Reading the Landscape of America

by May Theilgaard Watts

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.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Science, History, Gardening

372 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[David Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the Landscape of America is an excellent, readable, accessible introduction to landscape ecology in the continental United States. Watts presents the dynamics of a variety of major plant communities scattered across the country in a format reminiscent of a detective story, so she engages the reader and maintains interest. Watts was based in Chicago and is most at home and comfortable in the eastern forest; as a result, those chapters dealing with the deciduous forest biome are the best. Some of the writing is a bit too "folksy" and occasionally can get irritating but, in general, I would have liked to accompany her on many of her field trips.

[Jeanne]

I was born too late to have the privilege of traveling with this extraordinary botanist, story teller, and forensic sleuth. Don't miss the chapter on how islands travel. Anyone born in America before 1960 will appreciate "the Stylish House." But save it for last.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watts is--as far as I know--a forgotten nature writer and conservationist pioneer whose lyrical tone reminds me of Aldo Leopold.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I once heard a story about a man from the United States who was traveling in India. On the train, he met a woman who would look out over the landscape, and from that observations tell what the conditions of the people living there were, what their challenges were, and what they could do differently to live within the contraints of the land. There was a practical kind of reading that gave one agency to help people live as part of their ecology.

This book, by and large, does not provide this kind of insight. However, it is still insightful in a different way; a more humble (to put it positively) or fatalistic (to put it negatively) way.

The book gives a wry and charming exploration of the processes that have shaped the landscape of the interior of the United States, both in terms of natural succession and in terms of human influence. It explores a variety of regions and landforms, in chapters of a variety of lengths, occasionally just a few pages. It covers the effects of farming and of domestic lifestyles. It is well illustrated with clever diagrams that emphasize exactly the right points to summarize and frame the text. The scope is primarily from Indiana westward, though it may also apply well out east.

It would be accessible to patient children. I borrowed it from a friend who had initially read it when he was a child, and had reread it a number of times since then.

Overall, while this book was a quiet and mild experience without any great amazement, it was interesting, informative, and entertaining, and I am very pleased with it.

[evelyn taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi! Just wanted to say I loved reading your story, it was such an immersive experience. While reading, I kept imagining it unfolding visually, almost like a graphic novel already.

I’m a commission artist who specializes in comics, webtoons, manga and manhwa. I thought I’d reach out as I’d love to create something with you if you’re ever interested in exploring that side for your story. If not, that's totally cool as well, it just really spoke to me, so I thought I should reach out.

If you’d like to chat more or see my art, the best way to reach me is on Discord (eve_verse).

Regards,
Evelyn

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. We learn about a lot of things in school, but most folks don't understand the first thing about reading the landscape, myself included. May Thielgaard Watts demonstrates how we can begin to understand our natural heritage through observation, and she makes it engaging and easy to follow along with helpful comparisons and descriptions along with wonderful sketches. She has a great sense of humor and at times she writes so poetically that it brought tears to my eyes.

[Nick Geeslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. The terminology used was at times a bit over my head, but her prose is absolutely beautiful. And on top of that I learned so very much. Watts is a true gem of Midwestern ecological intepretation and communication.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Fun lessonson ecological change told from first person perspective with a nice viewpoint on change seen during a human life

[zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

may watts= 1940's UofC grad/first staff naturalist at the Morton Arboretum near Chicago/founder of rails to trails movement

mary oliver-esque

"defender of native plants and landscapes in her native midwest"

"there is good reading on the land, first-hand reading, involving no symbols.

the records are written in forests, in fencerows, in bogs, in playgrounds, in pastures, in gardens, in canyons, in tree rings.

the records were made my sun and shade, by wind, rain, and fire, by time; and by animals."

[P225 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching and intriguing essays by one of America's first female botanists. I will never look at a landscape the same way again! Beautifully written. No need to know anything about botany to thoroughly enjoy.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read from highschool to senior. illustrated and easy to understand.
Nice basic info.

[Ela-Sita · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent botany book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true gem. It will make looking out a car window and traveling to different places a whole new experience as you too learn how to read the landscape.

[Carol]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13827435

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author certainly has a special talent to combine an extensive knowledge of botany with almost poetic prose! Enjoyed reading the landscape of America with her! A good read indeed!