Reviews (1)

Burroughs at his best!
This is the anthology readers and scholars of John Burroughs (1837-1921) have been waiting for. Charlotte Walker, a professor of English at the State University of New York at Oneonta, has gathered selections from Burroughs's vast oeuvre and assembled them in a handsome volume. The words are set in modern type, and the subject matter is as fresh and timely as ever. Burroughs is often remembered as a naturalist, but he was much more than that: a perceptive and accessible literary critic, a philosopher, a radical thinker who advocated the overthrow of traditional religions in favor of an open-eyed nature worship steeped in science and wonder. Earlier anthologies of Burroughs's work have tended to ignore or suppress his thorny and provocative side, but Walker gives us the man in all his dimensions. As the author of a concise biography of Burroughs, I was pleased to open this collection and find it crowded with favorites---philosophical essays such as "Faith of a Naturalist," travel pieces such as "A Hunt for the Nightingale," an excerpt from "Our Rural Divinity" (about the dairy cow!), perceptive criticism of Emerson and Thoreau, studies of Catskill farm life, and more. This book makes a fine addition to any library and offers the best intorduction to Burroughs in print. Bravo! Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Evolutionary Biology?
Is there any other type of modern biology? Evolution is so deeply interwined in today's biology that it almost seems a tautology to classify this book under Evolutionary Biology. Gould's reflections are masterpieces of rationality and logic heavily supported with facts and exposed with an uneven grace and uniqueness. This, as a lot of other Gould's books, is a collection of essays that don't need to be read in order since they are not chapters, their organization obeys the main subject of each essay, not a unique plot developed along the book. This is an easy and incredibly interesting journey inside reason and natural science, please don't hesitate if you want to be taken by the hand of one of the greatest zoologists of the twentieth century.

The Flamingo's Smile: Reflections in Natural History
The Flamingo's Smile: Reflections in Natural History by Stephen Jay Gould is a collection of thirty essays with a varied scope, but the contents is encompassing. Bringing history with each essay is the hallmark of Gould and he will not disappoint you here.

This is Gould's fourth in a series of books that are collections of his essays that were found on the pages of "Natural History." These essays bring us life that is a product of a contingent past, not just a timeless law of nature. Gould brings meaning to his essays through an extensive history and a calculated musing to seemingly contradictory themes.

Dinosaurs and the astroid, Hottentot Venus and even baseball are in this book. Gould brings us lucid, cogent commentary and a writting style that will educate you gracefully. Gould has an ability to bring the scientific knowledge to the layperson with erudition and understanding.

Read and enjoy this book... complete with just a little quirkiness and a sense of humor.

awestruck
When I first cracked this book as a graduate student, I had little idea of what I was in for: sure, I expected a little on Darwin's theories and some history, but nothing else. What I found was an astonishingly rich panorama of issues connected to Darwin, the nature of science, and of course its misuses. From the trials of the Hottentott Venus to the mistakes of Audobon, Gould has fascinating and humorous perspecitives to bring. It was the ideal diversion - procrastination can be sooo delicious - from the dessicated economics and statistics that I had had to read and the start of a great love affair with this author, one of the finest writers alive.

Gould writes with the most astonishing lucidity and the most elegant style that I have ever read in a science writer. Indeed, those who disagree with him or look down on him - and there are many at Harvard - sarcastically cite his writing talent as the "reason" for his enduring success! Well, I would hope so. If they could write as well as Gould, then perhaps they could advance their opposing views, like, more effectively.

Highest recommendation.

Utterly enjoyable
This was my first introduction to Gould. I think any of his Reflections in Natural History are the best place to start because of the multiple essay format. I read with strange amusement another review about how p.c. Gould is. Ignore him. You will learn a lot about both scientific history as well as basic principals of evolution

More "political correctness" than science
The author, whose main area of research is land snails, has found a more secure living as an author. This is fine, until he starts straying out of his area. His first few books, in which he concentrated on evolutionary biology, weren't bad. However, he has now decided to write an ever increasing number of essays praising "political correctness" and putting down society as unfair. God knows, society isn't perfect, but it isn't as bad as Gould portrays it. His anti-Western rhetoric becomes tiresome. For example, he raises the possibility, unlikely at best, that the sun has an large undiscovered body revolving about it that, every 28 million years or so, causes a massive fall of comets wiping out much of the life on earth. His arguments to explain this periodicity are sketchy at best, but this is not his main point. His main point is that the scientists who proposed this planet want to name it Nemesis, which the author says is unfair, since Nemesis is a Greek goddess. To be fair, we must name it after a Hindu god. Another example he gives to prove that science is racist, is to give the story of a black cell biologist from the 1930's. The author claims that the only reason this author is not well known is because he was black. I've taken more than a few cell biology courses and can't offhand think of a famous white or asian cell biologist from the 1930's either. Besides many of the ideas these scientists developed were proven incorrect with the advent of the scanning electron microscope in the 40's and 50's. Also, the author ignores the fact that his hero was a vicious anti-Semite that praised the Nazis until, while doing research in Europe at the time of the German invasion of France, he discovered that he also was persona non grata. Gould needs to spend more time on facts and less time on being politically correct. Science is about what is, not about what a liberal academic thinks should be. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (18)

A humorous look at 3 cases where man attempts to best nature
The Control of Nature is an entertaining glimpse of three different attempts of man to control nature. It is fascinating reading for the lay reader and scientist alike. The first section of the book humorously looks at the Mississippi River and how man forever battles to confine and direct its flow. The second section focuses on Iceland, an area well known for its volcanic activity. John McPhee recreates the events that led to man's decision to try to control the flow of lava. In the final section John McPhee redirects our attention to the crumbling mountains of California. Here John McPhee details the stubbornness and foolishness of man. He defines the daily struggle of the people who want to live in an unstable environment

McPhee: Nobody does it better
At the start, I must confess that I am a John McPhee fan, commencing with "Coming into the Country" and proceeding through books on oranges, birchbark canoe making, atomic bombs as propulsion devices, etc. His books on America's geology are excellent. Even so, I like this one best.
McPhee has the apparently inexhaustible ability to take sometimes dry textbook subjects and give them a human touch, much in the manner of the late George R. Stewart. This was especially borne out in McPhee's discussion of what is probably a vain attempt, in the long run, to control the lower Mississippi River.
After reading this book, I happened to travel to Natchez, Mississippi, and went on down to see the Old River Flood Control Structure. Having read McPhee aided me considerably in understanding this herculean endeavor. McPhee demonstrated a similar excellence in writing about the landslide problem in Los Angeles.
True enough, McPhee's book includes few graphs, charts, or photos. However the excellence of his descriptive prose obviates any claim that the informative nature of the text is somehow meaningfully diminished. Buy it. Read it. Keep it. You'll be glad you did.

