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The California Field Atlas
This lavishly illustrated atlas takes readers off the beaten path and outside normal conceptions of California, revealing its myriad ecologies, topographies, and histories in exquisite maps and trail paintings. Based on decades of exploring the backcountry of the Golden State, artist-adventurer Obi Kaufmann blends science and art to illuminate the multifaceted array of living, connected systems like no book has done before. Kaufmann depicts layer after layer of the natural world, delighting in the grand scale and details alike. The effect is staggeringly beautiful: presented alongside California divvied into its fifty-eight counties, for example, we consider California made up of dancing tectonic plates, of watersheds, of wildflower gardens. Maps are enhanced by spirited illustrations of wildlife, keys that explain natural phenomena, and a clear-sighted but reverential text. Full of character and color, a bit larger than life, The California Field Atlas is the ultimate road trip companion and love letter to a place.
608 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2017
30 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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July 3, 2020Not a book one reads in a single setting. Despite the small size, it's more of a coffee table book, to flip through until something catches one's eye. Probably a fun traveling companion, although I haven't left the county in four months, so what do I know?
October 22, 2024
A love letter to the natural world of California, this book is chock-full of hand-painted maps and watercolor sketches. It covers such features as mountain ranges, water/rivers, and has a summary for each county. The drawbacks are that the font is a little small and the maps have a confusing numbering system. A pretty in-depth look at the natural aspects of California.
July 7, 2022
What a beautiful guide for expanding and deepening my relationship to this place I am falling in love with again. I almost can't believe this guy pulled this (and several other books!) off. This is an amazing work of beauty and clarity and deep, true love.
Greatest hits (besides the visual art, there are so many little gems, brief phrases and comments inserted throughout, but here are the longer philosophical bits that knocked my head and my heart a little sideways):
"The California Field Atlas presumes that every natural feature of California is alive and deserves an emancipated rebirth from the old human paradigms of utility and extraction without reciprocation and gratitude."
"The Field Atlas is a manual of geographic literacy with both a scientific agenda and
an artistic one—one is not political and one is."
"There are those who believe that our human society would not suffer if we were to
continue to eat away at that [remaining] 30 percent of California's original landscapes and even at that 14 percent of California's remaining wilderness. There are those who do not mind if the dwindling and isolated, disparate islands of natural landscape become islands of extinction for 10,000 species of plants and animals that call this land home. There are those who do not believe in the rights of wild landscape to be left to live.
However, there are also those—and in fact, we are the majority—who do not believe
that the resources of California can be extracted into perpetuity. A strengthening
chorus among the people of California believes plainly that what we do to the natural world we do to ourselves, and that if we are not careful to adopt immediate wisdom about how the natural systems of California should be governed in the 21st century and beyond, the sustainability of our state may suffer in the long term. There are many among us who believe in the ethics of conservation and stewardship and who foster an active respect for all living things. We believe that living things are not things at all, but neighbors. We are beginning to realize that all of nature's work in California is part of one dynamic organism and that we, too, are part of it. This perspective, this mindset, is the tool that will become humanity's greatest ally in the challenges that lie ahead."
"What will ultimately 'save' us from this momentum may be not our own cleverness, but rather a different kind of thinking altogether. Different thinking doesn't mean that something radical inside ourselves needs to fundamentally change and that we should all sit around waiting for that to happen. Different thinking may simply entail learning a new skill, and, like all new skills, it will take practice to develop.
Let's start by naming this new skill. For our purposes, let's call it wilderness talking.
It would be just as appropriate to call it wilderness listening as this skill relies on identifying relationships and reading situations in a context that is not about me and you but rather about us. We begin to practice wilderness talking by modifying our language. We begin by understanding that words are symbols of intent and opportunities for respect. English is, in many ways, a language bereft of words to describe humanity's relationship with nature. In some ways, English is anti-nature."
That's a talking and a listening I am ready to practice better.
PS to Alison: something Parzival is going on here, speaking Shaw's language. Christ in etheric-level shit. Christ Impulse through wilderness talking. Parzival as a story of ecological atonement for humanity. More later!
Greatest hits (besides the visual art, there are so many little gems, brief phrases and comments inserted throughout, but here are the longer philosophical bits that knocked my head and my heart a little sideways):
"The California Field Atlas presumes that every natural feature of California is alive and deserves an emancipated rebirth from the old human paradigms of utility and extraction without reciprocation and gratitude."
"The Field Atlas is a manual of geographic literacy with both a scientific agenda and
an artistic one—one is not political and one is."
"There are those who believe that our human society would not suffer if we were to
continue to eat away at that [remaining] 30 percent of California's original landscapes and even at that 14 percent of California's remaining wilderness. There are those who do not mind if the dwindling and isolated, disparate islands of natural landscape become islands of extinction for 10,000 species of plants and animals that call this land home. There are those who do not believe in the rights of wild landscape to be left to live.
