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Wildwoods Wisdom: Encounters With the Natural World
A compendium of little-known facts, ancient legends, humorous tales, and assorted profound insights reveals the vital role of nature in everyday life. By the author of An Underground Botany and Foragers Guide.
196 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1992
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February 10, 2026
Doug Elliott came to my attention thanks to a segment on PBS UNC-TV in which he's telling tales around a campfire. When I found a book by him at the local library, I braved snow to retrieve it. It's a mixed bag of indigenous wisdom and folk tales, science about plants and animals, mostly Appalachian geography and anecdotes from Elliott's rambles and homesteading experiences.
The section of the book on groundhogs, specifically, eating them, struck a chord. I'd overheard a conversation about that topic while in line recently at DMV-NC. The folks talking about it said the meat was not only tasty but medicinal.
The profiles of critters, their habitats and traits were my favorite, as well as Native American tales about animals. I didn't enjoy all of the book. I'd read about more than a few topics already in the Foxfire series of books, as well as in western North Carolina publications. And a few friends here in western NC make herbal salves and tinctures. Elliott is a gifted artist. His drawings are detailed enough to use to identify plant and animal species.
But, if I have my druthers, I'd like to find a live event where's he's spinning yarns and performing music.
The section of the book on groundhogs, specifically, eating them, struck a chord. I'd overheard a conversation about that topic while in line recently at DMV-NC. The folks talking about it said the meat was not only tasty but medicinal.
The profiles of critters, their habitats and traits were my favorite, as well as Native American tales about animals. I didn't enjoy all of the book. I'd read about more than a few topics already in the Foxfire series of books, as well as in western North Carolina publications. And a few friends here in western NC make herbal salves and tinctures. Elliott is a gifted artist. His drawings are detailed enough to use to identify plant and animal species.
But, if I have my druthers, I'd like to find a live event where's he's spinning yarns and performing music.
Displaying 1 of 1 review