In this natural history classic, the author takes the reader on field trips to landscapes across America, both domesticated and wild. She shows how to read the stories written in the land, interpreting the clues laid down by history, culture, and natural forces. A renowned teacher, writer and conservationist in her native Midwest, Watts studied with Henry Cowles, the pioneering American ecologist. She was the first to explain his theories of plant succesion to the general public. Her graceful, witty essays, with charming illustrations by the author, are still relevant and engaging today, as she invites us to see the world around us with fresh eyes.

Come along on a field trip with the esteemed American naturalist May Theilgaard Watts to see how nature, history and culture have written their stories on the landscapes of Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Britain. She makes a lively guide, knowledgeable, literary, witty and opinionated, drawing on botany, ecology, and geography, as well as literature and folklore, to explain how a place came to look and feel the way it does.In this sequel to her popular book Reading the Landscape of America, Watts explored the hills of Italy, the grouse heath of Britain, the Black Forest of Germany, the limestone plateaus of France, and much more, explaining the forces that shaped these landscapes and continue to change them. Illustrated with dozens of pen and ink by the author. Includes a key to identifying the trees of Europe.

Chronicles the forest in New England from the Ice Age to current challenges

It is not only what we see but how we see that makes a difference... In his sequel to Capturing the Light, Peter Watson revisits the often delicate process of interpreting and capturing landscapes in photography. His, almost scientific, approach challenges us to see like an artist and seize creative opportunities, whilst comprehensive tools and techniques coverage allow us to put his theories into practice, with impressive results.

A lexicon and guide for discovering the essence of landscape.

Flying on the wing of the North American edition's success, this book decodesthe sights to be seen on any flight across Europe. 67 color aerial photos. 18line drawings. Fold-out map.