However, there are also those—and in fact, we are the majority—who do not believe
that the resources of California can be extracted into perpetuity. A strengthening
chorus among the people of California believes plainly that what we do to the natural world we do to ourselves, and that if we are not careful to adopt immediate wisdom about how the natural systems of California should be governed in the 21st century and beyond, the sustainability of our state may suffer in the long term. There are many among us who believe in the ethics of conservation and stewardship and who foster an active respect for all living things. We believe that living things are not things at all, but neighbors. We are beginning to realize that all of nature's work in California is part of one dynamic organism and that we, too, are part of it. This perspective, this mindset, is the tool that will become humanity's greatest ally in the challenges that lie ahead."
"What will ultimately 'save' us from this momentum may be not our own cleverness, but rather a different kind of thinking altogether. Different thinking doesn't mean that something radical inside ourselves needs to fundamentally change and that we should all sit around waiting for that to happen. Different thinking may simply entail learning a new skill, and, like all new skills, it will take practice to develop.
Let's start by naming this new skill. For our purposes, let's call it wilderness talking.
It would be just as appropriate to call it wilderness listening as this skill relies on identifying relationships and reading situations in a context that is not about me and you but rather about us. We begin to practice wilderness talking by modifying our language. We begin by understanding that words are symbols of intent and opportunities for respect. English is, in many ways, a language bereft of words to describe humanity's relationship with nature. In some ways, English is anti-nature."
That's a talking and a listening I am ready to practice better.
PS to Alison: something Parzival is going on here, speaking Shaw's language. Christ in etheric-level shit. Christ Impulse through wilderness talking. Parzival as a story of ecological atonement for humanity. More later!
May 18, 2019
I'm not quite sure what I think. I'm glad I bought it, because the art is lovely and the maps are beautiful. But will I really use it? It's a coffee table book that isn't quite filled with art that carries me away, and a field guide that doesn't give me enough information to connect me more deeply with my world. Hybrids are interesting, and brave to undertake, but in this case, somewhat of a failure at both ends.
December 27, 2020
I’m going to read this cover to cover and then start again (I’ll do some hikes in between)! This is the book I’ve been waiting for - combines a love of nature, science and art! For the visual learners and map lover out there you will be overjoyed and awed. If only all of life could have an illustrated field manual!! Thank you sir for sharing this genius and beauty with the world.
December 10, 2020
Absolutely love this book. It’s beautiful, insightful, and re-inspires my curiosity about the natural beauty all around me.
November 1, 2024
If you're a California resident, or are planning to spend time driving or hiking while exploring this great state, Obi Kaufmann's beautiful book is almost a must have. Rather than simply being a travel guide, this is a "field atlas" that helps each of us reacquaint ourselves with our role, responsibilities as just another species living within the dynamic natural California landscape. In other words, this book, through its amazingly informative maps, illustrations, and text helps the user better understand the current geography, geology, climate, hydrology, biology, and the diversity of California's ecosystems and the plant and animal species that depend upon them, and how we can begin to take steps toward a "rewilding" of California. In a sense this book provides an inventory and assessment of the landscape--from the deserts, rivers, ocean, and mountains--and the creatures living here and what we might expect as climate change impacts increase. It is obvious that Mr. Kaufmann cares deeply about California and wants all of us who live here to understand that we all have a role in protecting and managing these California ecosystems for future generations. Solid 5/5 stars for me. This field atlas will travel with me every time I head out the door.
March 14, 2020
Obi Kaufmann has created a beautifully presented guide to the flora, fauna and environmental features of California. In addition to the well-researched data, the book is enhanced by numerous watercolors of birds, plants, etc. The design of the maps takes a bit of getting used to, but the information is nonetheless interesting.
I've learned some facts about California that I hadn't realized previously, and the book motivates me to get out and explore more of this large and diverse state.
I read much of the first part of the book, but then skipped to sections that were of interest to me (e.g. in my local area or areas which I had previously visited). When traveling the state, this would be a good reference source to review before (or after) visiting a new area.
I've learned some facts about California that I hadn't realized previously, and the book motivates me to get out and explore more of this large and diverse state.
I read much of the first part of the book, but then skipped to sections that were of interest to me (e.g. in my local area or areas which I had previously visited). When traveling the state, this would be a good reference source to review before (or after) visiting a new area.
April 16, 2018
If you just want information about the geography and natural aspects of California then you will certainly find that here. But what I think you’ll find more compelling is the love for the splendor of the state that the author shows through his beautiful watercolors and thoughtful maps. I’ve recently moved to the state and can’t wait to follow in the author’s footsteps. That’s what this book will encourage you to do—get out and enjoy that beauty!
