
I live in Alaska and a friend recommended Mr. Modzelewski's book. And now I recommend it to the world. Sure, there's the usual descriptions of animals, ocean, weather and solitude but what makes this book special is the author goes so much deeper into the Spirit behind things. Haven't stopped thinking about his experiences and it's been a month now since I finished the book.

PURE DRAMA
I'm an actress and read scripts, rarely books -- but after a producer friend recommended Inside Passage to me, I couldn't put it down! In fact, I read it three times. It was like watching a movie -- that's how vividly Michael Modzelewski writes. Alaska is a far different world than Los Angeles and I escaped completely to a pure and inspiring reality. Thank you, Michael! You are gifted and blessed. And who knows? Maybe we can turn this captivating story into a film, with the author and animals the main characters and could there be a more beautiful setting than the Inside Passage to Alaska -- as evoked so wonderfully in this poetic prose.

Interesting but too idealistic
Quick read.Definitely worth it if you have been or are going to be in the region.Some of his scientific stuff is a little off but it's not the right book if you are looking for exacting detail on these subjects.Modzelewski's perspectives were very idealistic and I found it a little difficult to believe that the experiences he relates were quite a spiritual or mind altering as he sometimes makes them seem.The author does pull series of stories or facts together well.The chapters addressed themes - like the tribes, animals, the island's owner, etc.Modzelewski doesn't try to tell you everything there is to know about any of these subjects but selects what he thinks is interesting and relates it briefly.Often the points he makes or the stories he chooses to tell are not ones that you might have expected. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Description and travel    3. Essays    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Inside Passage    6. Kwakiutl Indians    7. Natural history    8. Nature    9. Nature / Field Guide Books    10. Nature/Ecology    11. United States - Pacific - Alaska   

Subjects:  1. Hunting - Bird Hunting    2. Hunting - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Upland game bird shooting    6. Hunting or shooting animals & game    7. North America    8. Sports & Recreation / Hunting   

Reviews (15)

A delightful book.
Bernd Heinrich a Zoology Professor at the University of Vermont has written many books on natural history or what is now called nature writing. This is the first I've read and have enjoyed it immensely. His style is a mixture of deep zoological knowledge of the animals and plants of the Maine woods and the pure love of being a human being who can appreciate and really live the surrounding natural world. This is what is needed by all people if they want to appreciate their world. Its a delightful book but does not possess the intensity of Jack Turner's "Abstract Wild" or Doug Peacock's Grisly writing. But it doesn't really need it, it is just a man living in the woods for a year through the beautiful summer pestered by black flies and the stunning autumn into a cold winter and the new life of spring. The book is also full of very well drawn animals and plants. The story starts with him driving to his cabin with his pet raven Jack who, being a raven, is independent minded and eventually leaves. Its too bad Jack was truly fascinating. There is much to do including the chopping of wood for the winter, taking care of his apple trees, raven watching to do. Its amazing how beautiful nature is when someone is watching with all his heart and mind. A delightful book.

Back to Nature
Heinrich writes about his observations of Maine's animals and plants from winter silences to spring's new growth.It ranges from lyrical descriptions of wild flowers to more than you want to know about decaying carcasses attracting carrion eaters.
A raven review...
Not planning to review this book, I changed my mind after perusing the reviews for "A Year in the Maine Woods."Most of them are by people who miss the point of his book (and, dare I say, life) entirely.Read more

Subjects:  1. Country life    2. Description and travel    3. Essays    4. Heinrich, Bernd,    5. Maine    6. Natural history    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. United States - State & Local - General    10. Biography: general    11. The countryside, country life   

Reviews (12)

Rising From the Plains`
This book was very informative and it comes from a person who grew up in Wyoming under some hard circumstances so who else could give such a good and informative edition. I found it both interesting and was addicted to the reading. I've lived in Wyoming and have often wonder how certain rock formations became as they are and what was in our past as well what is in our future.
Wyoming Rock History at its Best
John McPhee joins geologist David Love for a tour of the Wyoming countryside.Well at least, McPhee uses their drive along Interstate 80 as a jumping off point to spin a tale or two. Painting on a broad canvas, he pieces together a detailed picture of Wyoming from itsrich geological history, to the hearty characters that settled there.And the focal point for all this is David Love.And why not? Love's history with the area is indeed the stuff that can fill a book. A fascinating tour of Wyoming through the geological ages
I'm not a slow reader, but I rarely read a book in the same 24 hours. This one was an exception. I was immediately drawn in (and by a subject that is not of more than general interest to me), and I more or less did not put the book down until I'd read to the last page.Read more

