A Natural History of California (California Natural History Guides) [Paperback]

Allan A. Schoenherr (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An impressive compendium of the state's landforms, habitats, species, and conservation issues." -- Sierra

"One suspects that Schoenherr's book will be regarded as the publishing equivalent of the Sierra Nevada mountains -- unique, conspicuous, a major force. (Chris Watson, Santa Cruz Sentinel

"This is a book of astonishments. . . . The most comprehensive look at California's natural diversity yet attempted. And it is clear, concise, and vividly written. . . . A Natural History of California may signify a new era in natural histories. . . . There are plenty of stories here, and they are rich in meaning. The result is evocative of the land and illuminating of its secrets. Read this and you are likely to rediscover your love of California. That alone makes it a wonderful book." -- Peter Steinhart, Pacific Discovery --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

In this comprehensive and abundantly illustrated book, Allan Schoenherr describes a state with a greater range of landforms, a greater variety of habitats, and more kinds of plants and animals than any area of equivalent size in all of North America. A Natural History of California will familiarize the reader with the climate, rocks, soil, plants and animals in each distinctive region of the state.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 772 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (February 3, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520069226
• ISBN-13: 978-0520069220
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #146,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and fascinating, August 20, 2001

By	Robert Lallier "Montecristo" (Livermore, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Natural History of California (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for outdoor enthusiasts, September 7, 2001

By	"hiltoneous" (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Natural History of California (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent comprehensive guide to california bioregions., October 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Natural History of California (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)

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.