Earth Almanac: A Year of Witnessing the Wild, from the Call of the Loon to the Journey of the Gray Whale

by Ted Williams

Verlyn Klinkenborg (Foreword)

Noted nature writer Ted Williams invites readers along on a year-long immersion in the wild and fleeting moments of the natural world, from winter candy and spring quackers to summer’s scarlet farewell and autumn reveilles. This beautifully crafted collection of short, seasonal essays combines in-depth information with evocative descriptions of nature’s marvels and mysteries. Williams explains the weather conditions that bring out the brightest reds in autumn leaves, how hungry wolf spiders catch their prey, and why American goldfinches wait until late July or August to build their nests. In the tradition of Thoreau, Carson, and Leopold, Ted Williams’s writing stands as a testament to the delicate balance of nature’s resilience and fragility, and inspires readers to experience the natural world for themselves and to become advocates for protecting and preserving the amazing diversity and activity found there.

• ISBN10: 1635862833
• ISBN13: 9781635862836
• Publish Date: 29 September 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 4 May 2022
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Storey Publishing LLC
• Format: Paperback (UK Trade)
• Pages: 256
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Earth Almanac is a fascinating and engaging glimpse into an environmentalist's observations recorded over the course of a year by Ted Williams. Due out 29th Sept 2020 from Storey Publishing, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

The book is full of unadorned small vignettes full of observations about nature, wildlife, and plants. The author's recollections are grouped roughly by season: winter, spring, summer, and fall. The writing is gentle, accessible, self-reflective, and comforting. This would make a superlative read in odd moments sitting by a wood fire.

The text is enhanced by small monochrome illustrations of birds, flowers, insects, and other nature subjects. The book also includes an abbreviated resources and links lists along with an index.

Five stars. Recommended for smallholders, readers of natural history, nature lovers, and anyone who needs a quiet comfort read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.