Customer Reviews

A Sand County Almanac; with essays on conservation from Round River

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this novel one is able to read the diary like entries of Leopold as he encounters nature at his farm and across America. Each `journal entry' is at once an observation of the nature around him and the rest of mankind as it is an observation of himself as he analyzes all that is around him. Seemingly simple at times it is in these moments that we see the true magic of nature and his ability to describe it to the reader in his soft romantic tones. One may be discouraged by the slow start, just as a stroll through a forest seems slow at first, but just as in the forest gradually our eyes, ears, and nose are opened to all the wonder around us. Leopold is able to capture this feeling as he reconstructs and describes the nature around him so lovingly and in such wonder.
It is his ability to describe the wonder of nature in such a way as to give so much detail and at the same time leave so much to the imagination that spikes the interest of the reader. His own awareness of his inability to describe nature fully, yet his attempt at doing so, is done so well it increases the wonder even more. It is during these observations that he analyzes his own feelings and reactions to the nature around him, giving him even more power to draw us into his story as we begin to connect with him. Through this we are able to bond with the nature he describes to us even more.
One would be hard pressed to not desire to step out into the woods, a field, or at the very least into the backyard to witness the life that is happening all around, under the very nose, of us all. Through his mastery of subtle romanticism he weaves such a wonder around nature that it is not enough to simply read his observations: one must go out and see it for themselves. This characteristic is what has kept this book alive for so long and why many refer to it as the `Bible of Conservationists". You can't help from wanting to cherish the nature around us today and to leave it for the children of tomorrow.

Cameron A.

Even though it was written in 1946 is is wonderfully timely today. Our couples book group read it and everyone was in awe of Leopold's beauty of writing in addition to the quality of the content.

I am informed by an expert on Aldo Leopold's writings that this edition contains editing by the publisher which introduced a scientific error in the treatment of evolution. The editors replaced some of Leopold's words with their own.

The SAND COUNTY ALMANAC by Aldo Leopold is a wonderful - any wonderfully written - collection of essays and short stories focused on ecology, hunting, conservation, and the flora and fauna of specific parts of the midwest and southwest. It is better than Thoreau's WALDEN. A recommend it without reservation.

I already rated this book. My husband was referred to this in his Environmental Science class, and he considers it a "must read".

This book should be required reading for every college freshman. The entire book is full of breathtaking prose. Sand County Almanac spells out the current environmental problems and solutions like no other book before or since. Since the chapters stand alone you can read it in pieces or take the book as a whole. If you love the outdoors my guess is you won't be able to set it down. Aldo's explanation of a Land Ethic is something that has and will continue to affect the way we live. Hopefully more and more.

Hours spent reading Sand County Almanac are never hours wasted. It isn't seventh grade level reading so be prepared for higher level vocabulary.

Team player was more than helpful to correct the problem. Unfortuantely, since this was the first time that we had used Amazon and not sure how to handle a misunderstanding we gave them a rating of 1. They really are willing to correct problems.

Sorry for the rating.

In our day and age it is easy to allow progress to eclipse the natural world around us. Technological and social advances distract us from the natural world that is quickly deteriorating. Aldo Leopold uses A Sand County Almanac to express his love for nature and the convictions he feels regarding its preservation.

A Sand County Almanac takes a step back from the fast pace of life. It is not a gripping read. It embodies the point that Leopold is trying to make through his writing. Leopold wants his readers to slow down and appreciate some of the things that are not exalted by modern society. Consequently, the book has a tendency to drag on.

It is creative and raises some interesting points--it brings out things that are often overlooked. Leopold's writing style is beautiful. His imagery is vivid--he draws his reader into the experiences he describes. He takes interesting perspectives on nature, often using personification to draw readers into his mindset.

Summary,

The pros:
Leopold's writing is different and intriguing
The subject matter is unconventional but relevant
The purpose of the book is under appreciated in today's society

The cons:
The book is slow
The subject matter will not interest many people

A Sand County Almanac makes excellent bathroom reader. Do not buy this book if you want a gripping read from cover to cover.

This book arrived when I needed it for my class and in the condition that it was listed as being in.