Wildwoods Wisdom: Encounters with the Natural World

[review for hardcover edition] Doug Elliott is a natural storyteller both on stage and in print, and it shows in this delightful book. The writing comes straight from his experiences and his heart. Many of the stories are anecdotal accounts of his encounters with nature over the years mixed with comments on some of the more interesting human animals he has encountered as well. This is an extremely well-written book that grabs you right away. The illustrations, also by Mr. Elliott, are simply gorgeous and really add to the aesthetics of this fine book. If you love nature writing and/or folksy storytelling, you will love this book. I will read it again and again. Simply a joy.

Eloquent nature writing with a sense of humor, sure to delight any reader of down home country living. Author Doug Elliot's chapters on the natural world are lovingly researched anecdotes on the critters, plants, folklore, and people that compose North America's natural environment. An ex-hippie, Elliot is adept at speaking naturally with a scientific appreciation of the mystery and wonder of nature, whether he's hiking for an elusive mystical Ginseng root, or revealing a prized recipe for Dried Apple Stack Cake. Stories of native American folklore, particularly stories of Coyote The Creator, a hapless though efficient god-like being are delightful fables retold here in amusing moral ending style. Mr. Elliot has also illustrated his companionable book with splendid artwork revealing an artist's eye for the love and fascination of the natural world.