Visible Bones: Journeys Across Time in the Columbia River Country

by Jack Nisbet

In the vast Western territory defined by the Columbia River, historian and naturalist Jack Nisbet tracks the stories and meaning of remains such as a trilobite fossil that points to a tropical prehistoric ecology; the indelible stain of the smallpox pandemic that overcame local native peoples; the remains of Jaco Finlay, a trapper and scout from 200 years ago. The photographs, map, and Nisbet's poetic style create an inspired chronicle of this region.

Genres: History, Nature, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 26, 2003

Reviews

[Julier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visible Bones incorporates history, biology, culture, and geography as telling a story focused on the Pacific Northwest. Each chapter of this enjoyable short book is discrete and beautifully written, and by the last chapter it all fits together logically. I enjoyed figuring out the meaning of each chaper's title as I read on. Nisbet started out first-person and then included historical accounts, interviews, etc. Some memorable parts: the importance of tobacco for thousands of years, and as a trade item for Lewis and Clark; impact of smallpox and other diseases (the "Devouring Disorder"); the discovery and ensuing story of dinosaur and mammoth bones in this area ( the "Behemoth"). I had no idea about how widespread the California condors had been on the west coast and how quickly people impacted them to near extinction. (Facts: condors mate for life & lay one egg every two years, parenting their offspring for nearly two years. Killing one greatly impacted their population.) Who knew fur from tiny muskrats used to be prized for making coats, etc.?

I am not doing justice to this worthwhile book, but it is worth reading even if you're not from Columbia River Country in the Pacific Northwest! The book prompted lively comments and reactions and questions as I read it in a 6-week book (Zoom) discussion group.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in the Washington State area I found tid-bits of info I could relate to about the legends, myths and facts of this geological area. I liked the way the author made each subject a separate chapter. I would read a chapter or two and did more research of my own on the subjects. Very enjoyable to read. Originally a friend loanded me their copy to read. I had to go out and buy my own copy after I returned it.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nisbet writes with an almost poetic language that celebrates the history and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I’m off to buy every other book Jack Nisbet has written.

[Mike Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

12 essays on various aspects of Columbia River Country history and natural history. Each chapter stands alone. Very well written and interesting material.

[Keri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not fan of non fiction but every once in a while I'll find a piece of nf that I enjoyed. This book kind of falls in that realm. It didn't pull me in, that's to say I wasn't driven to get back to it, but since it was on my night stand, I would pick it up most nights to read before bed. While reading it, it was interesting. I have only bee in WA State for 10 years so it was interesting to learn of the land's history but I think it would have been more interesting to me had I been to the places it talked about. A map of the state pointing out the areas would have been helpful, too.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these stories of the natural history of the Columbia River country. The facts are fleshed out in a way that is enjoyable to read and relates history to current areas or shows how things changed with time.

[Nancy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the books I occasionally re-read. I have most if not all of Jack Nisbet's books, frankly.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

So interesting to learn about places near to where you live!