From the interactive clockwork world of geology, tides, Northwest
weather, and snow, to the hidden roles of dirt, stream life, and mosses
and lichens, Pulitzer Prize winning writer William Dietrich explores the
natural splendors of the Pacific Northwest. His topics include alder and
cedar; jellyfish, geoducks, crabs, and killer whales; mosquitoes and
spiders; gulls, crows, and bald eagles; and sea otters, coyotes,
raccoons, possums, deer, and cougars.
This informative and engaging selection of natural history essays is
adapted from articles published in the Seattle Times magazine, Pacific
Northwest. A native Washingtonian, Dietrich has watched the Northwest
double in population during his lifetime. Our rapidly changing view of
nature is an underlying theme throughout his wide-ranging essays, as is
the timely and essential question of how best to share and conserve the
natural world that drew us to the region in the first place.
Not a field guide nor an environmental policy book, Natural Grace is
intended as a primer for people who are curious about the environment
they live in and the pressures upon it. "We only care about what we
know," says the author. "I've concluded that enthusiasm and commitment
begin from learning just how marvelous this region is: Passion has to
precede purpose." And there is much to marvel over. Dietrich has
unearthed fascinating and unexpected facts about his subjects, and he
has a gift for expressing complex information in clear and vivid
language. He asks intriguing questions and makes good use of interviews
with Northwest scientists and experts to convey current and historic
attitudes and economic realities, and to consider where we go from here.
For more information about the author go to: http:
//www.williamdietrich.com/
