NATURAL
HISTORY,
BOTANY
AND RELATED TITLES
(Updated Nov. 9, 2008)
Susan Allport, SERMONS IN STONE: The Stone Walls of New England and New York. (NY: W.W. Norton & Co., 1990) square format octavo, 205 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with charming drawings by David Howell. a beautifully produced work on the history, construction and folklore of stone walls, related stone structures, and even glacial erratics. v.g. copy in slightly d.j., nicely inscribed by the author. $20
Susan Allport, SERMONS IN STONE: The Stone Walls of New England and New York. (NY: W.W. Norton & Co., 1990) square format octavo, 205 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with charming drawings by David Howell. a beautifully produced work on the history, construction and folklore of stone walls, related stone structures, and even glacial erratics. v.g. copy in slightly d.j. $12
Bruce E. Beans, EAGLE'S PLUME: The Struggle to Preserve the Life and Haunts of America's Bald Eagle. (NY: Scribner, 1996) 318 pp., index, bibliography, notes, ill. with a few b&w photos. A very well written contemporary account of the status of the bald eagle in many parts of North America; bald eagle populations are growing in North America these days. v.g. copy in d.j. $1
Arthur Cleveland Bent, LIFE HISTORIES OF NORTH AMERICAN WOODPECKERS. Deluxe Edition. (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1992 [1939]) quarto, 263 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with gorgeous full-page color plates from original paintings by William Zimmerman, and small distribution maps. very informative and one of the most beautiful books on American birds issue in recent years. v.g. copy in d.j. $20
Karl L. Brooks, A CATSKILL FLORA AND ECONOMIC BOTANY. (Albany, NY: New York State Museum, 1979-1984) 4 "parts" in 5 volumes, quarto, 276+, 115+, 374+, 358+ 283+ pp., indices, distribution maps and excellent b&w botanical line drawings in each volume. an important series covering flora of the Catskill Mountains in New York State as follows: Vol I.: Pteridophyta [ferns and fern allies]; Vol. II.: Coniferales [conifers]; Vol. III: Apetalae [poplars, willows, hickories, birches, beeches, oaks, elms, nettles, sorrels, docks and smartweeds]; Vol. IV: Polypetalae [many genera]. v.g. set in original pictorial wraps. $100
Lauren Brown, WEEDS IN WINTER. (NY: W.W. Norton & Co., 1976) 252 pp., index, ill. with excellent botanically accurate and attractive line drawings by the author. a very useful book, both as an identification guide and also as a very attractive and informative work on weeds. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j., signed by the author. $10
Clive Byers & Jon Curson & Urban Olsson, SPARROWS AND BUNTINGS: A Guide to the Sparrows and Buntings of North America and the World. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997 [1995]) 334 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with excellent color plates from paintings that help differentiate these often confused song birds. v.g. copy in d.j. $25
Charles L. Cadieux, COYOTES: Predators & Survivors. (Washington, DC: Stone Wall Press, 1983) Introduction by Edward L. Kocizky. 233 pp., appendices, ill. with b&w photos. While written from the perspective of a professional hunter who sees coyotes as troublesome to western ranchers, this scarce book nonetheless provides many interesting insights into their fascinating behavior. v.g. copy in d.j. $15
David M. Carroll, THE YEAR OF THE TURTLE: A Natural History. (Charlotte, VT: Camden House Publishing, 1991) 2nd printing. square format octavo, 173 pp., index, selected bibliography, ill. with superb color and b&w drawings by the author. a truly fascinating work, beautifully designed and illustrated, on freshwater turtles of North America, and surprisingly scarce in the hardcover edition. v.g. copy in very attractive d.j. $15
Kenneth A. Chambers, A COUNTRY-LOVERS GUIDE TO WILDLIFE: Mammals, Amphibians, and Reptiles of the Northeastern United States. (Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 197]) 228+ pp., index, bibliography, glossary, ill. with charts and nearly 200 wonderful color and b&w plates form paintings by H. Wayne Trimm. An excellent, well-illustrated guide to the most important northeastern wildlife. v.g. copy slightly worn d.j. $10
Kenneth A. Chambers, A COUNTRY-LOVERS GUIDE TO WILDLIFE: Mammals, Amphibians, and Reptiles of the Northeastern United States. (NY: Plume Books, 1980 [1979]) 228+ pp., index, bibliography, glossary, ill. with charts and nearly 200 wonderful color and b&w plates form paintings by H. Wayne Trimm. An excellent, well-illustrated guide to the most important northeastern wildlife. v.g. copy of a quality softbound work. $4
David F. Costello, THE WORLD OF THE PORCUPINE. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1966) 3rd printing. large format octavo, 167 pp., index, useful bibliography. ill. with b&w photos. One of the more readable of the "Living World Books," an older series of popular natural history books that contain valuable factual information and are not outdated. owner's name, o/w a v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $4