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - General    2. Essays    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Geology    6. History    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Rocky Mountains   

Reviews (28)

Dated, redundant, and inconsistent but a fairly good old book.
From what I've been able to piece together Helen and Scott must have been a couple of outcast university professors that were scorned for their anti-establishment (socialist?) teachings.I think they must have been what would later become beatniks (and later hippies).
Perspective Changing
I read this book as a freshman in college. At the time, I had never read anything like it. Leaving the big city, the Nearings set out to live a self-subsistant life. Part how-to manual and part philosophical treatise, the two books in this volume paint a picture of good old American independence. Over a lifetime, the Nearings try to live a life unemcumbered by the burdens piled on the average laborer in the twentieth century--and they succeed!
Thank You Scott and Helen-If Only We Could Have Met
I am profoundly grateful that the Nearings took the time and trouble to write this book.I am trying something similar in North Central Florida, and while their conditions in New England were quite different in some ways (a shorter growing season, and the availablity of stone are examples), their advice, enthusiasm and encouragement across the years are a great comfort, as well as a good read (by oil lamp!).This is an American Classic, and should never be forgotten. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. Country life    3. Essays    4. Harborside    5. Maine    6. Nature    7. Nearing, Helen    8. Sociology - Rural    9. Vermont    10. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    11. Nature / Essays    12. Nearing, Scott   

Reviews (8)

good
i had to read this book for my ecology class in college. it was probably the first text outside of literature class that i actually enjoyed reading; it didn't seem like homework. it made me laugh too. i don't even like science that much, but i really enjoyed reading this.

What is YOUR view of nature?
David Quammen's Song of the Dodo led me in search of his other writings. The first reward of that quest was this book.A collection of essays from anillustrious writer with keen perception, Quammen casts his perceptive eyeon a range of topics from arachnids to zoology.While an anthology lacksSong's comprehensive view, these articles are timeless.Quammen'swriting evokes many levels of emotional and intellectual response. Great Book
These personal essays are a delight to read.Quammen takes some seriousscientific information and then filters it through his humorous perspectiveand draws some interesting conclusions.All the essays are short but theyare provocative and well written.Gee, how come I never had a biologyteacher like this! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Essays    3. Miscellanea    4. Natural History    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Zoology    8. Biogeography    9. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    10. Nature / General    11. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (4)

Great Read!!
I thought this was a great insight into a time in our country when many things were undiscovered. Living in the south myself, it was great to hear about Bonaventure and descriptions of the people John Muir came across in his travels. If you want a sense of what nature and the southern way of life used to be like, this is the book for you.

A Nineteenth-century Glimpse of America's Natural Heritage
Shortly after the American Civil War, John Muir, a 29-year-old budding naturalist, set out on an epic journey across the eastern United States. Starting in Louisville, Kentucky on September 2, 1867, he walked southward through Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia, where he was delayed in Savannah. After crossing through Florida he finally reached the Gulf, but, unfortunately, his desire to continue on toward South America was hindered by an illness. Not fully recovered, he eventually made for Cuba, but went no further. Muir returned home only to set out for California a short while later.During his journey, he kept a journal in which he recorded his experiences and observations of the flora and fauna he came across. This journal, along with an article written in 1872 and a letter that he wrote while in California, constitute A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf, which was originally published in 1916, two years following Muir's death. Although there are a few instances when the author reveals himself to be a man of his times, his observations of a natural world which in many instances have long since been destroyed, are priceless.

A view across time....
As the human population expands the natural world around us disappears. This is a fact we mostly ignore as we go about our daily life.One day, you wake up, and discover that within your own lifetime things have been permanently altered. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1838-1914    2. Biography    3. Cuba    4. Essays    5. Muir, John,    6. Natural History    7. Naturalists    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. North America    11. Southern States    12. Travel    13. United States    14. United States - South - East South Central (General)    15. Wildlife    16. Classic travel writing    17. Nature / Wildlife    18. The Environment    19. USA   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (4)

How Many Kinds of Wet Land
In addition to what everyone else has said (the poetry of the language, the gorgeous drawings, etc.), this book is especially useful in that it describes the relationships between all the different kinds of wetlands, and within riparian zones in general. It should be required reading for every developer and community activist intent on preserving some hydrologic function in natural areas. This is a wonderful, wonderful book.

A glimpse of life
Mr. Carroll has captured nature as it truly is. Like a fine craftsman he was one with the subject and as an artist he has accurately recorded what he observed and has presented the information coherently. I'm left with an indelible, poignant legacy.

