Are you looking for the best nature writing to read? Look no further! This guide will provide you with 10 of the best pieces of nature writing from 2023.
Table of Contents
The Nature of Writing: Outdoors and Nature in American Literature
One of the most important and influential aspects of American literature is the connection between the natural world and the human experience. This bond is often explored through the use of settings that are outdoors or in nature, and it has been a significant part of the literary tradition since the early days of the country.
The first American writers were Native Americans, who had a deep respect for the land and all of its creatures. Their stories and poems often contained elements of nature, and this connection to the natural world would continue to be a theme in American literature.
One of the most famous examples of this connection can be found in the work of Mark Twain. His novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn takes place mostly on a river, and it is full of references to nature. This book is often considered to be one of the great American novels, and it is certainly one that contains a strong connection to the natural world.
Another example of this connection can be found in the work of Jack London. He was a writer who spent a great deal of time in the wilderness, and his stories often reflect this experience. One of his most famous stories, “To Build a Fire,” is set in the Yukon Territory during a cold winter. The story is about a man who is trying to survive in the wilderness, and it contains many references to nature.
This connection between the human experience and the natural world has been a theme in American literature from its beginnings, and it continues to be an important part of the literary tradition today. There are many different ways that writers have explored this relationship, but it is always a central part of what makes American literature unique and special.
The Norton Book of Nature Writing
The Norton Book of Nature Writing is a collection of essays, poems, and other writings about nature. The book includes works by some of the most famous nature writers, including Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and Rachel Carson. There are also lesser-known writers included in the book, such as Annie Dillard and Peter Matthiessen. The book is divided into four sections: “The Wild,” “The Garden,” “The Farm,” and “The City.” Each section includes a variety of different types of writing, from personal essays to scientific articles. The book is edited by Robert Finch and John Elder.
The Norton Book of Nature Writing is an excellent collection of essays, poems, and other writings about nature. The book includes works by some of the most famous nature writers, including Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and Rachel Carson. There are also lesser-known writers included in the book, such as Annie Dillard and Peter Matthiessen. The book is divided into four sections: “The Wild,” “The Garden,” “The Farm,” and “The City.” Each section includes a variety of different types of writing, from personal essays to scientific articles. The book is edited by Robert Finch and John Elder.
I highly recommend The Norton Book of Nature Writing for anyone who loves nature or enjoys reading about it. The book is full of beautiful writing that will transport you to different places and times. I also appreciate the inclusion of a variety of voices in the book. Whether you are looking for inspiration, information, or just a good read, you will find it in this book.
The Soul of Nature: A Celebration of the Beauty and Majesty of Nature
The Soul of Nature is a book that celebrates the beauty and majesty of nature. It is a collection of essays, poems, and photographs that capture the essence of the natural world. The book is divided into four sections: The Earth, The Sky, The Water, and The creatures. Each section contains a wealth of information about the subject matter. The essays are written by leading experts in the field, and the photographs are simply stunning. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves nature or wants to learn more about it.
The Art of Nature Photography
In The Art of Nature Photography, John Shaw provides the reader with an excellent introduction to the world of nature photography. The book is divided into four sections: (1) the basics of light, composition, and exposure; (2) equipment and techniques; (3) special problems and solutions; and (4) the business of nature photography. Each section is packed with information and is accompanied by many helpful illustrations.
Shaw’s writing style is both clear and concise, making complex concepts easy to understand. He has a knack for explaining things in a way that makes them seem simple, even though they may be quite complicated. This is no small feat, and it’s one of the things that makes The Art of Nature Photography such a valuable resource.
The first section covers the basics of light, composition, and exposure. Shaw does an excellent job of explaining the different properties of light and how they can be used to create stunning images. He also covers the basics of composition, including the rule of thirds and other important concepts. And he provides helpful tips on exposure, such as when to use aperture priority mode and how to bracket exposures.
The second section covers equipment and techniques. Shaw discusses everything from cameras and lenses to tripods and flash units. He offers advice on choosing the right gear for nature photography and shares his thoughts on using digital technology. He also covers a variety of topics related to photographic technique, including depth of field, shutter speed, and ISO settings.
The third section addresses special problems and solutions. Shaw provides helpful tips on dealing with difficult lighting situations, such as backlighting and high-contrast scenes. He also covers a variety of topics related to capturing images in challenging environments, such as shooting in the rainforest or at high altitudes. And he offers advice on what to do when things go wrong, such as losing your camera gear or dealing with bad weather.
The fourth section covers the business of nature photography. Shaw provides valuable information on finding work as a nature photographer and shares his thoughts on self-promotion and marketing. He also covers a variety of topics related to copyright law and model releases.
The Art of Nature Photography is an essential guide for anyone who wants to pursue nature photography as a career or hobby. Shaw’s insights, advice, and tips will help you take better photographs and make more money from your work. If you’re serious about nature photography, this book is a must-read.