Best of McPhee's work
If you've never read McPhee, this is the place to start. And if you have read him but found him either too obscure, too geological, or too obsessed with sesquipedalism at the expense of clarity, you will love this book. It's the best book I've read about the interplay of human and natural environments, giving the lie to the idea that "nature" is something outside of humanity, and vice versa. I say that, he doesn't. He never falls into such didactic, ideological prose. Instead, he provides four beautiful case studies of how and why people interact with challenging environments -- floods, volcanoes, mudslides -- and leaves the reader looking at nature differently.

Interesting premise
My fav essay was about "the" River. Also, now when watching the evening news, the link between fire and flood makes alot of sense. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Another great McPhee
In what are really three long essays, McPhee explores the debris flows of California's San Gabriel Mountains, volcanos in Iceland (and Hawaii), and the controlling of the lower Mississippi. Fascinating as always, rich in both technical detail and the personalities inside the stories, this book was exactly why I like this author. Except for the practically unpronounceable Icelandic names, a fluid and engrossing book all the way through. ... Read more

Book Description

Ranging from an autobiographical tour-de-force that describes a childhood spent with an alcoholic father to "Looking at Women," a reflection on male yearning and confusion, to a look at the place—or absence—of nature in recent American fiction.

"Sanders looks for and often finds universal truths in the particulars of everyday life. . . . A marvelous celebration of the small and large mysteries of life."
-Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Amazon.com

Passionate outdoorsman Stephen Bodio manages to pull off an important feat in these collected naturewritings: he makes the natural world fresh and new. With a seemingly small detail or minor twist, Bodio takes us to theedge of wildness and beyond. Consider his musings on the fierce but seldom seen--and always inscrutable--goshawk,culled from a piece titled "Why I Love Goshawks": "...you may come around a corner of brush in thelate afternoon to see a big young female gos sitting in the top of a willow, at eye level, no more than thirty feet away.Her streaked buffy breast glows in the bloody light; her eyes, still the pale yellow of youth, are on yours. She's waitingfor you to flush a bird for her; using you, quite consciously, as her dog. We are not used to such arrogance."Bodio writes about other raptors, hunting, some of his favorite books--even a recipe for "reconciliationchili," a dish tailored to local tastes and designed to bring together the frequently warring factions in theAmerican West, or wherever else people are too busy arguing about the land to sit down together over a hearty meal.These essays are not necessarily meant to be read in order; pick up the book, open it anywhere, and find yourselftransported to the few remaining nooks and crannies where humanity is still a visitor. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In an age of mass-produced and disposable objects, traditional crafts are becoming extinct, and appreciation for craftsmanship has become a hobby for the wealthy dilettante. But here and there, a few stalwart individuals carry on the old traditions. Henri Vaillancourt of Greenville, New Hampshire is in large part responsible for the continuing survival of the birch bark canoe. McPhee tells the story not only of Vaillancourt and his work, but of the canoe's role in American history. Many McPhee fans consider this lovely and lucid book one ofhis finest works. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Ethic of Craftsmanship
McPhee's book can be read on several levels, but I prefer to think of it as an example of the triumph of nature over rational planning, or perhaps the triumph of nature over our ideas about nature.

It is the story of a young man's obsession with the old ways of constructing a birch bark canoe. In the first half of the book, McPhee describes in great detail Henri Vaillancourt's dedication to the ethic of craftsmanship. His knowledge comes largely from the books and sketches of Edwin Adney, from visiting other canoe-makers, and from trial and error. He confesses his desire to build the perfect canoe. He uses no nails or screws; even his tools are homemade and archaic. Little else holds his attention.

The second half of the book chronicles McPhee's trip with Henri and a few friends, paddling in Henri's canoes through the lakes and streams of the Maine woods. Interestingly, Henri had made only a handful of canoe trips before, and this would be his first portage and his first trip in rapids.

The book's humor comes from the tension between what the travelers consider natural (good) and what they consider unnatural (bad). Among them there is a partially self-conscious competition to see who can be more "authentic."

For example, Henri tells his friends, before the trip, that the idea is to travel light, "like the Indians," and therefore dissuades them from bringing their larger, more durable tent. When a rainstorm wrecks his friends' lighter tent, and he is forced to share his tent with them, he scorns them for not bringing the bigger tent. Eventually he forsakes his homemade jerky for clams baked on a very modern portable stove. Nothing like an empty stomach to challenge a man's ideals. There are also many discussions about Henry David Thoreau, the original New England nature boy who accidentally started two forest fires.

I don't see these subtle revelations as a criticism of Henri. His canoes may survive the trip, but whether they will survive the modern world, with its inauthentic, aluminum canoes and its Mountain House Freeze-Dried Beef Stroganoff, is another question. The story here seems to be that Henri's efforts, however fine, will remain impure and imperfect because he is human, and that a return to a more "natural," Indian way of life is neither possible nor preferable. In part this is because that life has never existed. It has been imagined and idealized by people like Henry Thoreau. But then Henri Vaillancourt is a craftsman, not a nature boy.

To my mind, McPhee's book raises some interesting questions about what ought to be preserved and what ought to be left behind.

It left me with a tremendous appreciation of bark canoes
As a canoeist, handyman, and McPhee fan, I enjoyed this little book very much. Like the 5-11-2000 reviewer, I found it to come in two parts. The first part details technical details about birch-bark canoes and how Vaillancourt became a self-taught master of their construction. The second part describes a canoe trip with Vaillancourt and others.

That other reviewer found the second half to be parody of Vaillancourt, but I disagree. As in The Deltoid Pumpkin Seed, real life sometimes takes a turn that a dreamer would not expect. Like his other non-fiction, I felt that McPhee offered real insights to the peoples' character and doesn't hesitate to sing their praises nor describe their shortcomings.

