Customer Reviews

A Natural History of California (California Natural History Guides)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you have an interest in natural history, especially of California's natural history, this is an excellent book. The reader learns all sorts of fascinating things, practically from page one. It is very comprehensive in its breadth while not requiring high-level courses in geology, zoology, botany, etc. to understand it. The writer does buy into a couple of ideas that I think are influenced more by eco-religion than ecological science, but he attempts to maintain scientific discipline and does not harangue the reader with political axe-grinding. He writes in a readable, objective, tone that doesn't get in the way of the interesting "hard" facts conveyed in a clear, interesting style.

The book is an excellent survey text of natural history, California's in particular. I'm an immigrant to California from the Midwest, and did not have the advantage of learning about my adopted state during my school years. I have been looking for a good comprehensive book explaining the formation of the geography and an explanation of the operation of nature here in this state. This is the best book I have found on this subject since I moved here five years ago.

If you are an amateur naturalist, like myself, even just to the extent of having a fondness for programs like Discovery Channel, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, and the National Geographic Specials, you'll like this book. If you're a California parent, the book is really useful for answering the questions kids ask about the world around them.

This well thought out introduction to the natural setting of California is a must for anyone that either lives in the state or is planning a visit. I used this book as a reference in a report I wrote on California's environment. The all emcompassing narratives about flora, fauna, geology, geography and the wonder of California, makes this book priceless! This is by far the most thorough book on California's native environment that I have seen. Augment this book with, Audobon's Guide to California, and you have a history, guide and interesting information about California to make any vacation or field trip into a journey of unfathomable wonder of California and the natural environment that most of us fail to take advantage of and appreciate. This book really is a must have for anyone who considers themselves a Californian.

I have found this book very useful in my trips around California visiting various regions. It is a large book and written in a bit of a ponderous tone - not exactly light reading. But after a day of hiking, my friends and I usually have several questions about the natural areas that we have encountered, such as "Why are there less trees in this part of the Sierra?" Or "What's the deal with all of these creosote bushes?" This book is a great book for evening reading to answer questions like this. It is organized by california bioregion = california geography, so it is very easy to quickly find the relevant sections of the book. It is a non-technical book, so there is no need for any training in biology. I would recommend this book (and I have) to any nature-lover/amateur naturalist who is visiting California or parts of California. It has enhanced my trips and my understanding of nature enormously. The reason that I give it four stars instead of five is simply due to the writing, which is a bit dull, and occasional small lapses in choice of content.

This is one of the best books on Natural History I have ever read. It is thoughtful and precise, while reading much like a story at times. Reading it reminds me of the true beauty of California

I had to use this book for a class but was pleasantly surprised at how informative and easy to read it is. I have found myself being able to notice and point out rock formations and geology is not my strong suit. The author does such a good job that you could take this book, drive the length of the state and see each of the environments he writes about. I definitely recommend this book!

This book is a crucial reference for anyone interested in natural patterns, Southen California flora and fauna, and environmental design! Highly recommended! It should be on your shelf! How about we make it required reading for all California residents so everyone can appreciate the natural beauty and brilliance of this great part of the planet?!!

This is a superb introductory book on California ecology. Where it lacks in details (I think the portions on geology are glossed over slightly) the author provides excellent references to other books.

However, this really needs to be on the Kindle or some other electronic format. This is exactly the kind of reference/encyclopaedic work that would be perfect to browse through and click through to other references. So, please : publisher/author/Amazon, bring this out in a kindle edition.

This is an exceptional book. I was intimidated by its size, but thought I'd just read the little part concerning the "cismontane" region which is southern California. I read the first line in that first chapter and was HOOKED! Schoenherr's writing is full of vitality and really draws a person in. I'll soon be taking a naturalist class at my local community college because I've found I really enjoy hiking and understanding the natural history in my area of southern California.

Discover the real world around YOU through this book, if you're visiting or living in California.

This book was an excellent resource for my research papers, and for my CA history classes. The details are wonderful! This book is a must read if you plan on majoring in History (in the state of CA) or if you are planning on teaching in California.

Though it's authoritative and thorough, it's also entertaining and very accesible. It belongs in every outdoor enthusiast's "camping box."