The Natural History of Puget Sound Country

By Arthur R. Kruckeberg

Book Overview

Winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award Bounded on the east by the crest of the Cascade Range and on the west by the lofty east flank of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound terrain includes every imaginable topograhic variety. This thoughtful and eloquent natural history of the Puget Sound region begins with a discussion of how the ice ages and vulcanism shaped the land and then examines the natural attributes of the region--flora and fauna, climate, special habitats, life histories of key organisms--as they pertain to the functioning ecosystem. Mankind's effects upon the natural environment are a pervasive theme of the book. Kruckeberg looks at both positive and negative aspects of human interaction with nature in the Puget basin. By probing the interconnectedness of all natural aspects of one region, Kruckeberg illustrates ecological principles at work and gives us a basis for wise decision-making. The Natural History of Puget Sound Country is a comprehensive reference, invaluable for all citizens of the Northwest, as well as for conservationists, biologists, foresters, fisheries and wildlife personnel, urban planners, and environmental consultants everywhere. Lavishly illustrated with over three hundred photographs and drawings, it is much more than a beautiful book. It is a guide to our future.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0295970197
• ISBN13: 9780295970196
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: University of Washington Press
• Length: 488 Pages
• Weight: 3.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 8.0" x 10.1"
• Age Range: 22 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Natrual History of Puget Sound Country

I am very happy with my product. The book was just like the seller described it the condition was listed as good. I would have rated it better than good because I thought it was excellent. The order came in very prompt. The book was here long before it was due. I would buy again from this seller. When it was sent to me by mail it was packed well. I also didn't have to fight to get it open.

The bible of Northwest natural history

Whenever I have a question about plants, animals, geology, weather, tides, or history of the Puget Sound region, this well-organized book is the place I start. Kruckeberg is amazingly comprehensive and knowledgeable. The book is superbly illustrated, though in black and white. The writing is clear. While a new edition would be welcome, this classic remains timeless.

A good ferry book

Commuting by ferry I always have a few books with me to fill the time either on the crossing or in the line of cars. This is a great book for just that, since it's full of interesting facts and it can be picked up and browsed at just about any place within it. It has lots of interesting graphs, illustrations and photos and has more information than any casual nature lover could require.

Comprehensive ref. for geology, flora, fauna, nat. resources

Very detailed, scholarly work, description of landforms, geology, soils, climate, vegetation, habitats, animal life, marine life, water resources. Overview of Indian tribes. Bibliography for all subjects is probably 200-300 references. Kruckeburg is Prof. of Botany at University of Washington.