Deep Enough for Ivorybills [Hardcover]

James Kilgo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1988

Deep Enough for Ivorybills is a powerful, thoughtful collection of autobiographical writings about James Kilgo's hunting and fishing excursions in the woods, fields, and swamps of South Carolina and Georgia. Portraying a world both visceral and majestic, Deep Enough for Ivorybills establishes Kilgo not only in the sporting lineage of Robert Ruark and William Faulkner but also in the naturalist tradition of Annie Dillard and Loren Eisley.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In certain circles, hunting is despicable; in others, it is a cherished tradition, a way of life. Kilgo, who teaches at the University of Georgia, belongs to the huntin' and fishin' fraternity. The river swamps and forests of the South hold a special place in his life. "Hunting," he writes, "brought me a deeply satisfying relationship with other men and with the woods." He conveys the mystery and splendor of the forest swamp at dawn; he tells us of the feeling of claustrophobia at being lost in the swamp. He combines superb nature writing with hunting and fishing adventures, and with portraits of his companions. His book is not an apologia for hunting; rather, it is an insight into the mystique and camaraderie of the sport. Of primarily regional interest, these essays will appeal to birders, hunters and those who fish.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

English professor, Sunday School teacher, Little League coach, Kilgo feels a strong need to go into the woods and swamps in search of himself. For him deer hunting requires that he tell others of the experience in order to come to terms with it. Hunting also provides a connection to his ancestors, who owned and hunted on these same Georgia plantations. In accounts of hunting and fishing, alone and with comrades, Kilgo describes a coming of age, but told by an adult mostly of his adult life with nature being both stimulus and medium. Of interest to outdoor collections for its literary and philosophical perceptions. Roland Person, Southern Illinois Univ. Lib., Carbondale
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 193 pages
• Publisher: Algonquin Books; 1ST edition (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0912697717
• ISBN-13: 978-0912697710
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,504,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read - Many, Many Times!, March 23, 2008

By 

J. Arrants "arrants14" (SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deep Enough for Ivorybills (Brown Thrasher Books) (Paperback)

Kilgo's use of seemingly simple words and turns of phrases paint a deep and emotional album of memories of a life well worth recalling. And in doing so, he stirs long-forgotten memories of your own life. There are MANY sentences/paragraphs/pages that are simply powerful. On more than one occassion, you will find yourself re-reading passages and connecting them to experiences of your own. The rare times that you do not find a common experience, Kilgo writes in such a way that you can't help but see the moments unfold. Much more than just "hunt club stories", this book respectfully looks at wildlife and friendship... and how the combination of those two elements made them both more substantial. If you read this book once, you will read it again and again. What a wonderful book by such a gifted author!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, October 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Deep Enough for Ivorybills (Brown Thrasher Books) (Paperback)

I had this book on my shelf for a long while and finally pulled it down a few days ago. I should have done it much sooner! Jim describes experiences that awaken memories from long ago. When I lay the book down and reflect on his story there always is an afterglow.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memories of best times, the best parts of growing up., September 20, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Deep Enough for Ivorybills (Brown Thrasher Books) (Paperback)

I have loaned this book to several of my best friends, the ones I shared the best and worst times with. This is the type of book many will relate to because it reminds us of the value of friendship and honesty. If you have a close group of friends who have seen you at your best and worst, this book will add a new wrinkle to the emotional bond between you. I have loaned out my copy of a lot of books, most I never get back. This one I always track down. It is mine.