Howard Crum, A FOCUS ON PEATLANDS AND PEAT MOSSES. (Ann Arbor, Univ. of Michigan Press, 1988) In Collaboration with Sandra Planisek. 306 pp., extensive bibliography, ill. with excellent b&w photos and line drawings. A definitive work on bogs, fens, and other peatlands, which is an equally readable work. v.g. copy (no d.j. was issued) $50
Len Eiserer, THE AMERICAN ROBIN: A Backyard Institution. (Chicago: Nelson Hall, 1976) square format octavo, 174 pp., index, bibliography. ill. with color photos and charmingly whimsical b&w line drawings by Martha Lane. A very attractive, readable and personable work, but based on 6 years of serious study. v.g. copy in d.j. $10
John Elder, READING THE MOUNTAINS OF HOME. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1998) 253 pp., index, bibliography, notes, ill. with the fine drawings of Mal Schroder. A fascinating work presenting the many subtle changes and details of a northeastern mountain habitat, in this case near Bristol, Vermont. v.g. copy in d.j. $5
Thomas Elias, [GROLIER'S] FIELD GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN TREES. (Danbury, CT: Grolier Book Clubs, 1989 [1980]) revised edition. 948 pp., index, ill. with excellent monochrome botanical drawings and distribution maps. This excellent identification guide covers 652 native and 100 introduced species, with summer and winter keys. I find this the best of the many tree identification guides. v.g. copy in pictorial boards (no d.j. was issued for this edition). $15
Thomas Elias, THE COMPLETE TREES OF NORTH AMERICA: Field Guide and Natural History. (NY: Gramercy Press, 1987 [1980]) 948 pp., index, ill. with excellent monochrome botanical drawings and distribution maps. This excellent identification guide covers 652 native and 100 introduced species, with summer and winter keys. I find this the best of the many tree identification guides. a v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $15
Andreas Feininger, TREES. (NY: Viking Press, 1978 [1968]) square quarto, 116 pp., index, notes on the photos, ill. in color and b&w with wonderful photos which have made this work a modern classic, and with b&w botanical line drawings. The introductory material is surprisingly detailed and informative. v.g. copy in slightly torn d.j. $5
Merritt Lyndon Fernald & Alfred Charles Kinsey, EDIBLE WILD PLANTS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. (NY & Evanston, IL: Harper & Row, 1958 [1943]) revised edition, with contributions by Reed C. Rollins, 452 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with excellent b&w photos and line drawings. A complete guide for the United States and Canada east of the Great Plains, that is a basic reference work that is still very dependable. v.g. copy in green cloth binding. $10
Pieter W. Fosburgh, THE NATURAL THING: The Land and Its Citizens. (NY: Macmillan, 1959) 255 pp. a fascinating account of the author's years of experience working for the NY State Dept. of Conservation and managing many acres of land in the Taconic Mountains in Berlin, NY. v.g. copy in d.j. $10
Edward Frankel, FERNS: A NATURAL HISTORY. (Brattleboro, VT: Stephen Greene Press, 1981) first edition, 264 pp,. index, appendices, ill. with excellent line drawings by Edgar M. Paulton. A unique and fascinating work covering all aspects of botany, uses, history and lore of ferns and fern allies, containing the interesting information the various fern identification guides usually lack. v.g. copy in d.j. $15
Derek Goodwin, CROWS OF THE WORLD: An Authoritative Guide to all 116 Species of he Crow Family, Including Jay,s Magpies, Rooks, and the Raven. (Ithaca, NY: Comstock/Cornell, 1976) quarto, 354 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with distribution maps and excellent line drawings by Robert Gillmor. still the most dependable work on the subject. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $30
Fred Hageneder, THE MEANING OF TREES: Botany, History, Healing, Lore. (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2005) quarto, 224 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with excellent color photos. An attractive and interesting study of the world's most famous trees, from a European perspective. v.g. copy in d.j. $15
Wayne Hanley, NATURAL HISTORY IN AMERICA: From Mark Catesby to Rachel Carson. (NY: Quadrangle, 1977) 339 pp., ill. in color and b&w. Interesting chapters cover not only the famous notables but also lesser-known figures such as Rafinesque, Bachman, Wilkes, and Say. v.g. copy in d.j., nicely inscribed by the author. $20
Hal H. Harrison, WOOD WARBLERS' WORLD. (NY: Simon & Schuster, 1984) Foreword by Les Line. Technical Assistance and Range Maps by Mada Harrison. 334 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, well ill. with color and b&w photos and range maps for each species. The most detailed and comprehensive work on American warblers issued to date. v.g. copy in d.j. $5
Carl G. Hartman, POSSUMS. (Austin: Univ. of Texas Press, 1952) quarto, 174 pp., index, bibliography, appendices, well ill. in b&w with photos and drawings. an excellent scarce older work on the natural history of the opossum, filled not only with scientific information but with the rich history and folklore of the possum. v.g. copy in torn d.j. $12