I enjoy the copious background information that McPhee includes in all of his books. Even more than a Tracy Kidder book, you come away feeling like you have some in-depth understanding of the subject.

A Strange Little Book
This is a well-written, informative, and also very strange book. McPhee opens the book in an earnest, almost didactic fashion, and you get the idea that this book is going to be one of those staid affairs in which the subject of the book, in this case, a canoe maker named Henri Vaillancourt, is going to be portrayed as some kind of environmental saint and a keeper of Native American tradition. What you get instead though, is almost a parody, with some wickedly wry observations on Vaillancourt's character. You'll either see this book as a mean-spirited vehicle for the author to make fun of Vaillancourt, or you'll giggle all the way through. The Time magazine blurb from the editorial section was obviously written by someone who hadn't read the entire book. This book was written with a wicked grin on the author's face and a little bit of poison in the ink. The only complain I have is that McPhee often plunges into rather overly-technical writing about canoe building, but this occurs less and less often as the book nears its conclusion.

A book on canoe building?....I couldn't put it down!
John McFee has crafted an elegant essay that juxtaposes the lost native art and craft of canoe making with the psyche and only too human angst of an endangered species; a man who embraces the non-technical world.

Relative to Henri Vaillancourt?
I have seen the book and read most of it and think of it as a treasure for craftsmanship. I am also interested in it for the genealogical importance. I hope to find out if Henri is a relation or not. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Alaska by an Alaskan
Many of the best-known books about Alaska, its people and wilderness, have been written from an outsider's perspective (John McPhee, for example, or Joe McGinniss), with an outsider's sense of detachment and strangeness, as though what they were commenting on were just slightly odd on some level.

Margaret Murie (known as "Mardy"), gives as Alaska from a true insider's perspective, as one who grew up with it, knows it in her bones, and loves it the way we love our closest family.

Born in 1902, Mardy moved to Fairbanks at age 9, where kids went to school in -50F temperatures and where the only way in or out of Alaska in winter was on the back of a mail sled propelled by sled dogs. One of the first grads of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, she married the naturalist Olaus Murie and honeymooned in the Arctic. Over the years, fearless Mardy even took her infant children on expeditions into the wild.

The book is an indivisible combination of autobiography and nature writing. Murie has a remarkable eye; her descriptive powers rival McPhee's but her tone is more one of powerful affection rather than awe. My favorite story was of a young teenage Mardy, on her way to the Lower 48 to go to high school, catching the last mail sled out of town in the spring of 1918. This spring trip took many days; at each river crossing there was a possibility of not making it over the thinning ice.

What an adventure! Combined with that adventure is a powerful romance, the lifelong relationship between Olaus, a professional naturalist; Mardy, the fearless and intrepid companion; and Alaska herself.

Mardy Murie died only last year, at age 101. If you read this book, you will regret having just missed her; she deserves to be missed.

"My sense of wilderness is personal" - Margaret E. Murie
Mardy Murie is often referred to as "The Grandmother of American Conservation" and "The Grand Dame of the American Conservation movement, but somehow after reading her story, these titles barely seem adequate to describe such an incredible and personal woman. While we may liken Murie to women like Rachel Carson or Anna Botsford Comstock, Murie's journey is singular. We follow her from her childhood in Wyoming to graduation at the University of Alaska, through love, into the far reaches of the Alaskan North.
Murie successfully bridges the personal and the political, her own life and her life's work, her love for one man and her love for their work together. You will laugh with her, you will cry with her, feel scared for her, and come to love her. She will become your hero.
We must recognize Murie as an American treasure, but we must also recognize that Murie's inspiration is perhaps more important now than it ever was. The most obvious reason for this statement is the continuing struggle to preserve the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from growing oil interests. We must also recognize, however, that Murie could be the inspiration for the young generation of leaders in conservation-- a group of leaders that undoubtedly must include women. That there are very so few women leaders in conservation has caused the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women to recognize the struggle of women in their efforts to achieve leadership positions in the conservation movement. Other organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, the Sierra Club, and the National Wildlife Federation have launched campaigns to attract more women into leadership roles. The lack of women in environmental leadership reflects America's view of rugged individualism in our collective imagination...nowhere has this myth been more prominent than in the discussion of America's last frontier-- a very personal discussion for Ms. Murie.
Not only is Margaret E. Murie a woman in the conservation movement, but she is an American treasure with a very personal and very political story to tell. Even as she approaches her 101st birthday in August, she continues to speak out for Alaska's lands, peoples, and wildlife. Her story is not one of fame, comfort, or glory, but it is her American story. Mardy Murie will become your hero, your inspiration and your friend. Take the journey with her.

"And I see them dancing....."
I, first, heard of Mardy Murie and her husband, Olaus, while watching John Denver's The Wildlife Concert. He wrote A Song For All Lovers for their deep and abiding love for each other and for the state of Alaska. The song's beauty gave rise to my curiousity. And, recently, while watching a documentary of Mardy's life, I became determined to read this book about her life.

This book is a must have. Mrs. Murie paints with words, a picture so vivid of Alaska's tundras and plains, that I felt as if I were part of it. The lifestyle was hard, but satisfying, and this woman's life was nothing short of fascinating. Mardy Murie is a living testament to the strength and beauty of women, and she leaves a shining example of what a woman can do. In her assistance in Olaus' work for the ANWR and other Alaskan Land Conservancies, to her carrying on of that work, she is a beacon to us all of what we can do.

Buy it...read it. You will fall in love with Alaska and with Mardy. ... Read more

Book Description

Hester Mundis, Emmy-nominated writer, author, animal advocate, and humorist, has pulled together a collection of true stories that will change forever the way you think about the animal kingdom.From the border collie who would find her way into a class of special needs children and reach the hearts of all of them to the squirrel monkey who became "Mr.Mom" in a household of cats, these stories will affirm for even the most skeptical doubters that love is not an exclusively human emotion. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

2 Thumbs Up By New York Times Columnist
This is the best book on animal-human relations to come out since country vet James Herriot opened the field with his charming "All Things Bright and Beautiful" series. Naysayers of the bond between people and their pets should take a close look at all the new research coming out of medical schools on companion animals and how their owners live LONGER, happier, safer, healthier and more prosperous lives. The pets in our midst give us their unconditional love and we are better people because of it. Their devotion brings out the best in their owners. Don't miss this engaging and uplifting collection.