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July 1, 2024I really like maps. They're fun to pore over and study and orient yourself with. This book was something special for map lovers and it's also fascinating as someone who lives in and has grown up in California. Kaufmann has taken a variety of aspects of state flora, fauna, geology, and environment and made maps for them. I was fascinated looking at familiar places in the state and at the many more unfamiliar places. These glimpses of the beautiful and impressive places around California made me want to get out and see many of them in person. Except we have mountain lions and rattlesnakes, so I'll just live vicariously through the maps.
I was so so on Kaufmann's commentary although it was necessary for most of the maps. I think his language felt a little clinical, which is strange because I listen to his podcast with Greg Serris and don't find him at all clinical there. Three other smallish complaints. First, the handwriting/calligraphic font Kaufman used for plant and animal names (common and scientific) is often VERY hard to read. In the introduction he encourages readers to look carefully at them and learn them, but you can't do that if the letters aren't clear! Second, he numbers things on the maps along the edge and then draw a line to the spot on the actual map, but many of those lines are quite faint. It takes some work to follow many of them and would be nearly impossible if you had poor eyesight and didn't have extremely good lighting while reading. Third, and I don't think this is Kaufmann's doing, but the keys to quite a few maps in the early sections ended up on the backside of the page the map is on making you flip back and forth instead of simply looking over to the facing page. It's not the end of the world, but it is really annoying and could have been fixed by moving some things around or adding in a page with just some drawings to bump the maps along.
I was so so on Kaufmann's commentary although it was necessary for most of the maps. I think his language felt a little clinical, which is strange because I listen to his podcast with Greg Serris and don't find him at all clinical there. Three other smallish complaints. First, the handwriting/calligraphic font Kaufman used for plant and animal names (common and scientific) is often VERY hard to read. In the introduction he encourages readers to look carefully at them and learn them, but you can't do that if the letters aren't clear! Second, he numbers things on the maps along the edge and then draw a line to the spot on the actual map, but many of those lines are quite faint. It takes some work to follow many of them and would be nearly impossible if you had poor eyesight and didn't have extremely good lighting while reading. Third, and I don't think this is Kaufmann's doing, but the keys to quite a few maps in the early sections ended up on the backside of the page the map is on making you flip back and forth instead of simply looking over to the facing page. It's not the end of the world, but it is really annoying and could have been fixed by moving some things around or adding in a page with just some drawings to bump the maps along.
April 11, 2021
I picked up this gorgeous book to garner more practical knowledge about the California wilderness, but I came away with so much more. In this field guide, Obi Kaufmann writes about his home state with such knowledge, and deep love that it was an absolute joy to read. As well as being an illuminating volume on California climates, counties, and natural resources, in addition to the scholarly content, his artist's soul shines in the descriptions of this breathtaking state. In addition to his excellent writing, the volume is peppered with his amazing illustrations depicting native landscapes, animals, and plants. This book is the kind of read that I will continue to reference to make use of the treasure trove of information, but it's also lovingly crafted pages make it a wonderful coffee table book.
March 9, 2020
If you love California, natural history and art this book is for you. It’s definitely a take your time and enjoy each section, the art, the bits of information sort of book. I slowly read my way through it and enjoyed it so much. The water color art is truly wonderful and inspired me to get out my paints and to make some sketches.
What prevented the 5 star - the first section with painted maps were organized poorly, the addition of a painting would have put the info you were looking at side by side with the map. It was very distracting to have them front to back.
What prevented the 5 star - the first section with painted maps were organized poorly, the addition of a painting would have put the info you were looking at side by side with the map. It was very distracting to have them front to back.
December 8, 2024
I believe everyone who reads this book from cover to cover will fall in love more with California than when they started. It's not a book that is perfectly, technically accurate, but is a work of love that clearly shows the author's close relationship with his state. I believe his intention is to make us fall in love with California more too. This way, we'll want to help preserve what we have, and maybe even further the conservation efforts.
September 12, 2020
Not the kind of book that you read all the way through, in my opinion. Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable and very visually pleasing book. If you enjoy California and it's nature I couldn't recommend this enough.
February 6, 2022
An incredible piece of work! The stories of nature are fascinating, the history of the state is so varied, and told in such an interesting way. The paintings really set the whole thing off.
I've got a couple more books about California by Obi Kaufmann and I expect I'll read those pretty soon!
I've got a couple more books about California by Obi Kaufmann and I expect I'll read those pretty soon!
April 21, 2025
I kept seeing this book in California bookstores and gift shops, so I finally checked it out from the library. What a treasure! Kaufmann has included much information in the pages, but even more importantly it is suffused with beauty.
April 19, 2018
Beautiful, and strange.
June 12, 2018
Eccentric and beautiful, to be savored slowly. Intrigued by the author's mind and talent.
