Birdwatching with American Women: A Selection of Nature Writings

Though American women have written about birds for a century or more, much of their work is in eclipse today. Strom here revives the literature for a new audience18 selections with biographical sketches of the authors (which rival the writings in interest). They range from conservation and nature-education pieces (Florence Merriam Bailey, Neltje Blanchen Doubleday) to scientific studies (Margaret Morse Nice, Louise de Kiriline Lawrence) to birding travelogue-adventure (Helen Cruikshank, Eleanor Rose Pettingill). Some selections are by writers better known in areas other than birding: Sarah Orne Jewett, Mary Austin, Celia Thaxter, Gene Stratton-Porter. A few pieces are dated, but most will be a source of enjoyment for birders and other nature-lovers. Illustrations not seen by PW. (March 24)