The Lost Notebooks

by Loren Eiseley, Kenneth Heuer (Editor)

This indispensable collection is filled with marvelous autobiographical glimpses of Loren Eiseley at different points in his life-as a young, inquisitive man during the Depression, as an astute archaeologist, as a blossoming writer, and lastly, as a world-renowned observer and essayist. Also included are poems, short stories, an array of Eiseley's absorbing observations on the natural world, and his always startling reflections on the nature and future of humankind and the universe.

Genres: Essays, Anthropology, Nonfiction, Poetry, Philosophy, Evolution, Biography

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Loren 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.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This indispensable collection is filled with marvelous autobiographical glimpses of Loren Eiseley at different points in his life -- as a young, inquisitive man during the Depression, as an astute archaeologist, as a blossoming writer, and lastly, as a world-renowned observer and essayist. Also included are poems, short stories, an array of Eiseley's absorbing observations on the natural world, and his always startling reflections on the nature and future of humankind and the universe."
~~back cover

I've read & own all the books Loren Eiseley wrote, and have adored them all. Of course, the archaeology drew me in, but the exquisite craftsmanship and the unusual, enlightening observations and the connection of science and nature, and paleohistory and nature and evolution quite won my heart. I was delighted to find this book, and thoroughly enjoyed these glimpses into the man and his mind. I could wish he had lived forever -- there was so much more he could have given the world.

[S.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

[David Cuatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loren Eiseley has been a favorite writer of mine ever since I read The Immense Journey many years ago. This book is very different, being constructed primarily from fragments of Eiseley's own writings, but also from letters from friends and admirers, commentary from the editor, photographs, etc. I learned much about his biography, and also feel that I have a better picture of what he was like as a person. Eisely has been referred to as a poet scientist, and this book explores both aspects of his personality, as well as his humanity.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, peaceful writing.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a loose collection of some of Loren's unpublished writings from his notebooks. There's some poetry, lots of short essays and snippets, and some drafts of longer pieces he planned to work on but never got to.

If you're a fan of Eiseley's, you'll want to have this and read it. If you're not yet a fan of Eiseley's, then I wouldn't start here because it's pretty much unfinished. Try "The Immense Journey," "The Night Country," or "The Star Thrower."

[Terry Palardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book while searching for science biographies for my eighth grade classroom library. It is a wonderful collection of jottings and sketches ... small pieces in first form, later to become his essays, and eventually his books. I was thrilled to find such a recognized author had started each piece in the way I try to start things ... some rambling, some observing, some speculating, some drafting. I strongly recommend this for any non-fiction writer, or writer-to-be.

[Painting · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strange and gentle man. Nature needs more advocates to speak for her/him.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insight into this brilliant person's inner life.

[carl theaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mish mash of Eiseley leftovers. All those thoughtful asides he didn't get
a chance to put into something more formal.