National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals
If you want to learn about the animals of the world and the man who is on a mission to photograph them all, then you need to read National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals. This book is full of beautiful photos and fascinating information about the natural world.
Joel Sartore is a National Geographic photographer who has made it his life’s work to document every species of animal on Earth. He has traveled to over 40 countries in his quest, and his photos have been featured in magazines and books all over the world.
In this book, Sartore shares his experiences and insights about the animals he has photographed, as well as the importance of conservation. He also gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at how he goes about taking these amazing photos.
National Geographic The Photo Ark is an inspiring and informative book that will appeal to anyone who loves animals or photography.
The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring
The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring is an amazing book that tells the story of a group of individuals who are passionate about trees and the wild places they live in. The author, Richard Preston, does an incredible job of bringing the reader into the world of these tree-climbers and their fascinating stories.
The book starts off with a brief history of trees and how they’ve been integral to human life since the beginning. Preston then delves into the stories of some of the most passionate tree-climbers he’s met. These include people like Ron Taylor, who was one of the first to climb the giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park; Chris Falkenstein, who has spent years climbing trees in the Amazon rainforest; and Silvia Petricciuolo, who has climbed some of the tallest trees in the world.
Each chapter focuses on a different individual and their unique story, but all of them share a common love for trees and the wild places they live in. The stories are both inspiring and fascinating, and Preston does an excellent job of bringing the reader along on each adventure.
If you’re at all interested in trees or adventure stories, I would highly recommend The Wild Trees. It’s an absolutely fascinating read that will leave you eager to get outside and explore the world around you.
My First Summer in the Sierra (Illustrated)
I have read and enjoyed many of John Muir’s books, but this is the first one I’ve read that was specifically about his Sierra Nevada experiences. The book was originally published in 1911 and covers the summers Muir spent in the Sierra from 1869-1874. He describes his initial impressions of the Sierra, his first solo trip into the backcountry, various adventures and mishaps, meetings with other notable figures such as Galen Clark and Joseph LeConte, and eventually his work with the US Geological Survey.
The book is interspersed with Muir’s own drawings and photographs, as well as some modern photographs of the same locations. It’s fascinating to see how little some things have changed in over a hundred years, while other places have been completely transformed. The section on Muir’s work with the USGS was particularly interesting to me, as I had no idea he had been involved in that field.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable book and it gave me a new appreciation for Muir’s love of the Sierra Nevada. If you’re interested in John Muir or in the history of the Sierra Nevada, I would highly recommend this book.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World
In the Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and the intimate connections between trees. He draws on new discoveries to describe how these social networks function much like human ones: trees communicate their needs and respond to the threats of others; they nurture their young and care for their sick; they live in families and form friendships; they warn each other of danger from predators.
As Wohlleben shows us, the forest is a complex ecosystem where every creature has its place. In this beautifully illustrated book, he opens our eyes to the amazing process of life within the forest and makes us see that, contrary to what we might have previously thought, trees are not just passive organisms but living, feeling beings that have much to teach us about our own place in nature.
The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and the End of Nature-Deficit Disorder
The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and the End of Nature-Deficit Disorder
In The Nature Principle, Richard Louv argues that our social and mental health are inextricably linked to our contact with nature. He urges us to reconnect with the natural world in order to stave off what he calls “nature-deficit disorder,” a condition that leads to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and obesity.
The book is divided into three parts. In the first, Louv discusses the many ways in which nature can restore our well-being. He argues that we have a profound need for nature, and that contact with nature can help us heal from stress, trauma, and other mental health issues.
In the second part of the book, Louv explores the ways in which technology can be used to connect us with nature. He discusses how virtual reality, biophilic design, and other technologies can help us feel more connected to the natural world.
In the third and final part of the book, Louv offers a vision for a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. He argues that we need to create more nature-friendly cities, where people can live, work, and play in close proximity to nature.
The Nature Principle is an important book that makes a compelling case for why we need to reconnect with nature. It is well-researched and provides a wealth of information about the benefits of nature contact.
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
In his groundbreaking book, Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv directly links the decrease in children playing outdoors to the rise in childhood obesity, attention-deficit disorder, and depression. He makes a convincing case that our children have become increasingly alienated from nature, resulting in what he calls “nature-deficit disorder.”
While it may be tempting to blame the increased use of technology for this problem, Louv argues that it is not the sole cause. Instead, he points to a number of factors that have contributed to the decline in time spent outdoors, including changes in family structure, an increased emphasis on safety, and a lack of access to green space.
Despite the challenges, Louv offers hope that we can reverse the trend by reconnecting our children with nature. He provides practical suggestions for parents, educators, and community leaders who want to make a difference.
Last Child in the Woods is an important book that should be required reading for anyone who cares about the health and well-being of our children.