Words from the Land: Encounters With Natural History Writing

by Stephen Trimble (Editor)

This edition expands Trimble's 1988 anthology of master nature writing to include vital new writers who focus on our relationship with the Earth.

In his fascinating introduction, and in biographical sketches of each contributor, Trimble illuminates the practice and spirit of natural history writing, the fruit of "the naturalist's trance." He explores how writers learn their craft, how they meet daily challenges, and how they feel about being labeled "nature writers." The interaction between the essays and the introduction provides an unusual perspective on writers who connect the worlds of story and landscape. A new preface brings Trimble's critical commentary up to date.

Contributors:
Edward Abbey , Wendell Berry, Annie Dillard, Gretel Ehrlich. Robert Finch, Linda Hasselstrom, John Hay, Edward Hoagland, Sue Hubbell, Barry Lopez, John Madson, Peter Matthiessen, John McPhee, Gary Paul Nabhan, Richard Nelson, Robert Michael Pyle, David Quammen, Stephen Trimble, Terry Tempest Williams, and Ann Zwinger.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Natural History, Essays, Collections, Writing, History

408 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1988

About the author

As writer, editor, and photographer, Stephen Trimble has published 25 award-winning books during 45 years of paying attention to the landscapes and peoples of the Desert West. He’s received The Sierra Club's Ansel Adams Award for photography and conservation and a Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater, Colorado College. In 2019, he was honored as one of Utah’s 15 most influential artists.

Trimble speaks and writes as a conservation advocate and has taught writing at the University of Utah. He makes his home in Salt Lake City and in the redrock country of Torrey, Utah. Environmental historian James Aton has said: Trimble's books comprise one of the most well-rounded, sustained, and profound visions of people and landscape that we have ever seen in the American West.

Reviews

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection held several very good essays, mostly toward the beginning of the book. Many other essays, despite having been written by famed authors, left me wanting less.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and I love the subject matter.

[Diane B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology is good company! Bought it in a small independent bookstore in Hawaii (the most Western independent bookstore in the USA). Full of wisdom and fantastic writing, and perfect reading next to the majestic crashing surf.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of great pieces in the book and some that are just good. My main issue with reading through the book is that there wasn't a lot really pulling me through the entire book, so it was easy to set down for long periods.