Leon Augustus Hausman, BIRDS OF PREY OF NORTHEASTERN NORTH AMERICA. (Peterborough, NH: Richard R. Smith, 1966 [1948]) revised and enlarged second edition, large format octavo, 164 pp.,. index, bibliography. ill. with superb line drawings by Jacob Bates Abbot. One of the more attractive works on the subject including interesting personal observations not found in identification guides. v.g. copy in worn d.j. $10
Leon Augustus Hausman, BIRDS OF PREY OF NORTHEASTERN NORTH AMERICA. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1948) first edition, large format octavo, 164 pp.,. index, bibliography. ill. with superb line drawings by Jacob Bates Abbot. One of the more attractive works on the subject including interesting personal observations not found in identification guides. v.g. copy in torn d.j. $8
Richard Headstrom, NATURE IN MINIATURE. (NY: Alfred Knopf, 1968) 400+ pp., index, glossary, ill. with line drawings by the author. a highly readable work on the small animal and plant wonders of nature that has not been equalled. v.g. copy in d.j. $5
Bernd Heinrich, THE GEESE OF BEAVER BOG. (NY: Harper Collins, 2004) 217 pp., index, glossary, appendices, ill. with color photos and b&w drawings by the author. A fascinating study of the lives and personalities of Canada geese and related wetland wildlife. v.g. copy in d.j. $10
Bernd Heinrich, IN A PATCH OF FIREWEED: A Biologist's Life in the Field. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1984) 194 pp., ill. with charming line drawings by the author. The fascinating account of Heinrich's earlier years in the field, working a little with birds and mostly with insects, in the author's scarcest book. owner's name, v.g. copy in slightly faded d.j. $12
Bernd Heinrich, MIND OF THE RAVEN: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds. (NY: Cliff Street Books/Harper Collins, 1999) 380 pp., index, notes and references, ill. with b&w photos and drawings by the author. Professor Heinrich's painstaking research and personal observations reveals the remarkable intelligence and social life of these amazing birds. v.g. copy in d.j. $20
Bernd Heinrich, ONE MAN'S OWL. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1987) first edition. 224 pp., ill. with b&w photos and attractive drawings by the author. The fascinating story of Bubo raised from young by the author, reveals amazing details of Great Horned Owl behavior never before known. v.g. copy in d.j. $15
Bernd Heinrich, RAVENS IN WINTER. (NY: Summit Books, 1989) 379 pp., index, notes, ill. with interesting b&w drawings by the author. Professor Heinrich's first fascinating book on ravens, which has become somewhat scarce. v.g. copy in d.j. $12
Bernd Heinrich, A YEAR IN THE MAINE WOODS. (Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994) 259 pp., ill. by attractive drawings by the author in the text. a wonderfully written and most fascinating personal account of life in the northern forest. v.g. copy of the quality softbound edition. $5
Bernd Heinrich, A YEAR IN THE MAINE WOODS. (Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994) 259 pp., ill. by attractive drawings by the author in the text. a wonderfully written and most fascinating personal account of life in the northern forest. v.g. copy in d.j., signed by the author. $15
Donald S. Heintzleman, HAWKS AND OWLS OF NORTH AMERICA. (NY: Universe Books, 1979) large format octavo, 197 pp., index, bibliography, appendix, ill. with excellent color and b&w photos. an excellent overview of the subject that is fairly scarce. v.g. cop in slightly worn d.j. $10
Julia W. Henshaw, WILD FLOWERS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MOUNTAINS. (NY: Robert McBride Co., 1917) 383 pp., indices, glossary, very well ill. with color and b&w photos. a very comprehensive early work that is still very useful for reference. v.g. copy in attractive tri-color brown binding with gilt decoration, in a worn but very scarce d.j. $15
Joel Ellis Holloway, DICTIONARY OF BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. (Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2003) 244 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with excellent monochrome drawings by George Miksch Sutton. With over 900 entries and valuable information on all the Latin and common names, this is the most useful and up-to-date book on the subject. v.g. copy in pictorial boards in d.j. $4
Colin Howlett, HELIGAN WILD: A Year of Nature in the Lost Gardens. (London: Victor Gollancz, 1999) Introduction by Tim Smit. 128 pp., ill. with lovely color plates from paintings by Mally Francis (flora) and Angus Hudson (birds). a charming work chronically the natural history and wild life of the famous restored gardens in Cornwall. v.g. copy in d.j., signed by the artist and the two illustrators. $20
Sue Hubbell, BROADSIDES FROM THE OTHER ORDERS: A Book of Bugs. (NY: Random House, 1993) 277 pp., index, extensive bibliography, ill. with excellent line drawings in the text by Dimitry Schidlovsky. A collection of truly fascinating stories about various aspects of the world of insects. v.g. copy in d.j. $1