Heart Songs is a wonderful, heart-felt book!
Heart Songs For Animal Lovers weaves together a perfect mix of funny stories, including Hester Mundis' own hilarious account of raising both a chimpanzee and a German shepherd "with an attitude" in an apartment in Manhattan (which had me convulsed with laughter) and many other stories that brought me to tears.

Ron Van Warmer's unforgettable tale of Peewee and Black Jack, "The Oddest Couple In Town" managed to accomplish both.

There are also great quotes sprinkled throughout the book, from such diverse sources as Walt Whitman and Plato to Elizabeth Taylor.

I think any lover of animals will love this book, and I especially recommend it to anyone who is mourning the loss of a beloved pet. This book will raise your spirits and make you laugh and cry and not feel so alone. The last chapter, "In Loving Memory: Tributes, Epitaphs, and Eulogies" is especially moving.

It's a great comfort to read a book as heart-felt as Heart Songs, and to know that the world is filled with so many people who love and respect and care for animals.

Many thanks to Hester Mundis for collecting their stories!

A lively book about the lives we share with animals
I'm usually a reader of science fiction, and I tend to get stuck in the idea that meeting members of non-human species is something we'll do tomorrow, in the distant future. This book will remind you that we already share this planet with a whole community of other spieces...and that they have lessons to teach us about love, healing, compassion, humor, and coping with loss. Who knows? If aliens ever really arrive to meet us and read this book, they'll like us...but they may decide that the animals are Earth's real intelligent life. I plan to pass along copies of Heart Songs to family and friends who are dealing with illness, marital strife, and the imminent loss of loved ones, both human and animal. The book has something to say about all these things, and reminds us that we're never alone with our struggles in life as long as there are animals.

A great book I want to share with all my friends!
This is a gem of a book! Whether you're a pet owner or not, you're going to love this heartwarming collection of beautifully written, true life animal stories. It's quite moving to read of people's love for their pets and the devotion these animals give in return. I particularly like the way the author has chosen stories that range from heart breaking to outright hilarious. Plus there are dozens of short,snappy quotes and anecdotes about animals that can't help but make you laugh and think. Yet, it is never too cutesy or cloying.

The cover illustration is absolutely charming and perfectly sets the tone of the entire book. I heartily recommend it and plan on giving it as a gift to friends in the coming months. I just know they'll savor every page the way I did.

I can't say enough about this book and please, please, please, let there be a Heart Songs for Animal Lovers Part Two!! ... Read more

Book Description

Still unsolved, the "Deadly Triangle" has claimed 1,075 ships and planes over the past 25 years

In his book Into The Bermuda Triangle, tenacious researcher Gian Quasar reveals the stunning results of his 12-year investigation into the phenomena that continue to baffle government officials, investigators, scientists, and the many witnesses to these bizarre disappearances.

Based on official reports from the NTSB and other investigative agencies, as well as interviews with scientists, theorists, and survivors of inexplicable occurrences within the Bermuda Triangle, this powerful exposé:

• Documents confirmed disappearances in detail
• Presents a chronological sequence of the most notable Triangle disappearances
• Examines 150 previously unpublished cases from the past 25 years
• Features testimony from eyewitnesses and survivors
• Explores possible explanations and the newest theories: Zero Point Energy, Magnetic Vortices, and more

Reviews (9)

Buy it, borrow it... just read it
I have had my nose in this book all weekend -- it's been a long time since I've found such a fascinating read. I was in the mood for some science fiction but here's yet another reminder that truth (even when posited hypothetically) is not only stranger, but so much more interesting than fiction. Wow! Do yourself a favor and read this book. Even if you remain skeptical you will be introduced to mind-blowing philosophical fodder for your next deep conversation.

Must Read for Inquiring Mnds!
Even if you're a skeptic or the cynical, this is a fascinating non-fiction book you should read. Charles Berlitz "The Bermuda Triangle" that came out during the seventies is still one of my favorite studies of this mysterious and sinister area of the sea. In "Beyond the Bermuda Triangle" the author brings us the latest mysteries and bizarre events in the Triangle--all backed up by scrupulous research and investigation. With brilliant daring, the author also correlates some of the mystery to our universe and the real secret of UFOs. He weaves all of this together in fascinating detail. The fact that hundreds of ships and planes have mysteriously vanished since the first "Bermuda Triangle" appeared in the seventies should chill us all. And wonder what is behind this everyday nightmare.

Important Read
I can't believe this book has only warranted 6 reviews so far. Mine will be short and sweet - this is an excellent and absorbing read. I didn't want to take my copy back to the library.
After reading this book, I'm convinced that our planet has a lot more to show us, regarding it's past and our future.

A fascinating read!!
I loved this book, and couldn't put it down. Reading it is like making the long, exciting, slow climb up a roller coaster -- you want to cover your eyes, but you just can't. The author is obviously passionate about his research, and his findings go far beyond any other book on this subject. I'll be flying through the Bermuda Triangle in April, 2004, and now am armed with many landmarks, curiosities, etc., to look for from my (hopefully) safe vantage point! Highly recommended!

