Swampwalker's Journal: A Wetlands Year

The book is a pleasure to read although I did get bogged down a bit toward the end. It is obvious that this guy lived with his subject. Some of the identification descriptions of flora and fauna can become overwhelming to the reader not familiar with the northeastern environs. But, on the whole a well written book destined to become a classic in nature writing.

In addition to what everyone else has said (the poetry of the language, the gorgeous drawings, etc.), this book is especially useful in that it describes the relationships between all the different kinds of wetlands, and within riparian zones in general. It should be required reading for every developer and community activist intent on preserving some hydrologic function in natural areas. This is a wonderful, wonderful book.

Mr. Carroll has captured nature as it truly is. Like a fine craftsman he was one with the subject and as an artist he has accurately recorded what he observed and has presented the information coherently. I'm left with an indelible, poignant legacy.

David M. Carroll is one of the finest nature writer/philosophers I've ever come across in my entire reading career. Swampwalker's Journal is a book to be savored, relied upon. Caroll knows the lives of the wetlands so intimately, from first-hand experience over long years, that you know you're getting a privileged glimpse into deep nature. Added to that, he is a truly masterful illustrator, and a graceful, profound writer. I'll be waiting to buy any other book he produces.....

a perfect book for the armchair naturalist. carroll's skills at observation and illustration are unmatched. more than a field guide, this book serves as a springboard for carroll's cogent ruminations on man and nature.