A Naturalist in Florida: A Celebration of Eden

by Archie Carr, Marjorie Harris Carr (Editor)

Archie Carr (1909-1987), the eminent naturalist, writer, and conservationist, was particularly entranced by the wildlife and ecosystems of Florida, where he lived for more than fifty years. This captivating book-which includes some of his most enchanting essays-is full of memorable details and anecdotes about the flora, fauna, and humans that have inhabit Florida`s colorful landscape.

Genres: Nature, Essays, Nonfiction

284 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 1994

About the author

Archie Carr was a University of Florida Graduate Research Professor of Zoology and was associated with the University for more than fifty years. His entire career was spent at the University of Florida, first as a student, B.A. (1932), M.S. (1934), and as the University’s first Ph.D. (1937) in zoology.

His ability to translate science into literature brought the first international attention to the plight of sea turtles. He wrote 11 books and over 120 scientific articles about sea turtles and their habitats before his death in 1987. His work and writings ranged throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and Africa. After his death, he was honored with the creation of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida and the Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica.

Archie Carr published his first paper on sea turtles in 1942, but it was not until he wrote his classic Handbook of Turtles (1952) that he began to focus his research on sea turtles. He described his early discoveries about the plight of sea turtles in his book The Windward Road particularly in his chapter The Passing of the Fleet, which was a call to arms and resulted in global efforts to conserve sea turtles from extinction.

Archie Carr was one of those rare individuals who could inspire both scientific and general public audiences with his writings. His genius and creativity were allowed full scope because the University of Florida awarded him a graduate research professorship in 1959, essentially freeing him of all responsibilities so that he could pursue his research and writing. He repaid that investment many-fold.

In 1987 he was awarded the Eminent Ecologist Award by the Ecological Society of America. He made extraordinary contribution to sea turtle conservation by way of bringing attention to the world's declining turtle populations due to over-exploitation and loss of safe habitat.

Source: University of Florida; http://accstr.ufl.edu/accstr-overview...

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archie Carr is the "Dean" of sea turtle conservancy and one wonders whether the green turtle would still be around if is wasn't for Carr. His organization (the Sea Turtle Conservancy) is probably still the most important sea turtle organization in the world. He was a herpetologist, zoologist, environmentalist, and college professor (among other things). Having intelligence and great knowledge about a subject doesn't necessarily mean you are able to impart the information in a way that others (especially the average person) can comprehend and enjoy. Rachel Carson had that ability, as did Jacques Cousteau and Edward Abbey. I would add Archie Carr to that list. This is a very nice collection of articles and essays from various magazines about some of Carr's life experiences in Florida. The articles are interesting and very well written and need no special knowledge of science. The subject matter is varied, not just about reptiles. Carr's writing is fascinating, humorous, poignant and almost poetic at times and this is a wonderful collection. I have read that Carr was a favorite professor at the University of Florida and students loved to be in his classes. This book shows why that was. Add it to your book list.

[Aileen Lavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays about the wildlife of Florida, specifically North Central Florida. I love Archie’s writing style; he is witty, thoughtful, and poetic. I especially loved the last chapter, “Eden changes,” which gave hope of Florida wildlife rebounding and caution to consider the long-term effects of human destruction of wild spaces. Archie has a genuine love for Florida fauna and flora that is palpable and infectious.

[Leo W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A model of natural history writing: accomplished prose, scientific precision, insight that can only be obtained by long and thoughtful observation, seasoned with a delightful cracker humor.

[Josh Liller · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a collection of 25 essays and articles by Archie Carr, a famous Florida naturalist and UF professor. His wife, Majorie Harris Carr, was a famous Florida environmental activist. They were written between 1940 and the 1980s for a variety of publications, and range from more scientific articles to waxing poetic about Florida's natural beauty.

I read the first couple essays in this book then skipped ahead, reading several others that sounded like they might be interesting over the course of several weeks, with limited success. (I ended up reading at least a half dozen of the essays.) I can't pin down quite why I don't enjoy Carr's writing; I just find it dull. It seems technically fine and I can see how it could be more appealing to others, especially those who enjoy flowery prose.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I’ve read this book. It makes me weep to see the destruction that we have inflicted on Florida( and our entire planet). This book is so well written and informative. Not at any point boring or tedious. Though written quite some time ago, most of its information holds true today. Hopefully, Archie Carr and others like him, set the wheels in motion to save this amazingly ecologically diverse land in time.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband recommended this book because I have a love for Florida’s rivers and springs. While I don’t have the natural sciences vocabulary that Carr (or my husband) does, I still learned so much about the natural history of Florida’s landscapes and wildlife. It took me two months to slowly read and ponder the essays. I didn’t understand all that I read but the parts that I grasped, I will always value and remember.

[David DiLoreto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific compendium of Carr’s writings. He was clairvoyant in sharing his thoughts about the future impact of what he was witnessing. His keen observations and wit made reading this a delight.