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The Loren Eiseley Reader
- GenresNaturePhilosophy
222 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Loren Eiseley
50 books314 followersLoren Corey Eiseley (September 3, 1907 – July 9, 1977) was a highly respected anthropologist, science writer, ecologist, and poet. He published books of essays, biography, and general science in the 1950s through the 1970s.
Eiseley is best known for the poetic essay style, called the "concealed essay". He used this to explain complex scientific ideas, such as human evolution, to the general public. He is also known for his writings about humanity's relationship with the natural world; these writings helped inspire the modern environmental movement.
Eiseley is best known for the poetic essay style, called the "concealed essay". He used this to explain complex scientific ideas, such as human evolution, to the general public. He is also known for his writings about humanity's relationship with the natural world; these writings helped inspire the modern environmental movement.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 4, 2012
The Loren Eiseley Society put together this collection of essays for use in English classes. This collection provide students with examples of well written essays as well as an overview of Eiseley's work.
September 9, 2025
Interesting essays, although some were a little over my head.
July 19, 2023
Nebraska Library Commission Book Club Spotlight - April 24th, 2023
Published posthumously The Loren Eiseley Reader is a collection of essays by celebrated Nebraskan anthropologist and philosopher Loren Eiseley. This collection includes a foreword by his friend and fellow author Ray Bradbury, who closes by musing on the longevity of the written word: “The essays you’ve written and the books that you’ve created are children, so your heritage will go on to the end of this century and to the centuries beyond. You have children, Loren Eiseley, and you will live forever.”
The Loren Eiseley Reader is a collection of short essays and stories taken from Eiseley’s work throughout his life, including his academic work, poetry, and other nonfiction. The essays are organized into three categories: Reflections of a Naturalist, Reflections of a Writer, and Reflections of a Wanderer. Being a naturalist affects all of Eiseley’s work; he saw the world as a beautiful mystery and contemplated its meaning and grander scope throughout his writing. Even in the most scientific discussions, such as evacuating a fossil from the ground, Eiseley takes the reader into the moment with him and back in time. Not to point out how insignificant we are in the scope of history, but how incredible it is that something came before us and something will come after us.
In addition to showcasing Eiseley’s work, The Reader was compiled to introduce students to engaging examples of well-written essays and prose. According to The Loren Eiseley Society, The Reader and its companion Teacher’s Guide can fit seamlessly into any classroom, “Eiseley’s ideas and powerful prose are a perfect fit for students of science, literature, and history, both natural and anthropological. His writing provides profound insight into the workings of the natural world and man’s relationship to that world, and his unique literary style is rich ground for students of literature.” And students might also be excited to learn about the namesake of their local library!
A student reader collection might not be your standard book club kit, but I believe there is a lot of value in naturalist nonfiction as we move into spring and summer, seeing the Nebraska prairie come back to life as we take a moment to reflect and reconnect with nature.
Published posthumously The Loren Eiseley Reader is a collection of essays by celebrated Nebraskan anthropologist and philosopher Loren Eiseley. This collection includes a foreword by his friend and fellow author Ray Bradbury, who closes by musing on the longevity of the written word: “The essays you’ve written and the books that you’ve created are children, so your heritage will go on to the end of this century and to the centuries beyond. You have children, Loren Eiseley, and you will live forever.”
The Loren Eiseley Reader is a collection of short essays and stories taken from Eiseley’s work throughout his life, including his academic work, poetry, and other nonfiction. The essays are organized into three categories: Reflections of a Naturalist, Reflections of a Writer, and Reflections of a Wanderer. Being a naturalist affects all of Eiseley’s work; he saw the world as a beautiful mystery and contemplated its meaning and grander scope throughout his writing. Even in the most scientific discussions, such as evacuating a fossil from the ground, Eiseley takes the reader into the moment with him and back in time. Not to point out how insignificant we are in the scope of history, but how incredible it is that something came before us and something will come after us.
“I had come a long way down since morning; I had projected myself across a dimension I was not fitted to traverse in the flesh.”
- LOREN EISELEY
In addition to showcasing Eiseley’s work, The Reader was compiled to introduce students to engaging examples of well-written essays and prose. According to The Loren Eiseley Society, The Reader and its companion Teacher’s Guide can fit seamlessly into any classroom, “Eiseley’s ideas and powerful prose are a perfect fit for students of science, literature, and history, both natural and anthropological. His writing provides profound insight into the workings of the natural world and man’s relationship to that world, and his unique literary style is rich ground for students of literature.” And students might also be excited to learn about the namesake of their local library!
A student reader collection might not be your standard book club kit, but I believe there is a lot of value in naturalist nonfiction as we move into spring and summer, seeing the Nebraska prairie come back to life as we take a moment to reflect and reconnect with nature.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews