For decades, Handbook of Nature Study has been a matchless resource for teachers, naturalists, and anyone curious about the world around them. Originally written in 1911 and later revised by a group of naturalists in 1939, this classic work remains as valid and helpful today as it was back then. Anna Botsford Comstock crafted this handbook primarily for elementary school teachers who had limited knowledge of common plants, animals, and the natural environment. Whether you’re in an urban setting or the rural outback, this treasure trove of information provides insights into the living and nonliving things that surround us.

Become a more attentive observer and deepen your appreciation for the natural world. The unique five-year calendar format of The Naturalist’s Notebook helps you create a long-term record and point of comparison for memorable events, such as the first songbird you hear in spring, your first monarch butterfly sighting of summer, or the appearance of the northern lights. Biologist Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and best-selling author Bernd Heinrich teach nature lovers of all ages what to look for outdoors no matter where you live, using Heinrich’s classic illustrations as inspiration. As you jot down one observation a day, year after year, your collected field notes will serve as a valuable record of your piece of the planet. This deluxe book, with a three-piece case, gilt edges, a burgundy ribbon bookmark, and a belly band with gold foil stamping, is a perfect gift for all nature lovers.

The study of nature is a complex science involving many different fields from geology and meteorology to biology, zoology, and botany. This complexity indicates nature’s broad scope of impact. It is at once beautiful and dangerous, displaying power beyond human control. An understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the study of nature is therefore both enriching and practical. In The Handbook of Nature, authors Frank R. Spellman and Joni Price-Bayer provide a comprehensive guide to the study of nature in terms the layperson can grasp easily. This accessible reference work is for the non-specialist looking for quick, accurate information on all aspects of the study of nature. The handbook is arranged thematically for a logical and user-friendly progression through the material. It includes chapters on the earth’s structure and landforms, the atmosphere and weather, water and water sources, and the many different forms of life from single-celled organisms to complex vertebrates. Along with basic natural scientific principles, the authors look closely at the consequences of human interactions with the environment we inhabit. This reference concludes with a glossary and index, and each chapter provides further resources and recommended reading. It is an essential tool for students and professionals alike.

Identifies and discusses the more than thirty different kinds of trees found in North America.