The Earth Speaks: An Acclimatization Journal [Paperback]

Steve Van Matre (Editor), Bill Weiler (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0917011007 | ISBN-13: 978-0917011009 | Publication Date: June 1983

A collection of images and impressions captured by those who have listened to the earth with their hearts --- John Muir, Walt Whitman, Annie Dillard, John Burroughs, Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, Henry David Thoreau, and more...

The Earth Speaks can be read by individuals in moments of solitude, shared among friends around a trailside campfire, and used by leaders to help their learners develop a love for life and the systems of the earth that sustain it.

Brought to life by the beautiful block prints of Gwen Frostic, this book contains the writings of naturalists and natives, poets and philosophers, plus ordinary people who were able to capture in words some of the magic and meaning of the earth's marvels.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Whenever I pick up this book to glance thru it, it brings great peace to me---the same peace as being in the woods. Most of the people I show this book to also have the same reaction---I can see it in their faces---some part of them has been touched. Thank you for putting together this book."

---Mary Ann Balko-Koch, Salzburg, Austria "I just finished reading The Earth Speaks and I can't begin to say how much I enjoyed it. I recently went to an environmental camp [where] this book was used... I feel that I have a totally different outlook about who I am and how I am related to the earth. We belong to the earth is now my thinking, not the earth belongs to us."

-- Leslie Attard, Staten Island, New York -- Publisher Comments

About the Author

Steve Van Matre, chairman of The Institute for Earth Education, was a professor of environmental interpretation and education for fifteen years in the Chicago region before moving to West Virginia and founding the School for the Earth. Prior to his university work he was a camp director, school teacher, education consultant and youth leader. Professor Van Matre has conducted over 1000 sessions on earth education and completed over a dozen world speaking tours on its behalf.

Bill Weiler has been an active Associate staff member (volunteer) of The Institute for Earth Education for many years. Bill often writes for the institute's journal about his relationship with the natural things and places of the pacific northwest of the U.S.

Product Details

• Paperback: 187 pages
• Publisher: The Institute for Earth Education (June 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917011007
• ISBN-13: 978-0917011009
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #507,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, peaceful little book...., August 22, 2000

By 

Kathie "ecclesias" (NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Earth Speaks: An Acclimatization Journal (Paperback)

I first bought this book a few years ago when, by good fortune, I was in the middle of Denali National Park in Alaska in cabins with nothing around us for about 100 miles - true wilderness as I have never experienced it before or since. And, to me, this book brings me back to that peaceful, transcendent, truly wild place. I use it as a meditation book in the early morning. I have five that I read - the first four are about peace for me, human person, and they certainly have their place. But this little book I read last because it puts things in perspective and reminds me that I am not the center of anything at all. I buy them in quantity and give them away. It is such a beautiful book. The quotes are outstanding and are from some of our most eloquent naturalists, et al, and the peace that emanates from every reading can only be experienced, not described. It's wonderful.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It gives ideas, ideals, and brings you to new places., March 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Earth Speaks: An Acclimatization Journal (Paperback)

This book is what to read when you have run out of steam, and just don't know what to do with yourself anymore. It brings the best of your outdoors side out and lets you not forget the most peaceful places on earth. It also has stories and quotations that one would want to live by. It is amazing how it can make you feel, I do not know quite how to explain it. All in all, it gives motivation, reason to be, and expresses nature in ways not seen everyday. And the best part about it is, it is a collection of the most wonderual writers one could find! It is enjoyable for everyone with a sense of adventure, love, and nature.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational must for any kind of environmentalist!, September 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Earth Speaks: An Acclimatization Journal (Paperback)

This book contains many inspirational verses to stimulate thought and discussion. I find myself turning the pages over and over again. I love it!