Tom Brown's Field Guide to the Forgotten Wilderness: Discover the Wonders of Nature in Your Own Backyard - Softcover

Brown Jr., Tom

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0425097153 ISBN 13: 9780425097151

Publisher: Berkley, 1987

Synopsis

Tom Brown's Field Guide to the Forgotten Wilderness takes the reader on a fascinating journey into nature's mysteries and magic, and presents a treasure trove of knowledge, insight, and anecdotes.

Tom Brown, Jr. shows readers how to open their eyes to the surprising abundance of natural beauty that can be found in the urban and suburban landscapes of backyards, local parks, highway medians, and even windowsill flower boxes.

TOM BROWN'S FIELD GUIDES: America's most popular nature reference books, Tom Brown's bestselling field guides are specially designed for both beginners and experienced explorers. Fully illustrated and comprehensive, each volume includes practical information, time-tested nature skills, and exciting new ways to rediscover the earth around us.

About this title

About the Author

Tom Brown, Jr. began to learn hunting and tracking at the age of eight under the tutelage of an Apache elder, medicine man, and scout in Toms River, New Jersey, and is the author of 16 books on nature. He was the technical advisor on The Hunted, a major motion picture starring Tommy Lee Jones and Benecio Del Toro.  In 1978, Tom founded the Tracker School in the New Jersey Pine Barrens where he offers more than 25 classes about wilderness survival and environmental protection.

Reviews

Brown, the author of many nature books, discusses familiar wilderness areas but pays most attention to suburban and city "wildernesses." These include abandoned lots, drainage ditches, hedgerows and, particularly, the lawn. This last, he states, actually is "a sea of life more complicated and intricate than any of our larger realms. . . . It is constantly awash in the motion of life, a grand provider of food, always a source of wonder and beauty." Interspersed with his examinations of habitats are descriptions of specific creatures to observe. He notes, for example, that the shrew has a breathing rate of 850 times a minute and eats three to four times its body weight daily, explaining its need to beand its reputation asan efficient, voracious hunter. Brown remains an enthusiastic, infectious observer of nature who will help readers notice more of the world around them. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The "forgotten wilderness" of the title can be found simply by looking with a new awareness at lawns, abandoned lots, and parks. Brown shows the reader that there is more wildlife to be found in cities than is commonly thought. Weasels, skunks, foxes, birds, and a number of other animals have all managed to adapt to life near humans. Brown does a fine job of explaining where to find these creatures, describing their habits and favorite haunts. Fans of Brown's other works will enjoy once again the engaging style and captivating tales of a man who lives his life close to nature. Readers are bound to come away with a new appreciation of nature and of the variety of wildlife to be found just outside their doors.Randy Dykhuis, Grace A. Dow Memorial Lib., Midland, Mich.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Berkley
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0425097153
• ISBN 13: 9780425097151
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240