Presenting spectacular photographs of astronomical objects of the southern sky, all taken by author Stephen Chadwick, this book explores what peoples of the South Pacific see when they look up at the heavens and what they have done with this knowledge. From wives killing brothers to emus rising out of the desert and great canoes in the sky, this book offers the perfect blend of science, tradition and mythology to bring to life the most famous sights in the heavens above the southern hemisphere. The authors place this starlore in the context of contemporary understandings of astronomy. The night sky of southern societies is as rich in culture as it is in stars. Stories, myths and legends based on constellations, heavenly bodies and other night sky phenomena have played a fundamental role in shaping the culture of pre-modern civilizations throughout the world. Such starlore continues to influence societies throughout the Pacific to this day, with cultures throughout the region – from Australia and New Zealand in the south to New Guinea and Micronesia in the north - using traditional cosmology as a means of interpreting various aspects of everyday life.

The Carib Indians are warned by their sky god to build canoes in order to escape a world-wide flood, but few believe him.

“The Starship and the Canoe is neither a wilderness survival manual nor a book of blueprints. It is another of those rare books impossible to define: the kind that seeks you in time. And you will know it, live it, and consult it thereafter simply by name.” --Chicago Sun-Times “Brower’s superbly written book clutches at one’s imagination.” --Publishers Weekly “In the tradition of Carl Sagan and John McPhee, a bracing cerebral voyage past intergalactic hoopla and backwoods retreats.” --Kirkus Reviews Originally published in 1978, The Starship and the Canoe is the remarkable story of a father and son: Freeman Dyson is a world-renowned astrophysicist who dreams of exploring the heavens and has designed a spaceship to take him there. His son George, a brilliant high school dropout, lives in a treehouse and is designing a giant kayak to explore the icy coastal wilderness of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Author Kenneth Brower describes with stunning impact their lives and their visions of the world. It is a timeless tale framed by modern science, adventure, family, and the natural world.

For fans of Cheryl Strayed, the gripping story of a biologist's human-powered journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Arctic to rediscover her love of birds, nature, and adventure. During graduate school, as she conducted experiments on the peculiarly misshapen beaks of chickadees, ornithologist Caroline Van Hemert began to feel stifled in the isolated, sterile environment of the lab. Worried that she was losing her passion for the scientific research she once loved, she was compelled to experience wildness again, to be guided by the sounds of birds and to follow the trails of animals. In March of 2012, she and her husband set off on a 4,000-mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Alaskan Arctic, traveling by rowboat, ski, foot, raft, and canoe. Together, they survived harrowing dangers while also experiencing incredible moments of joy and grace -- migrating birds silhouetted against the moon, the steamy breath of caribou, and the bond that comes from sharing such experiences. A unique blend of science, adventure, and personal narrative, The Sun is a Compass explores the bounds of the physical body and the tenuousness of life in the company of the creatures who make their homes in the wildest places left in North America. Inspiring and beautifully written, this love letter to nature is a lyrical testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Winner of the 2019 Banff Mountain Book Competition: Adventure Travel

“This quietly profound book belongs on the shelf next to Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild.” —The New York Times The riveting true story of Dick Conant, an American folk hero who, over the course of more than twenty years, canoed solo thousands of miles of American rivers—and then disappeared near the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This book “contains everything: adventure, mystery, travelogue, and unforgettable characters” (David Grann, best-selling author of Killers of the Flower Moon). For decades, Dick Conant paddled the rivers of America, covering the Mississippi, Yellowstone, Ohio, Hudson, as well as innumerable smaller tributaries. These solo excursions were epic feats of planning, perseverance, and physical courage. At the same time, Conant collected people wherever he went, creating a vast network of friends and acquaintances who would forever remember this brilliant and charming man even after a single meeting. Ben McGrath, a staff writer at The New Yorker, was one of those people. In 2014 he met Conant by chance just north of New York City as Conant paddled down the Hudson, headed for Florida. McGrath wrote a widely read article about their encounter, and when Conant's canoe washed up a few months later, without any sign of his body, McGrath set out to find the people whose lives Conant had touched--to capture a remarkable life lived far outside the staid confines of modern existence. Riverman is a moving portrait of a complex and fascinating man who was as troubled as he was charismatic, who struggled with mental illness and self-doubt, and was ultimately unable to fashion a stable life for himself; who traveled alone and yet thrived on connection and brought countless people together in his wake. It is also a portrait of an America we rarely see: a nation of unconventional characters, small river towns, and long-forgotten waterways.

Most of the constellations, the patterns of stars found in the night sky, are connected with the ancient myths which people developed to give meaning to what they saw in the sky, based on the experience of their culture. The ideas of modern astronomy play a similar role for us today. They are stories which help us understand the phenomena we discover when we look deeper into the sky than is possible with eyes alone. In this book, the ancient sky stories and those of modern astronomy are woven together in a unique way. Coverage includes twenty-four important constellations as well as the sun and the moon and the sky as a whole. For each of these, one of the old stories is tied together with the astronomical understanding of a key feature in that part of the sky, allowing one story to serve as a reminder for the other.

Greatest Works of Washington Irving Part I: This exceptional collection brings together some of the greatest literary works by the esteemed American author, Washington Irving. Included in this anthology are "An Old Fashioned Christmas Day," "Old Christmas From the Sketch Book of Washington Irving," "The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Vol. II)," and the timeless classic "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Through these captivating narratives, Irving showcases his talent for storytelling, his deep appreciation for history and culture, and his gift for conjuring delightful tales that continue to enchant readers of all ages. Key Aspects of the Book "An Old Fashioned Christmas Day": Heartwarming Festivities: "An Old Fashioned Christmas Day" evokes the nostalgia and joy of Christmas celebrations from a bygone era, capturing the warmth of family gatherings and traditions. Folkloric Elements: The story weaves in folkloric elements and customs, immersing readers in the enchanting holiday atmosphere of the past. Emotional Resonance: Irving's narrative evokes a sense of community, love, and togetherness, making it a cherished Christmas tale. Key Aspects of the Book "Old Christmas From the Sketch Book of Washington Irving": Cultural Exploration: "Old Christmas" delves into English Christmas traditions and customs, providing readers with a delightful glimpse into the festive celebrations of the past. Charming Anecdotes: Irving's sketches include charming anecdotes and observations, capturing the spirit of the holiday season. Timeless Appeal: The work's depiction of Christmas festivities has enduring appeal, resonating with readers across generations. Key Aspects of the Book "The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Vol. II)": Biographical Exploration: "The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus" offers an in-depth exploration of the life and achievements of the renowned explorer. Historical Significance: The book sheds light on the Age of Exploration and Columbus's significant role in the discovery of the New World. Rich Prose: Irving's vivid prose brings Columbus's adventures to life, immersing readers in the spirit of discovery and adventure. Key Aspects of the Book "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow": Timeless Classic: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a celebrated and enduring classic, renowned for its eerie atmosphere and captivating storytelling. Iconic Character: The story introduces the unforgettable character of Ichabod Crane and the infamous Headless Horseman. Blend of Folklore and Romance: Irving masterfully blends elements of folklore, superstition, and romance, creating a tale that has become a quintessential Halloween story. Washington Irving was a prominent American author born in 1783. His literary works, including those featured in "Greatest Works of Washington Irving Part I," have left a lasting impact on American literature and folklore. As a prolific writer, essayist, and historian, Irving's contributions continue to be celebrated for their charm, wit, and cultural significance, making him one of the most cherished literary figures in American history.