The "Best book on the subject"
I am happy to leave this review here about this book to clarify for those who are considering buying it and would appreciate a mature review. After reading it I am not surprised that Hawaii's Mike Buck (The Mike Buck Show) announced on the air that there would be a "groundswell" to get this book, nor that Whitley Strieber declared it to be the "best book written on the Bermuda Triangle." I can see why the Coast Guard contacted the author and is even considering revising or retracting their very dated opinion on the topic.
Let me clarify that this book is attempting to call attention to a real problem. It is not about accidents, but about DISAPPEARANCES that have no explanation. The summaries of incidents in this book are taken directly from official NTSB, US Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force accident investigation reports, plus bulletins from Lloyd's of London-- NOT from some 30 year old book based on old newspapers. The first chapter makes it clear that the Triangle is not traveled much more than other areas, such as off New England, the Med. Sea and the North Sea. Coast Guard stats between 1st Coast Guard district (New England) and the 7th Coast Guard district (Triangle) show that 20 aircraft have vanished in fair weather in the last decade as opposed to 4 or so off New England in foul weather, yet the calls for assistance are nearly the same (10,000 and 9,000), in each district indicating similar amount of travel and trouble encountered in both places, yet disappearances are way out of proportion in the Triangle.
Over 80 aircraft have vanished in the Triangle in the last 25 years, and each one mentioned in the book is documented by the National Transportation Safety Board. One need only browse their index of months on their web site to count the aircraft. NOTHING has vanished over the Rocky Mountains in the same period of time. Stats on how many have disappeared over The Great Lakes in the last 40 years make an interesting comparison. About 30 have vanished there, giving the area the reputation of the "Great Lakes Triangle. Yet over 125 have vanished in the Triangle, many of them in truly unusual circumstances.
Unexplained IS a mystery to those whose brains do not swim in alcohol, and mystery is directing us to unexplored territory where we may find some of the greatest discoveries of the future. The book is so well documented, only a real loony fringe scoffer would try and represent it otherwise. Perhaps that is why the media is slightly tongue-tied over this book. It is not what anybody would expect from as subject that is often considered "politically incorrect." ... Read more

Book Description

The first chronological presentation of U.S. nature writing by key women authors of the last two centuries. ... Read more

Book Description

Part odyssey, part pilgrimage, this epic personal narrative follows the author's exploration of coasts, islands, reefs, and the sea's abyssal depths. Scientist and fisherman Carl Safina takes readers on a global journey of discovery, probing for truth about the world's changing seas, deftly weaving adventure, science, and political analysis.
... Read more

Reviews (28)

Highly informative work dealing with the worlds fisheries
I found this book to provide the most accurate portrayal of the interactions of the different facits of society and how that affects our marine fish populations. In particular, I found Mr.Safinas description of the commercial fishing persona to be in my my experience, profoundly accurate. In particular, Dr. Safina was able to grasp the essence of how the profit motive subverts good men and women and causes them to destroy the very animals their lives depend on. I have been involved with the fisheries of the North Pacific for fourty years, both in recreational and commercial aspects. This is the first literary work that I have come across that so accurately describes the present condition of our salmon populations in real terms, and how that affects the people who depend upon these fish for work and play.

Although I do not have any intimate knowledge of the other areas of the world Dr. Safina deals with in his book, I found it to be very intersting. I found the information that he stated about the salmon situation to be implicitely true. Therefore, I feel safe to say that the information in this book can be relied upon without fail.

An inspirational and engrossing book
An engrossing and inspirational book cateloguing the devastation we are causing to the Oceans and the environment around us. Carl Safina has written a book that anyone who cares for the Ocean and the life within it must read. The balance of his views is remarkable, showing the struggle between the demands of the people who's lives depend on the fishing industry and the devastation we have wrought in the oceans by overfishing and the damage to the environment. The book is also a travelogue as well and describes the different environments and the people who live in them with a travellers eye as well as telling the story of the fishing industry there. It opens up an acedemic and complex subject and makes it accessible to those of us who love the oceans and the environment. One of the best books I have ever read.

Beauty beyond compare
This is one of the most beautiful, powerful books I have ever read. Safina's journey encompasses the entire world and all points of view. His words have inspired me to pursue my dreams and opened up new worlds of knowledge. Now, every time I hear of politicians doing something stupid to the oceans or rivers, I just shake my head and say "'Song' should be required reading for them before they can draft a piece of legislation dealing with the oceans."

McPhee on Red Bull
This book would be twice as good if it were half as long. Evidently the only editors were fawning friends of the author, who must have felt that every observation, no matter how offhand or trivial, needed to be included in the bloated text. This is too bad, because he is a decent writer, knows and cares about fish and fisheries, and the story is compelling. Imagine John McPhee full of Red Bull and vodka and you get the idea.
Also, a book that uses the silly word "waitron" without irony, and "heregia" twice in a hundred pages can be a little precious.

Entertaining Science
Is it a novel, a journey through the seas, or a scientific work describing the demise of fishes around the world while offering policy suggestions? It doesn't matter what kind of book it is- it may be all in one. What matters is that Carl Safina has written a book, Song for the Blue Ocean, which tells the story of living oceans; a book that catches your attention through adventure and interesting characters, witty writing, strong emotion, and terse opinions strewn amongst simple science.

In the preface, Safina mentions that he will be our guide and interpreter, but ultimately we have to make our own decisions regarding what the oceans and their inhabitants really mean to us. Nonetheless, I feel quite comfortable following Safina's lead. After receiving his doctorate in ecology and starting a career as an academic, Safina decided that he needed to take a stronger stand on conservation and scientific policy regarding the world's imperiled fish. He founded and now directs the National Audubon Society's Living Oceans Program, and wrote Song for the Blue Ocean merely 10 years after graduate school. Safina has a unique and open perspective on the state of the world's fishes, once as a commercial and sport fisherman, and now as a world-renowned scientist. Personally, I feel quite comfortable allowing Safina's guide and interpretations to influence my own opinions.

Song for the Blue Ocean is split into three distinct sections: the Northeast, the Northwest, and the Far Pacific. In addition, each section focuses on an imperiled species, namely the Giant Bluefin Tuna, pacific Salmon, and coral reefs; nonetheless, Safina is able to depict the bigger picture of the world's fisheries and common problems with these three examples. Not only does the reader get an inside look at fishing culture and the conservationist culture, but we also learn about the bigger picture of fisheries, i.e. externalities of fishing like by-catch, various fishing styles (from spear fishing to cyanide poisoning), the state of these fisheries, and the huge political aspects of fishing. Safina artfully intertwines information about national and international agencies involved in the conservation of fisheries, like CITES and the Endangered Species Act, without it sounding like a lecture. We learn about various species of sponges and coral reef fish, or the difference between steelhead trout and Chinook salmon, during the while we are enchanted by Safina's adventures floating down an icy Northwest river or almost dying of nitrogen narcosis while SCUBA diving 160 feet deep in the Palau islands.

