I'm on a roll with books today. This book was loaned to me by a co-worker who thought I'd enjoy it. Boy was he right! Written in the late '50s, this book is a delight to read, and is terribly informative!
The author went to college c. WWI. She became a botanist and ended up working at the Morton Arboretum, in Illinois. Her writing is very readable and just chocked full of information. I was so impressed by this book, that not only did I read it in only a few nights, I went on-line to see if I could order a copy somewhere. Luckily for all of us, it is still in print.
Now, I know what you are thinking - botany, how dull. But it's not just about botany. It's about how plants can tell us about the history of the land around us. Sure, I love the list of native plants found in various types of prairie ecosystems (good reference material), but I also enjoyed the trip along the lakeshore that brought to light the lives of the emergent vegetation, and her walk from the headwaters of a stream, following it down through the gorge is carved in the landscape, opened my eyes to the ways plants colonize the sides of a ravine. Her tale of how she and her friends determined the closing date of an old abandoned schoolhouse is an eye-opener.
I highly recommend this delightful book. No matter where you live, if you are a nature enthusiast you will enjoy reading this volume.
I want my book back Ellen
ReplyDeleteBill Sonnett
It's in my office, Bill. Gary loaned it to me a couple weeks ago. I'm just waiting for my copy so I can transfer my notes from yours! (Don't worry - I just put bookmarks in your copy!)
DeleteThanks Ellen. I always learn something when I stop by your blog. My copy is on the way! $13.49 at Amazon. I did however almost order the wrong book. The same author wrote Reading the Landscape of America, and also Reading the Landscape of Europe. Don't wanna read bout no foreign landscapes ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a book I'd be really interested in, thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen, I look forward to reading it. I love your new masthead with the owl.
ReplyDeleteI found a great horned owl recently near the side of the road recently, bones broken near the shoulder somewhere. I expect to get him back for release this summer.
DeleteI've never seen one up close like that, absolutely beautiful bird.
Ellen, this sounds like one I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI would love you to review it on my book blog, http://reviewsbynellie.blogspot.com/ Write it in the comments, then I'll format it and post it giving you credit and linking to your blog if you would like. I'm trying hard to get a variety of writers (readers) on it.
nellie