Bears get the lion's share of the book, with stories of humans vs. grizzly, black and polar bears.
The writing is first-rate. There are enough teeth, fangs and claws for everyone, maybe too many for readers who prefer to see the outdoors through park-colored glasses. Contributors include William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey. Each of the 57 stories is put into context with an introduction. J.H. Hall comes from a long line of fishing folk.