March 27, 2019
This book is more of a reference book, very hard to digest all the information. The paintings are good, and lots of info. There are other books that maybe more helpful for most people.
Want to read
February 8, 2020- - - - -
2/7/20—Get this someday because it’s such a cool passion project. The art is gorgeous, and the book is also put together well and lovely.
2/7/20—Get this someday because it’s such a cool passion project. The art is gorgeous, and the book is also put together well and lovely.
February 15, 2020
This is gorgeous, going to continue prowling through it for wonderful places to visit!
January 22, 2021
Finally finished this. It’s a non-traditional atlas, but will be very helpful in planning future trips to visits to the abundant natural attractions in this diverse state.
February 17, 2021
This book is all I have ever wanted and more!!!!
September 4, 2022
Just gorgeous!
March 5, 2025
Beautifully framed perspective and of data, that is intensely beautiful
November 13, 2025
A beautiful personal project, something to look at for pleasure, but not useful as a field guide.
February 27, 2021
The California Field Atlas: California’s Ecology Explained and Prosaically Painted
The California Field Atlas by Obi Kaufmann has been referred to as a ‘love letter to California.’ Perhaps this is not quite enough. This book is an unabashed, outspoken love letter written by someone who knows the nooks and crannies of this spectacularly diverse state and has the visual and scientific vocabulary to articulate California’s ecology.
The California Field Atlas provides a mix of geology, biology and natural history presented both factually and through beautifully expressive watercolors, calligraphy, and prose—a rare view that is both humanistic and optimistic.
What it does not provide are directions, specific travel maps, or any sort of guide reference. This book is for exceptional not mundane observations and as such, offers an inspirational and uniquely quirky travel companion.
If you have ever wandered into a place and wondered about how it came to be just like it is—trees, biology, landform, etc.— then perhaps The California Field Atlas might be your reference to better understand and appreciate California’s natural splendor.
The Deluxe Edition, released in November 2020, has a durable hardbound cover with gold foil seal and ribbon bookmark. Filled with maps, scientific insights, and comparative county by county data, Kaufmann gives the reader much more than lovely images to absorb. Grappling with the climate crisis may best be done from an appreciative understanding of place, with a look over our shoulder to the past and a sobering concept of what science indicates for our future. Kaufmann provides both perspectives.
It goes to reason, that we protect what we love, and we love what we understand, and yes, we understand what we are taught. Obi Kaufmann’s hybrid form of art and science, co-opted under the title ‘field atlas’ surely helps us both better understand and love the rare and relatively fragile place that is California.
His publisher describes that “for Kaufmann, the epic narrative of the California backcountry holds enough art, science, mythology, and language for a hundred field atlases to come.” Track new offers at Heydaybooks.com, or coyoteandthunder.com.
Available in a deluxe hardbound edition and paperbound format
at HeyDay Books or your local bookseller.
The California Field Atlas by Obi Kaufmann has been referred to as a ‘love letter to California.’ Perhaps this is not quite enough. This book is an unabashed, outspoken love letter written by someone who knows the nooks and crannies of this spectacularly diverse state and has the visual and scientific vocabulary to articulate California’s ecology.
The California Field Atlas provides a mix of geology, biology and natural history presented both factually and through beautifully expressive watercolors, calligraphy, and prose—a rare view that is both humanistic and optimistic.
What it does not provide are directions, specific travel maps, or any sort of guide reference. This book is for exceptional not mundane observations and as such, offers an inspirational and uniquely quirky travel companion.
If you have ever wandered into a place and wondered about how it came to be just like it is—trees, biology, landform, etc.— then perhaps The California Field Atlas might be your reference to better understand and appreciate California’s natural splendor.
The Deluxe Edition, released in November 2020, has a durable hardbound cover with gold foil seal and ribbon bookmark. Filled with maps, scientific insights, and comparative county by county data, Kaufmann gives the reader much more than lovely images to absorb. Grappling with the climate crisis may best be done from an appreciative understanding of place, with a look over our shoulder to the past and a sobering concept of what science indicates for our future. Kaufmann provides both perspectives.
It goes to reason, that we protect what we love, and we love what we understand, and yes, we understand what we are taught. Obi Kaufmann’s hybrid form of art and science, co-opted under the title ‘field atlas’ surely helps us both better understand and love the rare and relatively fragile place that is California.
His publisher describes that “for Kaufmann, the epic narrative of the California backcountry holds enough art, science, mythology, and language for a hundred field atlases to come.” Track new offers at Heydaybooks.com, or coyoteandthunder.com.
Available in a deluxe hardbound edition and paperbound format
at HeyDay Books or your local bookseller.
August 16, 2022
Wonderful illustrations and informative descriptions. I left appreciating the small beauty around me in California and inspired to see more of it
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September 20, 2020Such a feast for the eyes and food for thought! A book that is slowly digested.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews