Alaska Literary Field Guide - by Marybeth Holleman & Nancy Lord & Shaelene Grace Moler (Paperback)

About the Book

Science and art combine in a "poetic ecology"--a field guide and anthology that celebrates the natural and cultural beauty of Alaska

Book Synopsis

• Highlights more than 90 species of flora and fauna from a variety of ecosystems
• Includes writings and original artwork in a wide range of styles from diverse Alaskan voices and artists
• Every entry features an informative, science-based natural history, including traditional knowledge

Alaska Literary Field Guide is a vibrant and immersive celebration of Alaska's wild beauty, blending science, storytelling, and stunning artwork. This unique anthology brings together a diverse range of the state's most respected contemporary poets and writers--including Kim Heacox, Seth Kantner, dg nanouk okpik, Heather Lende, and Frank Soos--alongside original, full-color artwork from 19 Alaskan visual artists such as Alvin Amason, Ray Troll, Sara Tabbert, and rising talents like Valisa Higman and Crystal Jackson.

More than 90 species and natural elements--from grizzly bears and glaciers to lichens, loons, and the aurora borealis--are brought to life through poetic reflections, vivid prose, and detailed scientific natural histories. Each "Being" is paired with a piece of writing and illustration that captures its essence, while also offering cultural knowledge, ecological context, and insight into population health and environmental threats.

Organized by ecosystem, Alaska Literary Field Guide is both an artistic tribute and an educational invitation to connect with the land, water, wildlife, and spirit of the Last Frontier. It's a field guide like no other--both a reference and a work of art.

Review Quotes

Alaska Literary Field Guide has described the indescribable: through poems, prose, and art, the sprawling beauty of Alaska settles onto the page like a woodstove's warmth on a frigid fall morning. Brew some coffee, get a copy, settle in.--Hank Lentfer "author of Raven's Witness and Faith of Cranes"

Like Alaska, this book contains multitudes. Keep it by your desk as a tool for both reference and inspiration. By turns coolly scientific and ardently rhapsodic, these sharply focused portraits of Alaska animals, plants, and landforms keep us attentive to what is timeless and what is urgently at risk in our time.--Tom Kizzia "author of Pilgrim's Wilderness"

Many ways of knowing coalesce in this essential collection. Alaska Literary Field Guide provides a full-spectrum, interrelated engagement of head and heart that truly honors the marvel of the living place we call Alaska.--Derek Sheffield "Washington State Poet Laureate and co-author, Cascadia Field"

The bountiful abundance of this wild collection is artfully packed for a bush plane flight through head and heart. Feel your way through this guide--and learn to love Alaska as much as I do.--J. Drew Lanham "author of The Home Place"