Customer Reviews

Blue Ridge Nature Journal: Reflections on the Appalachian Mountains in Essays and Art

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Reading this book just further enhanced the appreciation of a native born Western Carolinian. As a child I ran through the mountains but like the author I did not appreciate the beauty around me for too many years. The Ellison's have put together a wonderful book, well written and well illustrated. The artistic renderings are gallery class material. I highly recommend this book to those in love with the Appalachians.

Having received my copy as a birthday present, I purchased another as a gift for a friend. The book is divided into two sections. The first consists of short essays by George Ellison on various subjects connected to flora and fauna and their history in the Southern Appalachians. Each one reveals little know secrets about its history. I loved the one about White Snakeroot. The illustrations are exquisite. The second section of the book is filled with breathtaking watercolor prints by George's wife, Elizabeth. I wish I knew where to buy one of the prints. Both Ellison's are very talented! Although you could consider this a "coffee table" book, it is much more than that. I learned so very much from reading it.

An exquisite book of the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Nature
Journal presents a wealth of information on the flora and fauna of these beautiful mountains, especially the area near The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This book
is a must for anyone who has visited the Blue Ridge, especially for hikers of the
Appalachian Trail. In addition to George Ellison's essays, there is a special treat
which concludes the book. These are the paintings by Elizabeth Ellison, an artist who
specializes in watercolor. Her watercolors of the mountains, streams, flowers, and birds
will delight the eye and make any art lover desire to purchase one of her paintings.