George W. Hudler, MAGICAL MUSHROOMS, MISCHIEVOUS MOLDS: The Remarkable Story of the Fungus Kingdom and Its Impact On Human Affairs. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1980) 248 pp., index, notes, ill. with color and b&w photos. a highly readable and fascinating work on the relationship between the natural history of fungi and human history. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $10
Yngvar Isacsen and others, GEOLOGY OF NEW YORK: A SIMPLIFIED ACCOUNT. (Albany, NY: New York State Museum, 1991) Educational Leaflet No. 28. quarto, 283 pp., glossary, profusely ill. with b&w photos, drawings, maps, and charts. The best comprehensive work explaining the complex geology of New York State. v.g. copy in original wraps. $15
Charles W. Johnson, BOGS OF THE NORTHEAST. (Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1985) 269 pp., index, bibliography, appendices. ill. with color and b&w photos and maps and line drawings by Meredith Edgcomb Young. An excellent overview of bogs, fens and other peatlands of New England and New York State and their flora and fauna, scientifically accurate and very useful for the novice. the uncommon hard cover edition. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $15
Diana Kappel-Smith, WINTERING. (Boston: Little-Brown & Co., 1984) ill. with a few drawings by the author in the text. A highly readable and very informative study of natural history in winter in the northeastern United States. v.g. copy in torn d.j., signed by the author. $5
Benjamin Kilham and Ed Gray, AMONG THE BEARS: Raising Orphan Cubs in the Wild. (NY: Henry Holt, 2002) 289 pp., index, ill. with unbelievable color photos. The truly amazing story of the authors' interaction with wild black bears in New Hampshire's mountains. Reading this work leaves the reader with new knowledge of black bear intelligence and leads one to question American bear hunting practices. v.g. copy in d.j. $5
Lawrence Kilham, THE AMERICAN CROW AND COMMON RAVEN. (College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press, 1989) large format octavo, 255 pp., index, bibliography, appendices, ill. with charts and the striking drawings of John Waltermire. a well researched, highly readable and rather scarce work covering the fascinating behavior of two of America's most intelligent birds. The study, which took place in Florida and New Hampshire, preceded Bernd Heinrich's better known works on the subject. fine copy in d.j. $25
John N. Kingsbury, POISONOUS PLANTS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1964) 5th printing. 626 pp., index, extensive bibliography, ill. with b&w photos and excellent botanical line drawings. a "clinically, physiologically, and pathologically oriented approach to the literature on poisonous plants," or in English, the most definitive recent work on the subject, covering 700 plant species. v.g. copy in well worn d.j. $15
John E. Klimas & James A. Cunningham, WILDFLOWERS OF EASTERN AMERICA. (NY: Alfred Knopf, 1974) large format octavo, 271+ pp., index, useful appendices, ill. with 304 color photos. While the book may have been intended as an identification guide, it is more useful for the both the detailed descriptive and additional information and the color photographs. v.g. copy in d.j $5
Verlyn Klinkenborg, THE RURAL LIFE. (NY: Viking, 2003) 213+ pp., ill. with chapter-head engraving by Reynolds Stone. a highly readable seasonal account of our personal relationship to the rural environment. The author, best known for his column in the New York Times, lives on a farm in Columbia County, New York. fine copy in d.j, SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. $15
Christopher McGrory Klyza [Editor], WILDERNESS COMES HOME: Rewilding the Northeast. (Hanover, NH: Middlebury College Press, 2001) 320 pp., index, notes, biographies of contributors, a few b&w photos and drawings. A fascinating collection of essays on the amazing regrowth of large tracts of wild forest in the northeastern United States. v.g. copy of a quality softbound work. $5
Harriet Kofalk, NO WOMAN TENDERFOOT: Florence Merriam Bailey, Pioneer Naturalist. (College Station, TX: Texas A&M Press, 1989) 225 pp., index, bibliography, notes, ill. with reproductions of historic b&w photos. Bailey (1863-1948) began her career at Smith College and worked largely in the American West; she was one of the first ornithologists to study live birds in the wild rather than museum specimens. v.g. copy in slightly sunned d.j. $10
Michael Kudish, ADIRONDACK UPLAND FLORA: An Ecological Perspective. (Saranac Lake, NY: The Chauncy Press, 1992) large format octavo, 315 pp., indices, extensive bibliography, appendices, ill. with color photos, b&w charts and distribution maps. An interesting study of a regional flora that also serves as a wild plant identification guide for eastern North American hardwood and deciduous forests. v.g. copy in d.j. $5
James P. Lassoie & Valerie A. Luzadis & Deborah W. Grover, FOREST TREES OF THE NORTHEAST. (Ithaca, NY: Cornell Cooperative Extension, 1996) Information Bulletin No 235. bibliography, glossary, ill. with b&w distribution maps and sketches of tree outlines and details. A very useful work covering native trees of the Northeast that is surprisingly scarce. v.g. copy of the quality softbound edition (no hardcover edition was issued). $10
