The Natural History of Canada

by R.D. Lawrence

A classic of Canadian natural history, this completely revised and updated edition offers a masterful blend of personal narrative and meticulous scientific detail. Respected naturalist R.D. Lawrence tells the fascinating story of the vast landscape, the rich plant life, and the incredible range of wild creatures that comprise Canada`s nine million square kilometers. Lavishly illustrated throughout with attractive and informative photographs, artwork, and line drawings, The Natural History of Canada is an invaluable guide to Canada`s natural heritage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, Geography, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1988

About the author

R.D. Lawrence was a Canadian naturalist and wildlife author. Born aboard ship in the Bay of Biscay off the coast of Spain on September 12, 1921, he moved to Canada in 1954. RD Lawrence died of Alzheimer's on November 27, 2003 in Haliburton County, Ontario, Canada.

RD Lawrence's many books are published in 26 countries and 15 languages and take us to animal habitats far from humans; to the boreal forests of North America alive with puma, beaver, bear, timber wolves and eagles, to the frigid waters of the Pacific Northwest where orcas thrive, and to the sharks of the Red Sea.

Reviews

[Brian Griffith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not so much a history as a well-illustrated inventory of Canada's bio-regions, plants, and animals. There's a chapter on Canada through the ages before humanity, but mostly it's a present-tense outpouring of love for the wilderness. Fascinating bits of forest lore appear on most every page. For example, water shrews have proportionately large feet, which are very hairy, and their tails are also hairy. The hair traps air bubbles that allow the shrew to walk on water.

Overall, the book is an old-style conservationist classic. Concerning modern environmental issues, it describes the peril from acid rain and pesticides, but was written before the collapse of the cod fishery, the rising Alberta tar sands controversy, or the recent explosion of Aboriginal activism, Basically, Lawrence seems to feel that the love for wild things comes first, and the problem solving will follow.