The book flows very smoothly. Safina builds up the story, grasps ahold of your attention, and then leads you through the steps until he has made his point clear. For instance, Safina talks of the beautiful large and diverse trees in the Pacific Northwest, then introduces the concept of a snag- a tree that has died, but continues to stand upright for many years. Once it finally falls, hundreds of species move in, under, through, and around the fallen log. Finally, we understand that clear cutting and second growth forests near rivers do not provide adequate habitat for spawning salmon, which rely on the deep pool behind the fallen snag to deposit their eggs. All the while, this simple chain of events is presented in a very romantic and mysterious way, and it all seems so important. Safina also captures my attention with the conversations between the amazing characters in his book. They are funny, disturbing, happy, sad- they are martyrs, antagonists and clueless. They provide much of the information in the book, but they also provide relief from the continuous science and bleak outlook on the state of the fisheries.

Truthfully, there is not much about Song for the Blue Ocean that I did not enjoy, but Safina does tend to dwell on the past, with a few too many "back in the good old days" stories. This type of talk can be fun and contagious, nonetheless too much of this babble is unhelpful in the context of conservation. Similarly, Safina slips from time to time with sarcastic remarks. Some may find this witty, but I find it ineffective. Enjoyment of this book also depends on what your expectations are, some may find it too political, or others may not find it scientific enough. Safina approaches his journey with an open mind- and this is also the best way to approach his book.

Safina's unique perspective lends itself to an original story. He is a weary scientist in the middle of a debate over the state of the world's fisheries, who wants to discover the truth for himself. His journey takes him to all corners of the ocean, where he meets and listens to real people whose livelihood depends on the fish. His book therefore portrays all angles of the story, which allows the reader to form her own opinion (as Safina wanted). Safina does distinguish between fact and opinion on a regular basis; nonetheless he is not afraid to express his opinion, sometimes very strongly.

This book is for anyone- scientists and non-scientists. Young and old alike. People who want to learn more about the worlds imperiled fisheries will get their fill. Others who are mildly interested in fish, or fishing, or the world's oceans will be entertained. Even people who just pick up the book without any preface will find the writing, unique characters, and Safina's journeys across the Atlantic and Pacific extremely refreshing. This book really is all-in-one. Safina has mastered the art of hybridization, with perfect proportions of science, policy, and adventure. ... Read more

Book Description

The Life of an Oak takes an intimate look at all aspects of the oak tree, from a microscopic examination of its cellular processes to a survey of the grand Diaspora by which members of this remarkable family have spread around the world and diversified.The separate yet exquisitely coordingated development of male and female flowers, the bursting of buds, the outpouring of leaves, and the groping of roots are described in language and art that will enchant the professional and armchair botanist alike. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A remarkable book
I picked up this book thinking that I should have it in my library but not much more. I was soon captivated by its lovely figures and pictures and by its insightful discussions of ALL the various aspects of the oak. I'm not a botanist or even an ecologist, and this book is not just for oak-wonks or something. On the other hand, I just gave my copy to the resident scientist at a local oak preserve (in the hills above San Diego) and so here I am back to buy yet another copy for my library. Highly recommended.

Best Book on Oaks
I bought this book for my father who is developing an oak park. He has an insatiable appetite for books, especially those on oaks, he loved it and said it was the best book on oaks he'd ever read...

A complete and enjoyable book about the oaks of the world.
I enjoyed this book because it was complete and had much up-to-date information. Many botancial texts are often out-of-date by the time they have been in print for a time, so it was nice to find soch good, up-to-date material. It's also well written. It's actually a fun read about oaks. Good pictures also. AFter reading this book, whether you are an expect or just a fan, you'll never pass an oak without a much deeper understanding and appreciation of what a unique plant it is. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is Nelson's luminously wise account of his exploration of an unnamed island in the Pacific Northwest.This book revises our own relationship with nature, allowing us to observe it and also to participate in it with reverence and a sense of wonder. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Still trying to complete this one...
The title drew me in and the subject sounded great. But to be honest it is still on the shelf as I just couldn't get motivated with this one.

I will have another look but after half the book is read I am still not very interested. Sorry.

A Passion for Place
Here is a book that you may have to digest in small bits. Nelson's prose is dense, descriptive and charged with an intensity that occasionally makes you wonder how he can stand to inhabit his own skin. His description of the day he spent deer hunting for example - the physical strain of stalking, questioning the "rightenss" of his mental and spiritual state, worrying about having enough meat to tide himself and his family over for the winter, trying to read the signs he perceives in the woods, remembering the teaching of the elders of the Indian tribe he studied with - is exhausting for the reader as well as Nelson. This doesn't mean it wasn't worth the work; just that you may need a break every so often to catch your breath.

The Island Within is about a special relationship Nelson has built with an island in the Pacific Northwest. When he is not there, studying the animals, hunting with his dog and exploring on his own or with his family, he is wishing he was and planning his next visit. The reader is treated not only to graphic physical descriptions of the island and its inhabitants, but to Nelson's ongoing internal dialog with himself, in which he seeks to balance three very different ways of life - the loner, the family man and the student of Indian ways.

Perhaps the greatest gift offered by this book is a fresh look at how a human being can relate to his world. As much as I came to appreciate the island, I also enjoyed Nelson's tales of his time spent away from it. His fishing trip with his son, the days he spends working in his garden picking berries, the long runs he takes with his dog, his playful attempt to sneak up on a family of seals and his description of the day he decided to open all his windows and let the winds of a large storm blow through his home are equally fun and revealing. Here is someone who has recognized that he is part and parcel of the physical world, and has dared to tear down preconceived notions in order to interact with it in new and playful ways.

The one thing you should not expect from The Island Within is a clear cut plot and story line. This book is all about sharing at an elemental level.

An Extraordinary Book
This book is full of detailed and entrancing descriptions of the natural world. The author is apparently driven to seek out atypical encounters with nature such as luring hummingbirds to perch on his finger, sinking his fingers into steaming bear dung, kayaking among whales, or placing his person in front of dangerous surf. He takes you on those trips and more. Many passages have an abstract, poetic or you could say even acid-trip quality, for example, as the author describes his body merging with the island or an eagle. Great writing skill displayed in these flowing sequences as well as with the grounded descriptions of flora and fauna, the author's family and their life in Alaska.

A Treasure
This book is a treasure to be cherished, to be read and reread, to be pondered deeply. An easy facility with poetic language combined with insatiable curiousity and in depth knowledge of the natural world focuses on the kind of inter-relationship human creatures are called to have with "this fragile earth, our island home."

