Natural State: A Literary Anthology of California Nature Writing
This is a wonderfully diverse collection of essays, diary entries, and excerpts of larger works (including fiction) by 40 writers spanning over a century. Loosely grouped by geographical areas and by the various features encountered (e.g., mountains, deserts), the authors presented range from the likely suspects (e.g., John Muir, Wallace Stegner, John McPhee) to the less familiar and a few surprising choices (e.g., Jack Kerouac). Editor/compiler Gilbar (Tales of Santa Barbara, John Daniel & Co., 1994) introduces each piece by setting the context and includes a concise biography of the author. With a brief foreword by environmentalist David Brower and an afterword by nature writer/poet Gary Snyder, this should appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. Essential for regional, natural history, and nature writing collections and highly recommended for most public collections.?Tim J. Markus, Evergreen State Coll. Lib., Olympia, WACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.