This is the real thing.
David M. Carroll is one of the finest nature writer/philosophers I've ever come across in my entire reading career.Swampwalker's Journal is a book to be savored, relied upon.Caroll knows the lives of the wetlands so intimately, from first-hand experience over long years, that you know you're getting a privileged glimpse into deep nature.Added to that, he is a truly masterful illustrator, and a graceful, profound writer.I'll be waiting to buy any other book he produces..... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. General    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. New Hampshire    6. Wetlands    7. Nature / Essays   

Reviews (15)

Great book arrived in great shape
Great book, it arrived in great shape in a timely manner

scholarly treatment of Darwon's ideas - and texts
Eiseley has read all of the different editions of "Origin," and in that way traces the evolution of Darwin's thought in the context of his times.It is well written and argued and somewhat better than normal academic writing, but it still reads like a pedantic text.Perhaps it was too advanced, or simply too detailed, for the level of my interest, but I found a lot of this somewhat boring - and I admit that that is as personal as a reflection on the text.Eiseley is a world-class science writer, up there with Sagan and Gould, and explains with great clarity, etc.You get to know Darwin's mind, his many doubts, and the way he constantly hedged and worried about his reception. "...Lie Awake While the Meteors Whisper Greenly Overhead."
This is a very unusual book.It is ostensibly about the "Immense Journey" of man along his long evolutionary trail.But, in the same way that "The Odyssey" is not just an historical travel tale, Eiseley's book is much more. This is a work about the wonders of life, the joys of curiosity, the rewards from solitary time spent in the natural world and the transitory nature of all existence. Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology / Anthropology    2. Essays    3. Evolution    4. Human evolution    5. Life Sciences - Evolution - Human    6. Man    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Origin    10. Reference    11. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    12. Nature / Essays    13. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (1)

Note: this is not a Kaniut book but a great compilation edited by him
I ordered this book expecting another version of Danger Stalks the Land and was mildly disappointed when I found that it was a collection of excerpts from other authors books.But that didn't last long, because Larry did a fine job of bringing together some great Alaskan classics.
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Subjects:  1. Alaska    2. Anecdotes    3. Description and travel    4. Essays    5. Frontier and pioneer life    6. General    7. History, Local    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Outdoor life    11. Wilderness areas    12. Nature / General   

Reviews (7)

Several good essays about the West
I don't believe this is Edward Abbey's best work, but it is a nice collection of several very well-written essays.
An addventurs book that you will love!
Many things I liked about this book was that it had alot of addventure and excitment. The characters always have exciting attitude's. Jessice is the main character she is 15 and only has a dad. She gets along with all group members once she gets to meet them. drifting along Ed's river
As a longtime Abbey fan, down the river is as powerful and exciting as any.The stories capture the imagination, and are filled with flowing, humorous, forceful prose. a gem to read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1927-    2. Abbey, Edward,    3. Essays    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Rivers    7. Travel    8. Voyages and travels    9. Abbey, Edward    10. Journeys    11. Nature / Ecology    12. Travel writing   

Reviews (8)

It did the job!
My husband and a few of my guy friends are avid waterfowlers. These books (Misery Loves Company: Waterfowling and the Relentless Pursuit of Self-Abuse & Don't Shoot the Decoys: Original Stories of Waterfowling Obsession) were purchased as gifts, and so suited the purpose. Huge amounts of relaying aloud of their content was overheard by any and all in vicinity. An obvious indication to the entertaining aspect these books provided. Many a moment was there a reminiscent feel to the reading - of what is actually experienced in the field. Kudos to the authors!

A must have!
This book is a must have for any duck hunter! This book reassured my friends and I that we are not the only ones these things happen to!

Full color photographs illustrate of every stage of the hunt
Written and illustrated by waterfowler and photographer Bill Buckley, Misery Loves Company: Waterfowling And The Relentless Pursuit Of Self-Abuse is an adventurous and photographic celebration of the successes, trials, and battles against the elements that determined and dedicated waterfowl hunters endure in pursuit of their sport. Full color photographs illustrate of every stage of the hunt, and are enhanced with an informal and descriptive text of what it is like to be out in the wet and the cold in search of airborne game, making Misery Loves Company an enjoyable and mildly humorous giftbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Duck shooting    2. Goose shooting    3. Humor    4. Hunting - Bird Hunting    5. Hunting - General    6. Pictorial works    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports & Recreation / Hunting   

Reviews (12)

Wonderful and Diverse!
I picked this book up at a local earthy-metaphysical store I discovered, and I absolutely love it!It has so many diverse and beautiful prayers and poetry!Being Pagan, I've used some in ritual, but of course this is a multi-religion book!Or it's just great to read on a rainy day.I highly reccommend it, especially to Pagans!