Mist and deer
Richard Nelson writes a lovely, haunting collection of essays, mostly set on an island off the coast of Southeast Alaska. Although this book fits into the category of literaure called nature writing, Nelson takes positions which may seem atypical in the environmentalist community, especially his support of hunting as a means of acquiring one's food. Nelson argues convincingly that people have the greatest sense of the land, the greatest sense of spiritual connection, when they subsist from the land on which they live. A cultural anthropologist who spent a great deal of time studying and living with the Koyukon people of interior Alaska, Nelson draws heavily upon these experiences as they inform his actions on "his" island. Mostly, though, the book is a chronicle of his days spent on the island, stalking deer, surfing off the western shore of the island, watching out for brown bears, and reflecting on the ambivalence many of us feel about sharing a special place with other people. Nelson's language seems to reflect the landscape itself, evoking a sense of the mist and drizzle of the island. A landmark book in nature writing. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (9)

A feel-good classic!
This is the fourth in a series written by a Scottish veterinarian who takes a job in Yorkshire, England, working under Siegfried Farnon. James Herriot, Farnon and his brother Tristan work on all sorts of animals from parakeets to draft horses.

James Herriot has a wonderful ability to poke fun at himself, as is illustrated in one of his earliest essays from the first work, All Things Bright and Beautiful, where he clips the beak of a budgie, inadvertently suffocating the poor creature. We then see him struggle to find a replacement for the little bird, its owner's best friend. Later, we watch Herriot's bumbling attempt to court his future wife Helen.

In The Lord God Made Them All, Herriot is returning from World War II where he served as an RAF officer; he's married with two children but he still works for Siegfried Farnon. Siegfried will remind you of a character from Dickens. He's an excellent veterinary but his many quirks and foibles make him a trying boss at times. Then there's his ne'er-do-well brother, Tristan. They're constantly fighting and Herriot usually winds up in the middle. The Yorkshire farmers are also fascinating. Herriot has a wonderful facility with dialect and some of the dialogue is hilarious.

In the first story Herriot sets out to "nip" (castrate) a calf. "There's nobbut one, Mr. Herriot," the farmer says. "An enormous black animal galloped out . . . I stared at the spreading horns, the great hump of muscle on the shoulder and the coldly glittering eyes. It only needed a blast on a trumpet and sand instead of cobbles and I was in the Plaza de Toros in Madrid."

Quite often Herriot serves as a psychologist, to his human clients. In one story, Herriot is awakened at one in the morning to treat Myrtle the beagle, whose drunken owner has a guilt complex about leaving his dog alone to attend the races. There's nothing wrong with the dog, but to assuage the owner's fears, Herriot gives Myrtle a vitamin tablet. This happens again and again, and when Herriot finally confronts the owner about the imaginary illnesses, the dog is really sick.

Yes, the joke is usually on Herriot, but if your animal is sick, you call James Herriot and sometimes you call him just to talk.
These are wonderful, nostalgic stories that take the reader back to a simpler time. It's so good you'll find yourself reading it as a pick-me-up when you feel blue.

A Fitting Conclusion
My wife and I just finished reading the whole series of four Herriot books. I think that the first one (_All Creatures Great and Small_) is probably the best one overall. The author probably put the best stories he knew into his first book. But there are several delightful stories spread through the later books, and all four make for enjoyable reading.

This book has a couple unique features. One is that the author goes on a couple international adventures traveling as caretaker of some overseas animal shipments. These are interesting travel stories on their own. Also in this book we meet James' children and see them grow up to some degree.

_The Lord God Made Them All_ is a fittingly warm and pleasant conclusion to a really enjoyable series of books.

a beloved memoir
James Herriot once again takes you on a magical journey through his whimsical hamlet of Yorkshire Dales, stealing your heart at every stop along the way. Anyone who picks up this book will be immediately captivated by the depth of love and respect for animals that embodies all of Herriot's books. Every character you meet, be it human or animal, will tug your heartstrings in a manner that you never expected from such a humble book whose clear honesty parallels that of the other books in an unforgettable series. You don't have to be an animal crazed lover like me to enjoy the simple joys of this book- it is definitely a cherished read, you won't regret it!

Good compilation of vignettes
I read James Herriot's first four books when I was a child.Now in my 30's, I recently picked up his fifth book.I was struck by how these stories are ostensibly about animals, but say vastly more about their human owners and the need for companionship.Herriot's writing style is appropriately simple and unadorned, which atcually helps increase the impact of his stories.However, his writing can be a bit repetitive at times.There really is not a plot, just a selection of stories from his years as a a vet and resident of a small Yorkshire town.

Unfortunately, he jumps around in time a bit too much (from 1947 to the mid-1950s).For example, he includes journal passages from trips he has taken as a vet escorting animals for sale to other countries.These stories are fairly interesting, but don't really belong here and are interspersed between all the other stories, further leading to a lack of context.Overall, a worthwhile, but flawed book that is significantly buoyed by Herriot's obvious love of animals and their owners.

Heck of a Book
James Herriot is a remarkable author.He proves this once again in the last of his set of novels, The Lord God Made Them All.In it Herriot tells us maore heartwarming tales of his life as a Yorkshire veterinarian.He writes very down to earth, which allows readers to relate to his stories very well.Especially in this book. Herriot not only writes about his experiences as a vet , but about becoming a father, and experiences hehas while his children are young.An old client of Herriot once tells him, "Aye, there's no doubt about it, when your children are young and growin' up around ye- that's when it's best.It's the same for everybody, only a lot o'folk don't know it and a lot find out when it's too late."(369) James also writes about his voyage to Russia on a freighter with a bunch of pedigree sheep.And his journey to Istanbul which was supposed to be luxurous and relaxing.Needless to say, it was far from that.Nevertheless, as in all his stories, Herriot is able to turn them around to make us laugh and fill us with wisdom. After reading the book, I have aquired a better apprecition of life, and high hopes for the future.You can't help but think that way when he ends the book with the words, "....there are great days ahead!" ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (8)

I would give all of his books more than 5 stars if I could!
If you want a book that will take you back to the country life and its people with all their foibles and admirable qualities and love animals then his books will be pure enjoyment! I love the way he tells his stories. In his stories, he doesn't ever claim to be the best veterinarian around (I think he underrated himself), but you know he is a wonderful, kind, animal and people loving person. The way he speaks about the people and animals he comes in contact with, come to life and you feel you are right there with him. You will laugh, maybe cry, and cheer him on as you read. If you have animals, or raise them, you will love his books, although you don't have to own any to appreciate them.

