READING. In addition to the mandatory textbooks and articles for school, I’ve been increasingly trying to immerse myself in nature writing: natural history, eco-criticism, nature poetry, etc. And of course my Sibley field guide! Ancient sacred lyrics, current scientific texts, and everything in between. Some of this is very basic and Romantic; some is technical and difficult.
Recently finished The Rediscovery of North America (1990) by Barry Lopez. A disturbing rendering of the so-called “discovery” of the Americas by Europeans, and a brief summary of Lopez’s eloquent and hopeful re-imagining of our continent: how we as its current inhabitants can work at resolving past wrongs, and perhaps finally and truly connect with the land. A history book that speaks of the environment, of the landscape as well as its people; more poetry than manifesto.
In my opinion, though, Winter Count (1981) is even better. A collection of short, unrelated vignettes, it deals with some of the same subject matter but in a much more roundabout way. I think this is where the strength of Lopez’s writing lies: in the oblique, the subtle, emphasizing the spaces between words. Delicately-constructed portraits and spider-webs of stories. The writer as landscape painter; the writer as mystic. The narrator seeks to enter the landscape, and ultimately, to bring the reader in with him.
Just the other day I found an inexpensive copy of Desert Notes River Notes at the university bookstore…
. . .
Please note: unless otherwise stated, all photography, poetry and written material on this website is copyright Kelly Shepherd.
Kelly,
I haven’t read all the items, but it looks good to me. Clear. Easy to follow for paleolithic-type people.
Curt