Bright Stars, Dark Trees, Clear Water: Nature Writing from North of the Border

There is much beauty in these 37 pieces of natural history writing, spanning 240 years and collected by Grady (The Penguin Book of Canadian Short Stories). Most expected authors are present--Audubon, Thoreau, Whitman, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Peter Matthiessen, Farley Mowat and Barry Lopez--as well as many lesser-known writers. In a rambling introduction, Grady states that ``Increased engagement with nature produces not only an increase in knowledge; it also produces wonder.'' Both are admirably blended in Louise de Kiriline Lawrence's 1954 piece about the red-eyed vireo, which, ``in looks and comportment... is such a smooth and elegant bird.'' Besides being similarly successful, Harold Horwood's 1987 selection opens wonderfully: ``I have seen the willets dancing in the springtime on the shore, dancing not only on the short salt grass... but dancing in air, like butterflies, or salamanders wrapped in flame.'' The flora and fauna of Canada come alive in this pleasing anthology. (July)