A Gem!
My first experience with the late James Herriot's inspirational books took place in a bookstore in Singapore, in the 80's. I was barely 14 & had not heard of this writer/vet. But as soon as I started reading All Things Wise and Wonderful - my very first JH book, I knew I had to get the rest of the series.
Through his poignant, funny, sensitive and Yorkshire-accented writing, I relived his world as a practising vet. His was a world where decent, civic minded people lived with much love & respect for their pets and farm animals. A world where I wanted/want to be in.
It is true how one book reviewer put it: every chapter will have you either laughing out loud or shedding a quiet tear. To this day, I still remember some of his stories that touched my heart. The courtship years when a young JH was trying to impress Helen (who eventually became his very supportive wife); the timid little black stray cat, who with her last breath, would placed her one surviving kitten into the hands of a caring family; the endearing 'beggar' dog; the bored, pampered & misunderstood pet dog of a wealthy spinster...I could almost touch and see JH's characters through his vivid writing. I even felt his pride when his daughter also became a vet, & his son a doctor.
I am sorry that there were not more of his wonderful tales.

The Unabridged Audio Set Is Wonderful!
The reading on the audio cassettes is done by Christopher Timothy, the actor who plays James Herriot on the BBC series "All Creatures Great And Small". He does a magnificent job of Sigfried, Tristan and all the dales farmers. It is truly a delight to listen to this series of tapes - it takes you into another world.

(Note: there appears to be an error above, listing Edmund Stoiber as the reader.)

In this set, James has joined the RAF to support the war effort, though fate has other plans for him. We follow his attempts to get in shape and become a pilot, as events and people remind him of his many experiences back in his vet practice.

Perhaps because of the War Years, some of these stories are slightly more edgy, such as a rash of dog-poisonings and an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that is uncomfortably reminiscent of recent events. But overall there is that sweetness of tone that pervades all of Herriot's work.

I think my favorite story was the old farmer fetching two gallons of the local pub's best beer in a milk bucket in order to warm a mother pig to her new family. Of course he saved a "drop" for himself and his mates. The amazing thing about these books is that there is never a repeated story throughout the whole series.

Another favorite
James Harriot has that amazing ability to transport you into his world, take you into his confidence, and offer you his friendship.....all through a series of heartwarming stories taken from his life as a Yorkshire vet. It's so refreshing to read books that are not strewn with violence and sex...yet which captivate your attention. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants some good wholesome entertainment and an occasional chuckle.

A wonderful end to a fabulous series of books!
I have read each of James Herriot's books many times (including this one) and still enjoy them every time I read them! This book is one of my favorite books of the series, and is highly recommended by me. If you have read the other books you will love this one just as much if not more! If you have not read any of the other books, this book would also be a good one to start off with. After reading it I can assure you that you will want to read all the others. NOTE: I also have all five of these books on audio tape (by Christopher Timothy) and would recommend these as well! It is great to listen to them while you do hobbies since you can actually do two things at the same time, and Christopher Timothy (who played James Herriot in the BBC series) really brings the characters to life, using different voices and accents. ... Read more

Book Description

Living with Wild Bears in Alaska

"A heart-stopping eco-adventure, a testimony to both the grizzlies and their courageous protector."

--People

"The grizzly bear is one of a very few animals remaining on earth that can kill a human in physical combat. It can decapitate with a single swipe or grotesquely disfigure a person in rapid order. Within the last wilderness areas where they dwell, they are the undisputed king of all beasts. I know this very well. My name is Timothy Treadwell, and I live with the wild grizzly. . . ."

After Timothy Treadwell nearly died from a heroin overdose, he sought healing far from the trappings of civilization--among wild grizzlies on the remote Alaskan coast. Without gun, two-way radio, or experience living in the wild, armed only with the love and respect he felt for these majestic animals, Treadwell set up camp surrounded by one of nature's most terrifying and fascinating forces of nature.

Here is the story of his astonishing adventures with grizzlies: soothing aggressive adolescents, facing down thousand-pound males, swimming with mothers and cubs, surviving countless brushes with death, earning their trust and acceptance. In these incredible pages, Treadwell lives a life no human has ever attempted, and ultimately saves his own. To share his experience is awesome, harrowing, and unforgettable.

"LIKE AFRICA NATURALIST JANE GOODALL, TREADWELL GIVES PERSONAL NAMES TO HIS SUBJECTS. . . . Bears have distinct personalities, Treadwell shows, and as a group, individual roles become clearly defined by gender, size, and age."

--The Seattle Times

With twenty-nine photographs ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Where is the Decency???
At least Timothy Treadwell died doing something that he loved. How many of you "reviewers" can say that you even have a reason to wake up eary morning???? I think it's pretty pitiful that so many people lack compassion and respect. Whether his approach was right or wrong, there is still something called human decency. Basing the validity of his work on how he died may be just as unfair as anyone who gets killed in the process of helping others (police,teachers) or those who just die doing what they love (race car drivers, athletes). Have respect for family members and friends who may read these reviews...

Delicious!
Up until the moment they shot me, I thoroughly enjoyed Timothy Treadwell and his companion. I will say that he was a bit gamey, but hey, that's backpacking, right? In particular, I enjoyed his pleas for help and his small intestine. I believe I tasted just the faintest hint of vanilla.

Oh, wait, this is for BOOK reviews?

What are the underpinnings behind this madness?
Having recently read this book, I want to ascertain the unstated assumptions driving these people to their worldview (and in the case of Treadwell, his death). As best I can determine, the Grizzly People cult believe this:

1. If you believe that people, bears, ducks, etc., ought to love each other, love is guaranteed;
2. If you talk enough about peace, you'll get it;
3. There are no such things as enemies (or predators), just friends we haven't apologized to.

Notwithstanding the tragedy of his death, I am heartened that darwinian effects invariably removed Treadwell's genes from the pool.

Entertaining but how much of it is real??
Actually, against my better taste, I enjoyed reading this book. However, I thought Thr