The first collection in twenty years of essays on Robinson Jeffers, one of the great American poets of the twentieth century, this work signals the sea change in Jeffers scholarship, as well as the increasing breadth and depth of criticism of the literature of the American West. The essays assembled here highlight issues and theories critical to Jeffers studies, among them the advance of ecocriticism, the reimagining of regionalism as place studies, the continuing development of cultural studies and the new historicism, the increasingly poignant vector of science and literature, the new formalism, particularly as it pertains to narrative verse, and the glaring omission of feminist analysis in Jeffers scholarship. Jeffers has always appealed to a wider audience than many twentieth-century poets, and this book will speak to that general readership as well as to scholars and students.

Named one of the best books of 2015 by The Economist A provocative exploration of the “new ecology” and why most of what we think we know about alien species is wrong For a long time, veteran environmental journalist Fred Pearce thought in stark terms about invasive species: they were the evil interlopers spoiling pristine “natural” ecosystems. Most conservationists and environmentalists share this view. But what if the traditional view of ecology is wrong—what if true environmentalists should be applauding the invaders? In The New Wild, Pearce goes on a journey across six continents to rediscover what conservation in the twenty-first century should be about. Pearce explores ecosystems from remote Pacific islands to the United Kingdom, from San Francisco Bay to the Great Lakes, as he digs into questionable estimates of the cost of invader species and reveals the outdated intellectual sources of our ideas about the balance of nature. Pearce acknowledges that there are horror stories about alien species disrupting ecosystems, but most of the time, the tens of thousands of introduced species usually swiftly die out or settle down and become model eco-citizens. The case for keeping out alien species, he finds, looks increasingly flawed. As Pearce argues, mainstream environmentalists are right that we need a rewilding of the earth, but they are wrong if they imagine that we can achieve that by reengineering ecosystems. Humans have changed the planet too much, and nature never goes backward. But a growing group of scientists is taking a fresh look at how species interact in the wild. According to these new ecologists, we should applaud the dynamism of alien species and the novel ecosystems they create. In an era of climate change and widespread ecological damage, it is absolutely crucial that we find ways to help nature regenerate. Embracing the new ecology, Pearce shows us, is our best chance. To be an environmentalist in the twenty-first century means celebrating nature’s wildness and capacity for change.

In the National Book Award longlist book This Side of Wild, Newbery Honor–winning author Gary Paulsen shares surprising true stories about his relationship with animals, highlighting their compassion, intellect, intuition, and sense of adventure. Gary Paulsen is an adventurer who competed in two Iditarods, survived the Minnesota wilderness, and climbed the Bighorns. None of this would have been possible without his truest companions: his animals. Sled dogs rescued him in Alaska, a sickened poodle guarded his well-being, and a horse led him across a desert. Through his interactions with dogs, horses, birds, and more, Gary has been struck with the belief that animals know more than we may fathom. His understanding and admiration of animals is well known, and in This Side of Wild, which has taken a lifetime to write, he proves the ways in which they have taught him to be a better person.

Laurence Coupe brings together a collection of extracts from a wide range of both historical and contemporary ecocritical texts.

Embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation with "Excursions and Poems" by Henry David Thoreau, a timeless collection of essays and poetry that celebrates the beauty of nature and the wonders of the human spirit. Join Thoreau as he explores the natural world with keen observation and profound insight, inviting readers to slow down, pause, and appreciate the splendor of the world around them. Through his lyrical prose and evocative imagery, Thoreau transports readers to the tranquil forests, shimmering lakes, and rugged landscapes that inspired his timeless works. As readers immerse themselves in the pages of "Excursions and Poems," they'll encounter a rich tapestry of reflections on life, love, solitude, and the interconnectedness of all living things. From the transcendentalist philosophy that permeates his essays to the lyrical verses that capture the essence of the human experience, Thoreau's words resonate with a timeless wisdom that continues to inspire readers of all ages. The overall tone of the collection is one of reverence and wonder, as Thoreau celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural world while also pondering the deeper mysteries of existence. With its blend of philosophy, poetry, and personal reflection, "Excursions and Poems" offers a profound and enriching reading experience that speaks to the soul. Since its publication, "Excursions and Poems" has earned acclaim for its lyrical beauty, philosophical depth, and timeless relevance. Its enduring popularity speaks to its status as a classic of American literature, cherished by readers for its ability to inspire wonder and awe. Whether you're a nature lover, a poetry enthusiast, or simply someone seeking solace and inspiration in the written word, "Excursions and Poems" is sure to captivate and enchant. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Thoreau's prose and poetry. Grab your copy now and embark on a journey of exploration and enlightenment through the pages of this timeless masterpiece.

“In wildness is the preservation of the world,” wrote Thoreau in his iconic deathbed essay “Walking.” Celebrates the bicentennial of Thoreau’s birth in 1817. This summation of his life’s work, published posthumously in 1862, became a seminal influence in the modern environmental movement and is no less relevant today than 150 years ago. “Above all, we cannot afford not to live in the present,” he wrote. He extolled walking as a delightful and necessary idleness, an antidote to the burdens of civilization, a means of immersing ourselves in nature and awakening to the moment. “Walking” is recognized by most scholars as Thoreau’s “other” masterpiece, Walden in a more concise form. In the introduction of this edition, Adam Tuchinsky accessibly and engagingly unpacks the essay’s nineteenth-century associations, highlights the startling modernity of its sentiments, and reveals why Thoreau remains the towering figure in the history of American nature writing. Exquisite contemporary nature photographs curated by Denise Froehlich grace this handsome book. antique-looking paper B&W nature photos from Kurito Koichiro and other fine art photographers captioned with memorable lines from Thoreau’s writings.

Henri David Thoreau was an American writer, philosopher, publicist, naturalist, and poet. He prominently represented American transcendentalism throughout the mid-1800s. Thoreau’s love and observations of nature played a significant role in his writings, often forming the basis for critiques on modern society. As a naturalist, he advocated for the conservation of nature. Thoreau encouraged individual, passive, non-violent as a means of resistance to public evils. He personally supported the abolitionist movement and, as much as possible, took an active interest in the fate of fugitive slaves who were sought by the police. His essay "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" (1849) influenced Leo Tolstoy, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King. Thoreau’s key ideas and observations are contained in these collected works.

Henry David Thoreau was a transcendentalist who searched for the reality and a naturalist. His article "Walking" may be very nicely written. This piece looks into the deep connection between nature and the human thoughts. People realize Thoreau for the time he spent by myself at Walden Pond. He thinks of walking as a spiritual and conscious interaction with the plant global. Thoreau praises on foot as a lifestyles-changing pastime, declaring that it allows you to meditate and think about your own thoughts. He tells people to expand a planned and considerate way of strolling due to the fact it could assist them join more deeply with nature and become extra privy to their environment. Thoreau no longer simplest talks about the physical components of on foot in his article, but also talks about the philosophical and metaphysical factors of taking walks. He thinks about the relationship among the walker and the panorama and explores the idea that actual understanding of the sector does not just come from words but from being absolutely immersed in and experiencing the environment. Thoreau's "Walking" is a timeless lesson of ways vital it is to take a while, enjoy nature, and allow the rhythm of your steps combination with the natural international.