This Library Branch: Global Ecosystems

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The Dream of the Earth by Thomas Berry

The inaugural volume of the Sierra Club Nature and Natural Philosophy Library. A balanced, deeply felt declaration of planetary independence from the sociological, psychological and intellectual "conditioning" that threatens the death of nature. It shows readers how to move their traumatized planet toward health, and to avoid a catastrophic future.

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

Here's the novel that, out of 2500 submissions, won the ecological-minded Turner Tomorrow Award--and caused a mutiny among the judges when it was awarded the $500,000 first prize. Herein man and a great ape conduct a series of philosophical conversations in a work that presents a new vision of evolution and humankind and asks the question: does the Earth belong to humans, or do humans belong to the Earth?

The Spell of The Sensuous by David Abram

In writing The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World , Abram consulted an engaging collection of peoples and works. He uses aboriginal song lines, stories from the Koyukon people of northwestern Alaska, the philosophy of phenomenology, and the speeches of Socrates to paint a poetic landscape that explains how we became separated from the earth in the first place. With minimal environmental doomsaying, Abram discusses how we can begin to recover a sustainable relationship with the earth and the nonhuman beings who live among us--in the more-than-human world. This is a landmark book. Scholars will doubtless recognize its brilliance, but they may overlook the most important part of Dave Abram's achievement: he has written the best instruction manual yet for becoming fully human. I walked outside when I was done and the world was a different place.

Deep Ecology for the Twenty-First Century George Sessions (Editor)

Instead of thinking of nature as a resource to be used for human needs, deep ecology argues that the true value of nature is intrinsic. This comprehensive and wide-ranging anthology contains almost 50 articles by the leading writers and thinkers in the field, offering a broad array of perspectives on this important approach to environmentalism. Writings by Arne Naess, Gary Snyder and others. Glendinning argues that psychological distress results from our alienation from nature.

World As Lover, World As Self by Joanna Macy, Thich Nhat Hahn

This overview of Joanna Macy's innovative work combines deep ecology and the teachings of the Buddha. A blueprint for social change, it shows how we can reverse the destructive attitudes that threaten our society and our world.

Sea Change : A Message of the Oceans by Dr. Sylvia Earle

Internationally renowned as the ambassador-at-large to the world's oceans, Sylvia Earle is an extraordinary woman--the former chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a distinguished marine biologist, a veteran of more than 6,000 hours underwater, the founder of an ocean engineering firm, and an eloquent advocate for marine conservation. What Rachel Carson was to insecticides, birds, and our planet in 1962, Sylvia Earle is now to the ocean.

The Control of Nature by John McPhee

Writing at the peak of his form, McPhee carries us to the front lines of the still-raging battle between man and nature. Unflinchingly honest yet unashamedly editorial, these three long stories pit relentless nature against upstart mankind in a clash of wills reminiscent of Greek tragedy. What emerges are tales of determination, folly and grim triumph; a modern mythology where nature supplies the gods and man plays himself at his imperfect best.

The Song of the Dodo : Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions by David Quammen

In a wonderful weave of science, metaphor, and prose, David Quammen, author of The Flight of the Iguana, applies the lessons of island biogeography - the study of the distribution of species on islands and islandlike patches of landscape - to modern ecosystem decay, offering us insight into the origin and extinction of species, our relationship to nature, and the future of our world.

Beyond the Rainbow Warrior : A Collection of Stories toCelebrate 25 Years of Greenpeace by Michael Morpurgo (Editor)

These nine exciting illustrated tales, written in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Greenpeace, each contain an important environmental message.

Life in the Balance : Humanity and the Biodiversity Crisis by Niles Eldredge

The story of man's dominion over nature and his subsequent abuse of power cannot be told too often, and Eldredge, a curator at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, has provided one of the most succinct accounts yet. A superb primer on why we should worry about biodiversity ... a clear, concise and beautifully illustrated tour of modern biology...

Preserving Eden : The Nature Conservancy by Stephen J. Krasemann

Unlike other conservation groups, which serve mainly to educate the public, The Nature Conservancy actually buys land across North America and works with partners in the Caribbean and Latin America to preserve remaining wild areas and prevent the extinction of rare plants and animals. The story of this remarkable organization is told here in text by Noel Grove (environment editor, National Geographic) and 125 spectacular color photographs by nature specialist Stephen Krasemann.

