Along with Paul Schullery, who not long ago penned the insightful and important Searching for Yellowstone, and Richard West Sellars, author of the definitive history of science in the U.S. National Park System titled Preserving Nature in the National Parks, Jim Pritchard has established himself as one of the premier observers on the often perilous collision course between science and politics. While Pritchard's Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions: Politics and the Perception of Nature is destined to become required reading for university environmental studies programs‹as well it should‹it is a lively and entertaining read for anyone who loves our national parks, but in particular the mother of parks, Yellowstone. He deserves praise for a fine piece of work.

"Ring of Fire" is a wonderful book that captures the
diversity and atmosphere of the physical "Ring of Fire," the
Yellowstone caldera touching Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, "that
volcanic ring of fire that gives the region its hot springs, mudpots
and geysers." In this collection, Editor Bill Hoagland brings
together essays, poetry, and short fiction by 36 writers who share the
Ring but bring to it their own emotional, historical, and political
voices.

Too often, Western Literature focuses on the work of
established writers--and in doing this, it misrepresents the
independent, populist spirit inherent to the West. "Ring of
Fire" works against this literary trend, including materials from
well known authors such as Tom McGuane ("Fishing the Big
Hole"), Greg Keeler (Poems), and Mark Spragg
("Greybull") while giving equal attention to pieces by
relative unknowns, such as Susan Marsh ("Beyond Thunder
Mountain") and Burt Bradley (Poems). Laura Bell's "Two
Ocean Pass" is a revelation--and, I suspect, we'll be hearing
more from her. Moreover, "Ring of Fire" is the product of
the independent Rocky Mountain Press.

All of the writing here is
shaped by the land--and not all of the writers agree about the issues
embedded in it. These are pieces on subjects that touch the lives of
those who live in the West: wolves (Gary Ferguson' "The
Yellowstone Wolves: The First Year"); land management
(C.L. Rawlins' "On Spread Creek"); and wildlife (Paul
Schullery's "The Bear Doesn't Know," Patrick Dawson's
"Why We Kill the Yellowstone Buffalo," and Geneen Marie
Haugen's "A Relationship of Substance"). Moreover, the
writers represented here have a variety of careers and backgrounds:
Some have lived in the Ring all their lives; others have moved here
for whatever reasons. The end result is a range of perspectives as
diverse as the landscape itself.

I would make two suggestions--both
minor. First, more short fiction might strengthen this collection.
(For example, Julia Hoskin's "Personal Effects" is a fine
story that leaves the reader wanting more). The prose here is heavily
weighted toward the essay. Second, "Ring of Fire"'s cover
made me wish there had been photography included, a visual supplement
to the stories, essays, and poems.

Hoagland's background as a
published poet is much in evidence here as seen in the beauty of his
selections--and some of his poetry has been included--and "Ring
of Fire" has tremendous coherence. From the variety of voices
and perspectives, this ring of fire creates a unity that is uniquely
western.

The River and I, chronicles in metaphoric imagery John Neihart's open boat navigation of the Great Missouri River for two thousand-miles, from Fort Benton, Montana down to Sioux City, Iowa. Originally commisioned for a magazine the book contains 25 photos and illustrations made on the trip.

Young Neihardt views the Missouri River in flood: ".... This cruel, invulnerable, restless giant.... This yellow, sinous beast with hell broth slavering from its jaws!... This dare-devil boy-god that sauntered along with a town in its pocket, and a steepled church under its arm for a moment's toy."

The photography is very well done. The authors relate their pains-taking study of these powerful animals. The reported observations blend well with accumulated knowledge of moose. My recollection is that this book is based on observations of moose in the mountain west area of the U.S.

This is a concise very well presented book. It is informative, excellent photography and very well written

If you have ever visited Yellowstone and you are a bird watcher then this cd is a must have. It has bird calls with a description of the land that the bird is likely to be found in. I often listen to this cd just to bring back memories of some great vacations hiking in Yellowstone National Park.

If you've been through Yellowstone lately, you've seen the path of the 1988 fire. The sadness felt by many about the "losses" in the park will be greatly reduced after reading this fine book. The photos alone are enough to help people realize the good fire can do to a landscape. The well-written text explains, without jargon, the biology of a fire. If you're a Yellowstone fan, wildlife fan or woodland firefighter fan, I'd recommend this book.

George W. Wingate was a man in full for his time. With his Civil War compatriot Col. William C. Church, Wingate published the first manual on rifle marksmanship in 1870. The following year the pair established the National Rifle Association.

In 1885, Wingate's concern for the health of his 17-year old daughter and his sense of adventure led him, his wife and their eldest daughter, May, to plan a horseback trip through Yellowstone National Park. Doctors believed the trip would improve May's health. It did.

The Wingates rode 460 miles in just 26 days, returning to New York City bedazzled by the park and in fine spirits.

Wingate's book, Through the Yellowstone Park on Horseback, provides a faithful and fascinating account of early tourist travel. The University of Idaho Press provides a service by republishing the book and reminding us of Yellowstone's marvelous history.

Wingate was also a faithful observer. He provided fine sketches of Western culture, from an Army fort past its prime, to profiles of those he hired to guide his family through the park. Hunters and anglers will enjoy his accounts of adventures during the journey.

The book offers a valuable perspective for those who have visited the park. It also may spur readers who love historical books to visit Yellowstone.

This book belongs on the shelf next to Silent Spring and The Sand County Almanac. Ferguson writes with elegance and ease of his experiences in wild country in the Yellowstone area. It is a perfect companion for anyone planning a trip to that marvelous part of the nation. His vivid descriptions of his 500-mile trek through the area are always fascinating. He artfully weaves personal observations into the human history of the area and then into natural history as he argues eleoquently against the commercial interests intent on squeezing the last buck out of our country's vanishing wilderness.

Walking The Big Wild: From Yellowstone To The Yukon On The Grizzly Bears' Trail by wildlife biologist and member of the Y2Y Conservation Initiative Karsten Heuer, is the expressive and panoramic saga of an incredible 3,400 kilometer hike from the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to the shores of Watson Lake in the Yukon. A captivating, descriptive, informative journey showcasing the splendor of nature and revealing its intense vulnerability to human expansion, Walking The Big Wild is a grand saga of glaciers, wild animals, personal difficulties, and great physical challenges, and very highly recommended reading for non-specialist general readers with an interest in environmental issues, nature and wildlife, and Rocky Mountain and Canadian wilderness enthusiasts.