Earth Prayers From around the World: 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honoring the Earth
This book contains a collection of writings that capture the heart and mind in relationship to humanity, God, higher power, nature and the environment. It is a gem for those who look to enrich and develop their spirituality in prayer/conversation. Some may see it as a modern psalter or book of Wisdom. Whatever one's religious experience, deepening and broadening their awareness of the holy and sacred can be experienced through meditating upon these words and entering into the spirit of the authors. Many will find this to be a great place to find a reflection or prayer before a meeting or a journey. The uses are limitless and text great.

Yet another excellent review.
I have found this book very useful on so many occasions.I reach for it frequently. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional calendars    2. Earth    3. Ecology    4. English    5. Essays    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. Prayer    9. Prayer-books and devotions    10. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    11. Religion / Prayer    12. The Environment   

Reviews (2)

Really Usefull
This book is very usefull, a must to be kept on board.
Excellent Resource Manual
After much difficulty trying to obtain electronic specs on a Volvo Penta I/O engine, I ordered this book. At the same time I chose to hire a boat electronics expert to check the wiring.This book contained an exact spec of my engine and even the expert was impressed with the details.He used it as a guide and fixed my electronics problem in only a couple of hours.I highly recommend this book to anyone with a Volvo-engined boat in this year range. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ships & Shipbuilding - Repair & Maintenance    2. Transportation    3. Model boats & ships    4. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (7)

Interesting look at the flora/fauna of Antarctica
Very interesting reading for those with limited knowledge of what kinds of life exist in this hostile locale.

Not About Antarctica
This was a disappointing read, mainly because it isn't about Antarctica, but about King George Island.Like writing a book about North America from research conducted on Cuba.Yes, Cuba is part of North America, but...If you want information on Antarctica, look elsewhere.Why he named it "Crystal Desert" is beyond me because there is NOTHING on the ice cap.Secondly, Campbell, who may or may not be a competent biologist, spends far to much time grinding his environmental axe.For some reason, he thinks he and other academicians are the only people with the right to go to Antarctica, making numerous disparaging comments about tourism throughout the text.Moreover, he seems to have a major problem with males - be they human, sperm whale, or elephant seal, espousing traits such as "machismo" and other derogatory human emotions to these animals simply because they are larger than the females.And finally, he spends the entire final third of the book expounding on the horrors of the seal and whale hunts that decimated the populations of these magnificant animals.Unfortunate, definately.But the book is supposed to be about Antarctica - not a treatise on over-sealing and over-whaling by people from another period in time.It does have some good descriptions of Admiralty Bay on King George Island - mainly from a biological perspective, but overall, it was a waste of time.

Good, but the author isn't big on introspection
Since I've visited Antarctica, and enjoyed its haunting, indifferent beauty as well as the spectacular wildlife, I was interested in reading an account of someone who had lived, studied, and conducted research there.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Essays    3. Fiction    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Polar Regions    7. Nature / Ecology   

Reviews (3)

An astonishing book with incredible depth of spirit.
I had recently read "The Tracker" by Tom Brown Jr. and thought it a remarkable book. It was the shear enthusiasm and telling of the truth that made it so inspirational. It was a kind of retelling of the innocence of his boyhood. He had been extremely lucky in being taught by Stalking Wolf, the Apache shaman, and grandfather of his best friend Rick. He was 83 at the time and became more than a mentor to the 8 year old Tom. Stalking Wolf epitomised the great teacher everyone seeks but does not find in today's world where too many people have isolated themselves from the natural world.
A great sophomore outing for Mr. Brown!
I must say that I wasn't disappointed in this, the follow up to "The Tracker". Though I was inspired by the first book, this, the second really gives me the story I want. It goes from high to low. It shows theman who was at first a bit hesitant and leery of his talents test them inways that inspire. From Mr. Browns deep wood encounter with the spirit of agreat, old tree, to the heartbreak of the tracking of a young victim of asenseless crime, the book captivates!

A worthwhile follow-up to "The Tracker"
Though not as quite as inspired as the tracker was, the search continues the story of Tom's life in the outdoors and the further challenges he put himself through ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apes & Monkeys    2. Essays    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. Outdoor Skills    6. Spiritualism - General    7. Tracking and trailing    8. Nature / General