The Rarest of the Rare : Vanishing Animals, Timeless Worlds by Diane Ackerman

The renowned author of A Natural History of the Senses takes readers in search of the "rarest of the rare," species likely to disappear before most of us have ever seen them. From Brazil to the Pacific to Japan, Ackerman shares her concern at the animals' plight, rejoices at the chance to experience them, and cheers those who work to save these fantastic creatures. Ackerman is a devoted witness and a celebrant, and we're grateful for her ardor and her art.

Earth in the Balance : Ecology and the Human Spirit by Al Gore

A passionate defender of the environment for more than 20 years,Vice-President Al Gore is convinced that the engines of human civilization have brought us to the brink of catastrophe. In this brave work, he argues that only a radical rethinking of our relationship with nature can save the earth for future generations.

Silent Spring by Rachel L. Carson

Silent Spring, released in 1962, offered the first shattering look at widespread ecological degradation and touched off an environmental awareness that still exists. Presented with thorough documentation, the book opened more than a few eyes about the dangers of the modern world and stands today as alandmark work.

The End of Nature by Bill McKibben

More than simply a handbook for survival or a doomsday catalog of scientific prediction, The End Of Nature is a groundbreaking plea for radical and life-renewing change. The author argues that for the world to survive, we must make a fundamental philosophical shift in the way we relate to nature.

Hope, Human and Wild : True Stories of Living Lightly on the Earth by Bill McKibben

In lyrical, penetrating essays, Bill McKibben offers an optimistic response to his bestselling The End of Nature, focusing on successful community ventures to preserve the wilderness and reverse environmental damage. From his home in the Adirondack Mountains to a city in Brazil and a state in India, McKibben searches for realistic models for the future of the planet.

The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: Waking up to personal and global transformation by Thom Hartmann

A preview of our coming new era. Thom Hartmann outlines the method of a growndswell movement that we, as individuals, can use to transform the entire planet. Ancient knowledge was once reserved only for shaman, healers, mystics, and selected ones from each generation. That same knowledge is now given to us by Hartmann in order that we may start our own songlines of mythic proportions. The songlines, as the aborigines call history of the planet, will be ingrained in the life of our planet for future generations. Afterword by Neale Donald Walsch, author ofConversations With God.

Fifty Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth by Earthworks Group

This valuable and entertaining book shows children how specific elements of their environment--like a light switch or a toilet--are connected to the rest of the world. Clear, practical tips show kids how they can conserve energy, recycle waste, and take on important projects and develop habits and projects that are environmentally sound.

The Good Life by Helen & Scott Nearing

This one volume edition of Living the Good Life and Continuing the Good Life brings these classics on rural homesteading together. This couple abandoned the city for a rural life with minimal cash and the knowledge of self reliance and good health.

The Ecology of Commerce : A Declaration of Sustainability by Paul Hawken

This is a compelling, well-documented, and riveting account of the take-over of national economies by corporations whose only guideline is profit. Paul Hawken, the entrepreneur behind the Smith & Hawken gardening supplies empire, is no ordinary capitalist. Drawing as much on Baba Ram Dass and Vaclav Havel as he does on Peter Drucker and WalMart for his case studies,Hawken is on a one-man crusade to reform our economic system and proposes a culture of business in which the real world, the natural world, is allowed to flourish as well, and in which the planet's needs are addressed..

Let the Mountains Talk, Let the Rivers Run : A Call to Those Who Would Save the Earth by David Ross Brower

Brower, now in his eighties, has attained the rank of elder, and for this accomplishment alone, he deserves to be listened to, but he is also an active, eloquent, and effective environmentalist. Old enough to remember genuine wilderness, clean air, and fish-filled streams, Brower was a mountaineer, the Sierra Club's first executive director, and founder of the Friends of the Earth, experiences he draws upon with considerable wit and passion in this pithy, autobiographical, and engaging call-to-action.

America's Wilderness : The Photographs of Ansel Adams With the Writings of John Muir by Ansel Adams & John Muir

Quotes from noted naturalist John Muir, who started the conservation movement with the founding of the Sierra Club in 1892, are paired with Ansel Adams's evocative photographs of Grand Canyon National Park, Kings River Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and others. 124 b&w photos.

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