John Burroughs: The Sage of Slabsides [Hardcover]

Ginger Wadsworth (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

When the American poet and naturalist John Burroughs opened his door to observe the world around him, his written findings became an inspiration to people all across the country. His published work was both widely read and acclaimed, and Slabsides, his home in the Catskills, became a favorite meetinghouse for such illustrious visitors as Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir. The only biography about Burroughs available for young readers, this abundantly illustrated book is replete with historical anecdotes and engaging details, and offers an intimate look at the life and work of an environmental pioneer.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up. A pleasant look at the life of a well-known naturalist-writer. Beginning with endpapers decorated with a leaf pattern, the book is attractively designed, featuring nearly as many black-and-white photographs as there are pages. The pictures are mostly informal and candid, taken from personal collections, with a few studio portraits interspersed. Written with a familiar, almost intimate tone, the text is liberally sprinkled with quotes from Burroughs's publications. Burroughs is portrayed as a man more interested in nature and its conservation than in his marriage. His relationship with his wife is unconventional, yet quickly passed over, leaving a generally negative impression of her. The many renowned people with whom he shared his interest in nature make an impressive list, from President Theodore Roosevelt to John Muir. Although there is an extensive index, this biography seems more suited to pleasure reading than to research.?Marilyn Fairbanks, East Junior High School, Brockton, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-8. American naturalist and essayist John Burroughs (1837^-1921) lived at his cabin, Slabsides, in the Catskill Mountains and celebrated the wildlife of the area. This biography tells his story, from boyhood on a New York farm to his career as a writer for children and adults to his later years as a venerable public figure. Selections from Burroughs' journal and his published works give the flavor of his prose. Spacious book design makes good use of white space and of the many black-and-white pictures of Burroughs, his friends, his family, his homes, and the surrounding countryside. Although not as well known as his friend John Muir, Burroughs may be of interest to some young people, particularly in his neck of the woods. The jacket photo of Burroughs seated in a rocking chair reading sums up the tone of the book: not exciting but quiet and comfortable. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (March 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395778301
• ISBN-13: 978-0395778302
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,286,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I thrive in my world of books, reading, research, and writing award-winning nonfiction titles. Biographies, natural history and American history are my main focus. Each of my books is for young readers ... and the young at heart! I have a reputation for being a research junkie and in my house, that means tiptoeing around boxes (my style of file cabinets) in my office, stacks of "very important" papers, and teetering towers of reference books that don't fit into my floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Despite my predilection for research, I have managed to publish 25 nonfiction books, and many others are still waiting to find that perfect home.

I come from a creative family and we all love the natural world. My father made his living writing westerns and then adventure novels for young readers. His father also wrote western novels and for the "Big Slicks." My mother was an artist and her father was director of the San Diego Natural History Museum. I have one brother who is a professional photographer and another who, along with his wife, are the publishers of many award-winning natural history books (Cachuma Press).

When I'm not working in my office, I often like to garden or head to the hills behind my house. I take my "writing buddies," Willa and Scout (my golden retrievers), and carry a pair of binoculars. While I hike, I like to think about my books. Sometimes I go further and visit our national parks. Many of my ideas come together after one of these "explores."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent contribution, September 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: John Burroughs: The Sage of Slabsides (Hardcover)

Mr. Kanze and I seem to agree on at least one thing, that Ms. Wadsworth's JOHN BURROUGHS: THE SAGE OF SLABSIDES is an excellent contribution. As for my own book, I've searched it for the word "kidnap" and can't seem to find that phrase anywhere. -- Edward J. Renehan, Jr., author of JOHN BURROUGHS: AN AMERICAN NATURALIST

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a terrific book! --- Edward Kanze, November 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: John Burroughs: The Sage of Slabsides (Hardcover)

Ginger Wadsworth, distinguished author of children's books on John Muir and Rachel Carson, brings the naturalist, literary critic, and philosopher John Burroughs to life in The Sage of Slabsides. As a Burroughs biographer myself (my THE WORLD OF JOHN BURROUGHS was published in 1993 by Harry Abrams, with a deal in the works to revive the book next year in paperback), I am in a position to judge the quality of Wadsworth's treatment. I think she does a brilliant job of telling the story of Burroughs's long and eventful life in a way that children will find captivating. There are quotes from Burroughs's published writings, journal entries, and an array of fine photographs, all well chosen to appeal to kids. The scholarship is first-rate, too. For example, Wadsworth notes the adoption of Burroughs's son, Julian, in July, 1878, as is documented in his journal, rather than repeating the false claim of Edward Renehan's JOHN BURROUGHS: AN AMERICAN NATURALIST that the boy was essentially kidnapped from its biological mother in April. The secret of Burroughs's success may be that, with his playful humor and passion for nature and the out-of-doors, he remained a kid at heart throughout his nearly 84 years. He had a genius for passing along his childlike enthusiasm to others, which explains why people could not get enough of his company. Wadsworth keeps up the tradition. Boys, girls, and adults reading this book will likely be inspired to walk a few of Burroughs's forest paths.