Donald Leopold, William McComb & Robert Miller, TREES OF THE CENTRAL HARDWOOD FORESTS OF NORTH AMERICA: An Identification and Cultivation Guide. (Portland: Timber Press, 1998) 469 pp., index, glossary, bibliography, ill. with color and b&w photos and distribution maps. a very thorough work, one of the best books on North American trees produced to date. v.g. copy in d.j. $35
Ted Levin, BLOOD BROOK: A Naturalist's Home Ground. (Post Mills, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Co., 1992) 207 pp. a highly readable account of various aspects of natural history in the Northeastern woodlands. v.g. copy in d.j., signed by the author. $6
Ted Levin, BACKTRACKING: The Way of a Naturalist. (Chelsea, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Co., 1987) 220+ pp., ill. with fine monochrome drawings by Joan Waltermire. a highly readable account of various aspects of natural history in the Northeast, covering such subjects as coyotes, timber rattlesnakes, weasels, vernal pools and bluebirds. v.g. copy in d.j., nicely inscribed by the author and signed by the author and illustrator. $15
Dorcas MacClinlock, A NATURAL HISTORY OF RACCOONS. (NY: Scribners, 1981) 144 pp., index, useful bibliography, ill. with the charming b&w line drawings of J. Sharkey Thomas. A highly recommended and through study that has proper scientific basis but is very attractive and highly readable. v.g. copy in slightly torn d.j. $15
Dorcas MacClintock, A NATURAL HISTORY
OF RACCOONS. (NY: Scribners, 1981)
144 pp., index, useful bibliography, ill. with the charming b&w line
drawings of J. Sharkey Thomas. A
highly recommended and through study that has proper scientific basis but is
very attractive and highly readable. v.g.
copy in d.j. $20
Laura Martin, FOLKLORE OF BIRDS. (Chester, CT: Globe Pequot Press, 1993) 231 pp., index, appendix, bibliography, ill. in b&w by drawings of Mauro Magellan; a well written and well researched approach to folklore of a number of species of American birds, presented in an attractive format. v.g. copy in d.j. $10
John M. Marzluff & Tony Angel, IN THE COMPANY OF CROWS AND RAVENS. (New Have, CT: Yale University Press, 2005) Foreword by Paul Ehrlich. 384 p., index, bibliography, notes, ill. with distinctive and charming drawings by Tony Angell. The most recent in a series of excellent works (Heinrich, Kilham) on these birds with amazing intelligence and personality. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $15
Edwin Menniger, FANTASTIC TREES: Marvels & Monstrosities of the Arboreal World. (NY: Viking, 1967) 304 pp., index, notes, bibliography, ill. with many b&w photos. a truly fascinating work covering a wide variety of interesting trees from across the globe. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $10
Leon S. Minckler, WOODLAND ECOLOGY: Environmental Forestry for the Small Owner. (Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1975) 229 pp., index, appendices. ill. with b&w photos and very attractive line drawings by Francis W. Davis. Not only does this book contain valuable information that has not become dated, but the author demonstrates the importance of maintaining both the aesthetics of the forested landscape and the habitats of its denizens. v.g. copy in worn d.j., with an interesting inscription by the author about the book's publication. $10
Walter Conrad Muenscher, WEEDS. (NY: Macmillan, 1955 [1935]) 577 pp., index, extensive bibliography and glossary, ill. with excellent b&w botanical line drawings. An older exhaustive manual on American weeds that is still very useful as a reference work. a v.g. copy in torn d.j. $10
Gordon H. Orians, BLACKBIRDS OF THE AMERICAS. (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1985) quarto, 163 pp., index, bibliography, appendices, ill. with outstanding dramatic engravings by Tony Angell as well as drawings, maps and graphs. The best work to date, both scholarly and readable and very attractively presented, on blackbirds and relatives including grackles, orioles, cowbirds, meadowlarks and bobolinks. v.g. copy in d.j. $10
Clay Perry, UNDERGROUND EMPIRE: Wonders and Tales of New York Caves. (NY: Stephen Daye Press, 1948) 221 pp., index, appendix, end-papers showing a diagram of a typical New York State cave, ill. with b&w photos. Not merely a geological correct handbook, Perry captured all the fascinating history and folklore associated with these caves, ranging from counterfeiters to the notorious murderer Oscar Beckwith, the "Cannibal of Columbia." a v.g. copy in tan cloth binding. $15
Clay Perry, UNDERGROUND EMPIRE: Wonders and Tales of New York Caves. (Port Washington, NY: Ira J. Friedman, 1966 [1948]) 221 pp., index, appendix, end-papers showing a diagram of a typical New York State cave, ill. with b&w photos. Not merely a geological correct handbook, Perry captured all the fascinating history and folklore associated with these caves, ranging from counterfeiters to the notorious murderer Oscar Beckwith, the "Cannibal of Columbia." a v.g. copy in brownish red cloth binding. $15
