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 A book for those who cannot live without wild things November 22, 2005
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
A sand county almanac is a book wonderfuly written book about observing nature and taking respect for all life on the planet. Leopold talks much about developing a land ethic as a guide to allow humans to enjoy this world and exploit its resources in a sustainable way. Very quotable and moving in places, although it is many years old now, all issues of wilderness preservation, species extinctions and environmental degradation are still relevant to the world today. Leopold alluded to many things that were only later published in scientific literature such as the tragedy of the commons and sustainable use of resources. Much of the book is nostalgic with Leopold decrying the commercialisation of modern hunting and wilderness in general in America (a fact that I can only assume has gotten worse since the 1940’s) and believing that hunting can be a way to get people back to nature to see what life was like for our ancestors, though I myself have no wish to go hunting I do believe Leopold is correct, as long as it is done with the minimal of equipment and responsibly, as Leopold himself said. Everyone who enjoys nature and landscapes from bird watchers to ramblers has to read this book. Everyone else who reads this book should think deeply about the issues it raises. For looking at this book tells us about environmental policy and perceptions in the 1940’s and so gives us a guide as to how far we have come in the decades since in how we treat and view the world. And in that respect I would say that we have not come far.
On being closer to who we are January 10, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
This is a charmingly written account of the seasons, flora and fauna of North America by a man who was clearly a literary artist and keen observer of nature. Although this was written many decades ago, the same concerns apply about how human behaviour undermines the continued existence of our fellow creatures, and little seems to have changed since then regarding people's ignorant and selfish attitudes. Leopold had an impressive and intricate knowledge of species and ecosystems, despite his lack of modern equipment that we have today, and he acknowledged the fragile and complex bonds between soil, plants, animals and people with the greatest of care. He conceded that animals have feelings and needs not unlike our own, yet he failed to take this realisation further: that they should therefore have a right to life and be treated ethically. I personally do not believe that humans have a moral right to hunt animals for recreation, but Leopold was a supporter of blood sports as long as the technology was kept to the minimum. This book is a good basis from which to start on one's journey towards an appreciation of environmental and ethical issues, but it by no means covers the entire spectrum of philosophical argument. Much information was meticulously gathered and it is obvious to the reader how much Leopold loved the land and cared to see it protected. There is a section where he laments the extinction of a flower he found particularly pretty, and that represented for him the history of the land, that I find very moving. For the sheer beauty and sensitivity of his writing, I would highly recommend this classic work on nature in North America.
Social scientists take note... April 20, 1999
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A wildlife ecologist friend recommended this to me, and being in the social sciences, I couldn't figure why until I actually read it. Sociologists, economists, psychologists, anthropologists and political scientists have a great deal to learn about our connections with nature and what it really means to be a part of a community. This is the best place to start.
 Hesitant Recommendation April 13, 1999
Despite Leopold's qualifications as a naturalist/conservationist and the many undeniable moments of beauty and insight that permeate this collection, I was disturbed by the occasionally rhetorical and condescending manner of this work. I found it cute and overwraught at times--too carefully designed for effect. Having said that, Leopold uses gads of old-fashioned and obscure words in interesting ways, which is always worth the price of admission.
Quietly powerful March 31, 1999
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As one who has lived my life in the out-of-doors and has a great appreciation for it, Leopold writes what I've always felt but never could express. Leopold's love for nature is shared in a way that all can appreciate.
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