Vinson Brown (1912–1991)

I picked this up for a couple dollars to support some environmental group a couple years ago. The book is ancient by naturalist standards being from 1969. While books like Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" predate it, their subject matter wasn't as laser-focused meaning it aged better. Brown details specific trees and unfortunately, the landscape has changed so much in 50+ years that I don't think all of this necessarily still applies. Still, there was a lot of knowledge shared and I think I show more did come away with some good information to keep in mind as I walk the woods at and around my home. show less

A very good novelized biography of Crazy Horse. Full of insight and an interesting read.

Documents the claims that the Pomo occupied Central California west of the Sierras and utilized all parts of the land without agriculture or other destructive exploitation. Borrowing the bow from the Northwest, and twined basketry from the Southwest pueblos. California Culture flowered with the Pomo, making perhaps the finest feathered weaving and woven basketry, both twined and coiled, in America.
With an excellent map. More than just a reprint of Kroeber's. Weak on cultural specifics (how show more to make a basket), but thorough in documenting the fact that tribal place names, for rocks and trees as well as larger features, reflect serious "attachments", absorbed usages, and pangs from loss. show less

I heard about this book via Greenpeace and The Rainbow Warrior vessel. I downloaded the book and then didn't read it - too busy, other things took precedence. However, after reading Kent Nerburn's book; Neither Dog Nor Wolf, I moved onto it. A great book, pulling together a host of thoughts into a cohesive whole. It's one I fully recommend and will read again...