Charlotte M. Porter, THE EAGLE'S NEST: Natural History and American Ideas, 1812-1842. (Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama Press, 1986) 251 pp., index, bibliography, notes, a few b&w ills. in the text. The best work to date covering a neglected period in American natural history, which centered around Philadelphia in the decades preceding Darwinism. A most worthwhile volume in the History of American Science and Technology Series. v.g copy in d.j. $10
George Porter, THE WORLD OF THE FROG AND THE TOAD. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1967) 3rd printing. large format octavo, 153 pp., index, useful bibliography. ill. with b&w photos. One of the scarcer and most desirable of the "Living World Books," an older series of popular natural history books that contain valuable factual information and are not outdated. a v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $10
Harold William Rickett, WILD FLOWERS OF THE UNITED STATES: VOLUME I, THE NORTHEASTERN STATES. (NY: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1966) small folio, in two parts [volumes], 560 (total) pp., index, ill. with thousands of color photos on 180 pp. of plates and a few botanical b&w line drawings accompanying a glossary and excellent introduction. The first of a standard series of quality works on American wild flowers, published in association with the New York Botanical Garden, that has never been and doubtless will ever be duplicated due to publishing costs. This set covers a wide area as far west as Minnesota and as far south as Virginia. a v.g., clean, tight set in green cloth bindings. [Its size and weight will mean extra postage.] $40
June Carver Roberts, SEASON OF PROMISE: Wild Plants in Winter: Northeastern United States. (Athens: Ohio University Press, 1993) large format octavo, 208 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, ill. with wonderful reproductions of watercolors and line drawings by the author. Every so often a most informative and beautifully illustrated natural history guide book appears; this one covers over 250 different plants. v.g. copy in d.j. $10
Leonard Lee Rue III, COTTONTAIL: The Life and Habits of Sylvilagus Floridianus, Children's Pet, Gardener's Pest, Hunter's Favorite. (NY: Thomas Crowell, 1965) large format octavo, 114 pp., index, bibliography, list of subspecies, ill. with excellent color photos. Somewhat similar in format to books in the "Living World Books" series, this scarce title is one of the better non-technical books on the cottontail ever issued. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j., inscribed by the author. $20
Leonard Lee Rue III, THE WORLD OF THE RACCOON. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1964) large format octavo, 145 pp., index, useful bibliography. ill. with b&w photos. One of the scarcer and most desirable of the "Living World Books," an older series of popular natural history books that contain valuable factual information and are not outdated. v.g. copy in worn d.j. $5
Elio Schaechter, IN THE COMPANY OF MUSHROOMS: A Biologist's Tale. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997) square format octavo, 280 pp., index, bibliography, appendices. ill. with color photos and line drawings. a highly readable and fascinating work on many aspects of the natural history, lore and uses of mushrooms. v.g. copy in d.j. $10
Bernd Heinrich, WINTER WORLD: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival. (NY: Ecco/Harper Collins, 2003) extensive bibliography, ill. with attractive line drawings by the author in the text. A truly fascinating work on the amazing array of techniques used by all kinds of animals in the northern United States to survive the winter. v.g. copy in d.j. $5
John Semple & Stephen Heard & Luc Brouillet, CULTIVATED AND NATIVE ASTERS OF ONTARIO. (Waterloo, Canada: University of Waterloo, 2002) No. 41 in the Biology Series. large format octavo, 134 pp., index, bibliography, glossary. ill. with fabulous detailed botanical drawings and distribution maps as well as color and b&w photos. A work of immense value to botanists and gardeners as well. Asters (now classified under 4 genera) are notoriously difficult to differentiate from each other, and the detailed drawings and descriptions in this work (first issued in 1987) are the best available for that purposes. The book is of value in the eastern United States as well as the Province of Ontario. There is also an excellent description of why some botanists "split" the genus Aster into the 4 genera (I still prefer to call them all "asters!"). This supersedes the earlier Asters of Ontario by including adventive species and cultivars that have been found in the wild. fine copy in original wraps (no hardcover edition was issued). $30
John Semple & Gordon Ringius & Jie Jay Zhang, THE GOLDENRODS OF ONTARIO. (Waterloo, Canada: University of Waterloo, 1999) 3rd edition. No. 39 in the Biology Series. large format octavo, 90 pp., index, bibliography, glossary. ill. with color photos, fabulous detailed botanical drawings and distribution maps. A work of immense value to botanists and gardeners as well. Goldenrods (genera Solidago & Euthamia) are notoriously difficult to differentiate from each other, and the detailed drawings and descriptions in this work (first issued in 1983) are the best available for that purposes. The book is of value in the eastern United States as well as the Province of Ontario. fine copy in original wraps (no hardcover edition was issued). $20
