The Grace of Grass and Water: Writing in Honor of Paul Gruchow

The late Paul Gruchow is an under recognized literary master. His work makes a powerful statement about the majesty of nature and the common sense of humans living in harmony with it. In Gruchow's view, it is not just a duty to restore the environment but a source of hope, meaning and pleasure. He broke new ground by writing not just about dramatic landscapes like mountains and deserts, but also the prairie and forests of the rural Midwest. In addition to Gruchow's own books, there is now a superb anthology that gathers many of the Midwest's finest writers to celebrate his work: Bill Holm, Carol Bly, Mary Pipher, Thomas Dean, Jim Heynen and others. It also offers a moving essay by Paul honoring the writers and scientists who most influenced him. The essays about Paul go beyond the usual tributes to offer a collective portrait of a generous, uplifting, deeply complex and troubled yet inspiring man. This book makes an excellent introduction to Gruchow for those just discovering his work, and a long awaited companion for those who've read all of his books.