Featured Books
Haiku Landscapes
Stephen
Addiss with Fumiko and Akiro Yamamoto collected 120 haiku and 40
paintings that meditate on the Japanese landscape through the seasons.
There are two other volumes about nature in the series: A Haiku Menagerie and A Haiku Garden.
The Birds of Heaven
Peter
Matthiessen writes of his journeys around the world to study and help
protect endangered cranes. As with other of his writing, the reader
learns about the inner and outer life of people and places as well as
cranes in this poignant book. The book is beautifully illustrated by
Robert Bateman.
Small Wonder
In this book of essays, Barbara Kingsolver speaks to the hearts of all
those who love nature with a sensitive, caring heart. She urges us not
to give up hope for the environment, for peace, and for human love in
the world in spite of the rising tide of animosity and destruction.
"I'd like to speak of small wonders, and the possibility of taking
heart."
Listening Point
Author
Sigurd F. Olson writes about his book: "I know that while we were born
with curiosity and wonder, and our early years are full of the wonder
they bring, such inherent joys are often lost. I also know that, being
deep within us, their latent glow can be fanned to flame again by
awareness and an open mind. Listening Point is dedicated to rekindling that flame..."
High Sierra
If
you are not planning to hike California's Sierra Nevada, you might
overlook this book by Phil Arnot. However, tucked into this hiking
guide is a chapter called "Unique Experiences in the Range of Light."
In this chapter Arnot gives ten ideas for experiencing nature that are
perfect nature writing inspirations.
Poems of the American West
Edited by Robert Mezy. New York: Everyman's Library Pocket Poets; Alfred A. Knopf, 2002.
From Native
American verses to Gary Soto, these poems, collected by poet Robert
Mezy, open minds and hearts to the many moods of human interaction with
nature in the American West. This pocket size Everyman Library edition
is well worth the ten dollars and easy to toss in a duffel for
inspirational reading on a trip.
Seeds from a Birch Tree: Writing Haiku and the Spiritual Journey
Written by Clark Strand. New York: Hyperion Books, 1997.
An inspirational book by Clark Strand that gets me writing. It is a
book you can keep by your bed or on your desk and dip into from time to
time for encouragement in writing and in the journey of life. A great
book for your own writing workshop.
The Near Sighted Naturalist
Written and Illustrated by Ann Zwinger. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1998.
A book of essays by Ann Zwinger, author of many naturewriting books.
These essays reveal her life story as a writer. They enable us to see
her at work in a variety of settings. In one chapter, "Drawing on
Experience," she tells about how she does her wonderful drawings that
illustrate her books. In another chapter, "The Art of Wandering," she
tells about the inspirational role walking and notetaking have for her
writing.
The Journal 1837-1961
Written by Henry David Thoreau. Edited by Damion Searls. New York: New York Review Books, 2009.
The best edition of Thoreau's Journal available. An essential
for every nature writer's library. This edition's font and layout make
it clear and easy to read. It's portable and affordable. My copy is
literally filled with Post-its, notes, and underlining. Inspiration and
models for all nature writers. If I knew Mr. Searls, I'd write him a
thank-you note.
Canoe Country
Written by Florence Page Jaques. Illustrated by Francis Lee Jaques. Minneapolis: University of Minesota Press, 1938.
The story of canoeing and camping in northern Minnesota Boundary Waters
written as a journal. It combines descriptions of natural wonders--both
large and small--with humor and wisdom. Francis and Florence have been
living in New York, pursuing careers, and Francis wants to take
Florence on a three week wilderness canoe trip to show her the beauty
of his home country before it disappears in development, but Florence
has never been camping. A delightful book--from the perspectives of
nature, history, and the loving relationship of two very artistic
people. The book also provides a good model for nature writers planning
a book about their own journeys.