Nate Simms, FOCUS ON THE LAND. (Troy, NY: published by the author, 2004) Foreword by James Howard Kunstler. small squarish quarto, 56 pp., ill. with wonderful color photos by the author. An excellent photographic essay on the scenic wonders of rural Rensselaer County, with timely commentary on both the landscape and threats from unwise development. fine copy of a quality softbound publication. $10
Alexander F. Skutch,THE LIFE OF THE HUMMINGBIRD. (Santa Monica, CA: Ibis Publishing, 1985 [1973]) quarto, 136 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with very attractive color plates from the paintings of Dana Gardner for this edition. a highly attractive, readable and very informative uncommon work on these charming birds. v.g. copy in d.j. $20
Susan M. Smith, THE BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE: Behavioral Ecology and Natural History. (Ithaca, NY: Comstock Publishing Associates, 1991) 362 pp., bibliography, glossary, well ill. with charts, graphs, line drawings and b&w photos. Both readable and scientifically accurate, this surprisingly scarce book is the best work to date on the charming, lively, and intelligent favorite bird of backyards and woodlands. fine copy in light gray cloth binding. $10
Noel & Helen Snyder, BIRDS OF PREY: Natural History and Conservation of North American Raptors. (Stillwater, MN: Voyageur Press, 1991) quarto, 224 pp., index, extensive bibliography, ill. with excellent color photos and distribution maps. written for the layman, this is one of the most comprehensive recent works on the subject. v.g. copy in d.j. $15
Colin & Geoffrey Spedding, THE NATURAL HISTORY OF A GARDEN. (Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2003) 245 pp., index, bibliography, notes, metric conversion chart, ill. with color photos and useful detailed b&w line drawings. organized scientifically but written for the layman, this work studies the complex relationships between plants, animals, birds, and invertebrates in an English garden. v.g. copy in d.j. $15
Alexander Sprunt Jr., NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OF PREY. (NY: Bonanza Books, 1955) Foreword by Roger Tory Peterson. 227 pp., index, bibliography, appendices. ill. with full page color plates from paintings of Alan Brooks, and b&w comparative drawings of birds in flight by Peterson. An older work that is still very useful, with particular attractive illustrations. v.g. copy in torn d.j. $8
Sara B. Stein, MY WEEDS: A Gardener's Botany. (NY: Harper & Row, 1988) 229 pp., index, useful plant lists, ill. with attractive line drawings by Ippy Patterson. a truly fascinating, highly readable work with all kinds of interesting information on garden weeds. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $3
Donald W. Stokes, A GUIDE TO NATURE IN WINTER, Northeast and North Central North America. (Boston: Little Brown, 1976) first edition, 374 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with excellent line drawings by Deborah Prince and the author. 25 years old, but still the best book on the subject. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. signed by the author. $10
Donald W. & Lillian Stokes, A GUIDE TO ANIMAL TRACKING AND BEHAVIOR. (Boston: Little Brown, 1986) first (hardcover) edition, 418 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, ill. with excellent line drawings by Leslie Hope Morrill, track drawings and distribution maps. a unique type of animal guide, not merely concerned with identification, but rather with the study of their lives and habitats at all times of the year. a v.g. copy in pictorial paper-covered boards, signed by the authors. $10
Roger B. Swain, SAVING GRACES: Sojourns of a Backyard Biologist. (Boston: Little Brown, 1991) 138 pp., ill. with charming line drawings by Elizabeth Rorer. highly readable and fascinating discourses on natural history in our everyday world. v.g. copy in d.j., nicely inscribed by the author. $4
George W. Symonds, THE SHRUB IDENTIFICATION BOOK: The Visual Method for the Identification of Shrubs, Vines and Ground Covers. (NY: M. Barrows & Co., 1963) original edition. quarto, 379 pp., index, glossary, ill. with over 3500 b&w photos by A.W. Merwin. somewhat different than other shrub identification books, the many detailed photos of leaves, bark, buds, fruit and flowers make this one indispensable. v.g. copy in slightly torn d.j. $15
Julien Tavener [Editor], THE BIRDS OF THE NORTHEAST [JOHN J. AUDUBON'S GUIDE]: His Art and His Observations, a Personal Field Guide. (Boston: Audubon Masterpiece Collection, 2004) Biography by Prof. Ron Tyler. 259 pp., index, extensive bibliography, notes, ill. with 97 full color plates reproduced from Audubon's classic as well as a fold-out map and portrait of the artist/author. a beautifully produced special edition including only birds found in the northeastern United States with a wonderful essay on Audubon. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $20
