The Natural History of Puget Sound Country [Paperback]

Arthur R. Kruckeberg (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 029597477X | ISBN-13: 978-0295974774 | Publication Date: June 2003

This title is a Winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award. Bounded on the east by the crest of the Cascade Range and on the west by the lofty east flank of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound terrain includes every imaginable topographic variety. This thoughtful and eloquent natural history of the Puget Sound region begins with a discussion of how the ice ages and vulcanism shaped the land and then examines the natural attributes of the region - flora and fauna, climate, special habitats, life histories of key organisms - as they pertain to the functioning ecosystem. Mankind's effects upon the natural environment are a pervasive theme of the book. Kruckeberg looks at both positive and negative aspects of human interaction with nature in the Puget basin. By probing the interconnectedness of all natural aspects of one region, Kruckeberg illustrates ecological principles at work and gives us a basis for wise decision-making. "The Natural History of Puget Sound Country" is a comprehensive reference, invaluable for all citizens of the Northwest, as well as for conservationists, biologists, foresters, fisheries and wildlife personnel, urban planners, and environmental consultants everywhere. Lavishly illustrated with over three hundred photographs and drawings, it is much more than a beautiful book. It is a guide to our future. Arthur Kruckeberg, a Northwest naturalist for forty years, is professor emeritus of botany at the University of Washington.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In this remarkably well written and abundantly illustrated natural history of Puget Sound, naturalist Kruckeberg takes the reader on a journey through time, from the geological remnants of the last Ice Age to the human impacts of today. Excellent chapters describe regional land forms, climate and weather patterns, inland tides and currents, marine life, forest and animal species, water supplies, and influences of Native American and European cultures... A comprehensive reference for citizens in the Northwest, as well as for conservationists, natural resource professionals, and the general public everywhere. - Choice "Many natural histories are aimed at an audience already in possession of dog-eared field guides and well-worn hiking boots. This one casts a wider net, with a text that is both accessible and scholarly. Stunning black-and-white photographs, beautiful illustrations and intelligent captioning let his volume work equally well as a browse or a read. The Puget Sound watershed now has a lavish book worthy of its great diversity and beauty." - Whole Earth Review "Kruckeberg's book doesn't strain to be either outrageously passionate or a poetic page-turner for its effect. Rather it is so comprehensive and clear that it will probably become a landmark textbook, one of the basic reference works for understanding this region." - The Seattle Times "An uncommonly beautiful book." - Columbia "Thorough, intelligently written and well illustrated, it is one of the best books to ever come out of the Pacific Northwest." - Victoria Times Colonist "A comprehensive reference, invaluable for all citizens of the Northwest, as well as for conservationists, biologists, foresters, fisheries and wildlife personnel, urban planners, and environmental consultants everywhere." - Biology Digest

About the Author

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Product Details

• Paperback: 468 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 029597477X
• ISBN-13: 978-0295974774
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #586,071 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive ref. for geology, flora, fauna, nat. resources, November 21, 1999

By 

P. N. West (Washington State & Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Natural History of Puget Sound Country (Paperback)

Very detailed, scholarly work, description of landforms, geology, soils, climate, vegetation, habitats, animal life, marine life, water resources. Overview of Indian tribes. Bibliography for all subjects is probably 200-300 references. Kruckeburg is Prof. of Botany at University of Washington.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The bible of Northwest natural history, November 11, 2005

By 

William Dietrich (Anacortes, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Natural History of Puget Sound Country (Paperback)

Whenever I have a question about plants, animals, geology, weather, tides, or history of the Puget Sound region, this well-organized book is the place I start. Kruckeberg is amazingly comprehensive and knowledgeable. The book is superbly illustrated, though in black and white. The writing is clear. While a new edition would be welcome, this classic remains timeless.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good ferry book, October 23, 2004

By 

Ron "[e-mail]" (Whidbey Island, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Natural History of Puget Sound Country (Paperback)

Commuting by ferry I always have a few books with me to fill the time either on the crossing or in the line of cars. This is a great book for just that, since it's full of interesting facts and it can be picked up and browsed at just about any place within it. It has lots of interesting graphs, illustrations and photos and has more information than any casual nature lover could require.