For the Health of the Land: Previously Unpublished Essays And Other Writings

by Aldo Leopold, J. Baird Callicott (Editor), Eric T. Freyfogle (Editor)

Aldo Leopold's classic work A Sand County Almanac is widely regarded as one of the most influential conservation books of all time. In it, Leopold sets forth an eloquent plea for the development of a "land ethic" -- a belief that humans have a duty to interact with the soils, waters, plants, and animals that collectively comprise "the land" in ways that ensure their well-being and survival. For the Health of the Land , a new collection of rare and previously unpublished essays by Leopold, builds on that vision of ethical land use and develops the concept of "land health" and the practical measures landowners can take to sustain it. The writings are vintage Leopold -- clear, sensible, and provocative, sometimes humorous, often lyrical, and always inspiring. Joining them together are a wisdom and a passion that transcend the time and place of the author's life. The book offers a series of forty short pieces, arranged in seasonal "almanac" form, along with longer essays, arranged chronologically, which show the development of Leopold's approach to managing private lands for conservation ends. The final essay is a never before published work, left in pencil draft at his death, which proposes the concept of land health as an organizing principle for conservation. Also featured is an introduction by noted Leopold scholars J. Baird Callicott and Eric T. Freyfogle that provides a brief biography of Leopold and places the essays in the context of his life and work, and an afterword by conservation biologist Stanley A. Temple that comments on Leopold's ideas from the perspective of modern wildlife management. The book's conservation message and practical ideas are as relevant today as they were when first written over fifty years ago. For the Health of the Land represents a stunning new addition to the literary legacy of Aldo Leopold.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Sustainability, Philosophy, Science, Essays, Agriculture

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

A Sand County Almanac , published posthumously in 1949, of American writer and naturalist Aldo Leopold celebrates the beauty of the world and advocates the conscious protection of wild places.

His effect on resource management and policy lasted in the early to mid-twentieth century, and since his death, his influence continued to expand. Through his observation, experience, and reflection at his river farm in Wisconsin, he honed the concepts of land health and a land ethic that since his death ever influenced in the years. Despite more than five hundred articles and three books during the course of his geographically widespread career, time at his shack and farm in Wisconsin inspired most of the disarmingly simple essays that so many persons found so thought-provoking.

Life story of Aldo Leopold, the development of his career as a conservationist, scientist, and philosopher, and his open-mindedness, his vision, and the evolution of his thinking throughout his life inspire other persons to start or to further their own intellectual journey of discovery. A closer engagement with his story, his inspiration, and his family helps persons better to understand the contours of environmental history and the role in culture and to reflect on their own in the complex weave of the way in which our society relates to land. His vision of a society that cares about the connections between people and land provides a starting point for thinking about modern-day cultures, economies, ecosystems, and communities.

Starker Leopold, Luna Leopold, Nina Leopold, Carl Leopold, and Estella Leopold—children of Aldo—founded the Aldo Leopold foundation in 1982. People respected all members of the Leopold family as scientists and conservationists in their own right. They recognized the shack and farm as a focal point for legacy of their father for generations to come and for this primary reason established the foundation. This public charity owns and manages the Leopold center, including the Leopold shack and 264 surrounding acres in addition to several other parcels and also manages much of the adjoining 1,800-acre Leopold memorial reserve, which neighboring landowners established as an early trust in 1967. It acts as the executor of literary estate of Leopold, encourages scholarship on Leopold, and serves as a clearinghouse for information regarding Leopold, his work, and his ideas. It provides interpretive resources and tours for five thousand visitors annually, cooperates with partners on education and other programming off site, and maintains a robust website and numerous print resources. The Aldo Leopold foundation manages this Goodreads page.

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was all pretty good reading. I didn't think it measured up to Sand County Almanac, except in places, but that's a high bar. For me, given that much of it was about hunting and game birds, it wasn't too relevant; I support wildlife and am a farmer, but am not a hunter and don't think much of shooting the animals you love. That personal opinion aside, though, it was well written and interesting enough to hold even my attention.

But the real reason, I think, to read this book is section III. Those essays are outstanding, and are the places I mentioned before where it meets his most well known work. Introspective, penetrating, at times almost scathing, he makes great points about the follies inherent in our push for "progress" with regards to farming, wildlife, and the land.

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful example of compelling writing. Leopold offers simple suggestions of things land owners can do, and why those suggestions are relevant. The study of European land management is fascinating and informative. These essays are written as much from the heart as from the intellect, and the combination provides the reader with a gentle reflection and yearning to be part of what clearly motivated the author.

Frankly, I found this to be more interesting than 'A Sand County Almanac'. A great read with insights into how Leopold examined the world around us.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed the content, the beginning was really slow. The information is dense, and so despite being a short book, it took a long time for me to get through. After all, this collection of essays and articles were meant to be read as they were published in newsletters (or not) as opposed to all at once in a book. This one has not lost its relevance despite being written 80 years ago.

[Terry B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful collection has inspired me. The band of merry land owners at the conservation club are primed for some Leopold infused conservation.

[Nicole Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the health of the land is an interesting book, also by Aldo Leopold, it includes information about wild game management and the philosophies surrounding it.