Illumination in the Flatwoods [Paperback]

Joe Hutto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1998

The acclaimed account of any astonishing, human-turkey relationship.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Turkeys, Joe Hutto writes, have gotten a bad rap for being, well, stupid creatures. In his account of a year spent studying a flock of wild turkeys in the loblolly pine woods of Florida, he aims to improve their reputation. They are, he notes, masters of disguise, blending in with their surroundings in ways so subtle as to make the work of predators--especially human hunters--difficult. And, he writes, they are "curious to a fault, want a working understanding of every aspect of their surroundings, and their memory is impeccable." His affectionate portrait may not convince English speakers to stop calling each other turkeys, but it will make welcome reading for birders and wildfowl enthusiasts. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Wildlife artist Hutto embarked on an unusual study of wild turkeys: he obtained two dozen eggs, incubated them and imprinted himself on the hatchlings, with unexpected results. It was, he says, exhausting, enlightening and one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. His account of raising the brood is an engaging story of an unlikely relationship between species. For six months Hutto spent nearly every waking moment with the young turkeys (four males and 10 females reached maturity), accompanying them on walks in the flatlands of northern Florida, roosting with them at night (until they went to sleep) and observing their behavior. By late summer, he felt so much a part of the flock that smooth green grasshoppers began to look appetizing. In October, Hutto's flock met native wild turkeys, and they dispersed. In an epilogue, he tells how they fared. This tale should have wide appeal to hunters and nature- and animal-lovers. Who would have dreamed turkeys could be so interesting? Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; 1st edition (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558216944
• ISBN-13: 978-1558216945
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #730,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joe Hutto: Renaissance Man, September 10, 2001

By 

Katharine L Cooley - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illumination in the Flatwoods (Paperback)

My review is not unbiased because Joe Hutto, author of "Illumination in the Flatwoods," and I have been friends for almost 25 years.
Joe is the most humble man I've ever known. I am honored that he brought me the original manuscript to read. It was so beautiful I could have cried.
With the same graceful writing skills used by conservationists Aldo Leopold ("Sand County Almanac") and Herbert Stoddard ("Memoirs of a Naturalist"), Joe gives a masterful mix of documentary-style nature reporting and heartfelt thoughts on the meaning of life. As dramatic as that sounds, I think most readers will agree that "Illumination in the Flatwoods" is a life-changing book.
You will never regret the dollars you spend to buy this book nor the time it takes you to read it. . .

Kathy McCord Cooley

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A testament to nature, love, and the human character, June 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Illumination in the Flatwoods (Hardcover)

Hutto's book trancends its subject. Through an account of his relationship with a flock of wild turkeys, Hutto better defines the human qualities of understanding, respect, and decency. I began reading this book because I have always been interested in wild turkeys. I finished it because I felt its sincerity and character were exceptional. The respect that Hutto shows for all creatures, down to the snake that ingests one of his beloved poults, gives us insight to the relevance of all creatures. Hutto seems to have a rare quality that allows him to avoid judgement, and to achieve a level of peace and acceptance that seems so foreign in today's society. Yes, this book is about the wild turkey. But, it if you follow Hutto's responses to the events into which the turkeys lead him, you find a much richer story that tells us more about ourselves than the turkeys Hutto follows.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joe Hutto, writer extraordinaire, November 14, 2003

By 

"peejay714" (Williston, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illumination in the Flatwoods (Paperback)

This is an incredibly beautifully written book. I never thought I would find it so interesting and spellbinding. I was doubtful when first beginning the book that the author would be able to maintain his observer status, but he did so remarkably well, raising the turkeys to be real wild turkeys. As I read the final line in the book, I felt I was closing a chapter in my life in which I had personally been involved with the turkeys and the author. I was impressed with Mr. Hutto's dedication to these remarkable birds, his keen observations, and also with his obvious "connection" to them. I hope he will write again in the future.