Tales Of An Empty Cabin

by Grey Owl

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Genres: History, Nature, Nonfiction, Native American, Biography

380 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

Grey Owl (or Wa-sha-quon-asin, from the Ojibwe wenjiganoozhiinh, meaning "great horned owl" or "great grey owl") was the name Archibald Belaney adopted when he took on a First Nations identity as an adult. A British native, he was most notable as an author and one of the "most effective apostles of the wilderness". While his writings showed his deep knowledge and concern about the environment, Belaney's account of his origins as "Grey Owl" was mostly fictional. The consequences of the revelation were dramatic. Publishers immediately ceased producing his books under the name Grey Owl. In some cases his books were withdrawn from publication.
(from wikipedia)

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote an essay on Grey Owl's life when I was in grade school, and it's unfortunate that the only thing I'd learned about him after all is that he lied about being of Apache descent. I found this book at a used sale and picked it up only because I recognized Grey Owl's name. Upon finishing it, I've decided that his love of the Wilderness and its inhabitants as well as his efforts in early Canadian conservation redeems him well enough in my eyes.

Overall I enjoyed this read very much, though I'll admit not every story was captivating. It is not my habit to skip sections of a book, but if I'm to give any advice to future readers, I would say to do just that if ever you're uninterested, because there are some lengthy descriptions. For instance, a couple of reviews have stated that Part Three contains too much information about his life with beavers, but for me this was all quite astounding. On many occasions I laughed out loud! I feel a sort of gratitude that a man lived these experiences and wrote them down for someone like me to read almost a hundred years later. For the most part I really was fascinated, and felt a warm amazement about the old ways of living in the woods. In a way it was like remembering an ancient dream...

If you don't mind a book that reads much like a slow-burning fire, I would recommend it to anyone who has ever fantasized about living and surviving in the great Wilderness, or feels ecstatic when in the presence of wild animals.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very satisfying, but definitely had to take a long break in the middle.

[dirty derk · Rating 4 out of 5]

part 3 has too much about beavers. otherwise perfect.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, and while I enjoyed parts of it, it took some effort to finish. Grey Owl had some strong views on the conservation and protection of animals and the environment which is certainly admirable. His description of living with the beavers was pretty humerous at times although much more detailed than I cared to read. It's hard to put aside that the author was not who he portrayed himself to be which took away from the story somewhat for me. All in all the book is alright, but not great in my opinion.

[John Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grey Owl was the name adopted by an Englishman who ran away to C19th Canada as a young man. He apparently claimed Apache descent, and adopted Indian ways. Shortly after he died his little deception was revealed. But now, he is seen as a passionate enviromentalist, way ahead of his time. Not always very well written, these stories form a touching eulogy for that vanished way of life.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written more than 80 years ago, Grey Owl's (Archibald Belaney) observations are still relevant today. Grey Owl was my childhood hero after I had read an article about him in my favorite children's magazine, but I have never read any of his writings uncle now - why did I wait?!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love everything about Grey Owl...all books, movie, his life, his life's work!

[Graham Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book . An inspiring read.

[Paweł]

+

[Jesse Wighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.