Alice F. Tryon & Robbin C. Moran, THE FERNS AND ALLIED PLANTS OF NEW ENGLAND. (Lincoln, MA: Massachusetts Audubon Society, 1997) 325 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, appendix (on cultivation), ill. with b&w photos by Robert L. Coffin, excellent botanical and plant outline drawings, worldwide and northeastern distribution maps, and amazing electron microscope photographs of spores. By far the best guide for identification of northeastern ferns, with detailed descriptive and habitat information. Because this work is so much better than any other, it has become extremely scarce. At the time of its issue this work was described by a reviewer as "a superb addition to the fern literature." Now even a copy of the review of his book costs one $8.00 off the Internet! a v.g. copy in green cloth binding with gilt decoration, in a v.g. d.j. [The price includes insurance.] $400
Nancy J. Turner & Adam F. Scazawinski, COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS OF NORTH AMERICA. (Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1992 [1991]) 311 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, ill. with 200 color photos and b&w leaf profiles. very useful and authoritative reference work covering both native and introduced plants. v.g. copy in slightly faded d.j. $15
Joe Van Wormer, THE WORLD OF THE BOBCAT. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1964) large format octavo, 125 pp., index, useful bibliography. ill. with b&w photos. One of the scarcer and more desirable of the "Living World Books," an older series of popular natural history books that contain valuable factual information and are not outdated. v.g. copy in badly torn d.j. $10
Joe Van Wormer, THE WORLD OF THE CANADA GOOSE. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1968) large format octavo, 192 pp., index, useful bibliography. ill. with b&w photos. One of the scarcer and more desirable of the "Living World Books," an older series of popular natural history books that contain valuable factual information and are not outdated. v.g. copy in torn, wrinkled (rear of d.j. only) d.j. $10
Joe Van Wormer, THE WORLD OF THE SWAN. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1972) large format octavo, 156 pp., index, useful bibliography. ill. with b&w photos. One of the scarcer and more desirable of the "Living World Books," an older series of popular natural history books that contain valuable factual information and are not outdated. owner's name, o/w a v.g. copy in worn d.j. $10
Laurence Walker, FORESTS: A Naturalist's Guide to Woodland Trees. (Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 1996 [1990]) 288 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, ill. with b&w photos. An information filled work on many varied aspects of trees and forest from across the United States. v.g. copy of the quality softbound edition. $5
Laurence C. Walker, TREES: An Introduction to Trees and Forest Ecology for the Amateur Naturalist. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice‑Hall, 1984) large format octavo, 306 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, ill. with b&w photos and drawings. One of the most readable and informative basic guides to American woodland history and ecology, and now rather scarce. v.g. copy in slightly faded d.j. $10
May Thielgaard Watts, READING THE LANDSCAPE: An Adventure in Ecology. (NY: Macmillan, 1957) 230 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with useful b&w line drawings. an interesting early work on studying various landscapes to "read" their history and development. a v.g. copy in worn d.j. $5
Tom Wessels, READING THE FORESTED LANDSCAPE: A Natural History of New England. (Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press, 1997) Foreword by Ann Zwinger. square format octavo, 199 pp., index, bibliography, appendices, ill. with superb b&w drawings by Brian Cohen. Possibly the best work today on studying forests to understand their natural history. v.g. copy of the quality softbound edition, signed by the author. $10
Brian K. Wheeler, RAPTORS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2003) 439 pp., index, bibliography, ill. with excellent b&w and color photos and distribution maps. One of the best works for raptor identification and study. v.g. copy in d.j. $25
John O. Whitaker Jr. & William O. Hamilton Jr., MAMMALS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES. (Ithaca, NY: Comstock Publishing Associates, 1998) 3rd, revised edition. 583 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, appendix, ill. with b&w photos and distribution maps. First issued in 1943 and first revised in 1979, this work remains the best on the subject. fine copy in pictorial boards. $15
John O. Whitaker Jr. & William O. Hamilton Jr., MAMMALS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES. (Ithaca, NY: Comstock Publishing Associates, 1979) 2nd, revised edition. 376 pp., index, bibliography, glossary, appendix, ill. with b&w photos and distribution maps. First issued in 1943, this work remains the best on the subject. v.g. copy in slightly worn d.j. $10
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