An Introduction to Nature by John Kieran -1955 Edition

This book is designed to help the ordinary person of any age who would like to know and name the more common birds, flowers and trees of our cities and villages, our woods and fields, our seashores and mountain slopes. John Kieran

{HISTORY}

A lover of nature, a curious writer, a passionate sportscaster, a radio quiz show host - that was John Kieran (1892-1981), a man who made a fulfilling life out of a menagerie of things that impressed him most.

Born and raised in the Bronx, he became fascinated by the natural world of New York City during a time in history when urbanization was beginning to tame the wild lands the city was built on.  Studies of local trees, birds, critters, and fish inspired writings on John's changing landscape, especially in the Bronx. Enthusiasm on these subject matters was palpable to his readers. A lengthy publishing career ensued, particularly when it came to books about nature. 

In 1946, John published An Introduction to Nature, a compendium of three field guides in one centering around birds, flowers, and trees. Designed for readers of all ages, it contains not only beautiful illustrations by three prominent 20th-century nature artists but also interesting identification information presented in John's unique and engaging manner. As a voice for the everyman, John approached nature, not in a scientific way full of obtuse descriptions and complex naming patterns, but instead in a relatable way.  Fringed Loosestrife has fine hairs like eyelashes. Moneywort hugs the ground.  Black snakeroot is sometimes referred to as Fairy Candles.  

Through John's observations, he also tells stories about mild-mannered birds (the horned lark), about where to spot a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak singing his heart out (the tops of dead tree branches), about what an Indigo Bunting sounds like (a cross between a brief buzz and a metallic chip) and which bird looks like a flying marble cake (the Ruddy Turnstone). Readers learn about the tree that Robin Hood fashioned his bows out of (the Ground Hemlock), which tree can reach up to 150 feet tall (the Sycamore) and which tree's leaf has been seen on fossils dating back millions of years (the Ginkgo). 

Origin stories, historical fun facts, and poetry accompany some entries. Easy to listen for descriptives capture the ear of new bird watchers (teacher-teacher-teacher-teacher-teacher is the sound of the Ovenbird),and colorful illustrations help aid flower seekers, leaf peepers and bird watchers.  All the varieties included in this book from tree to flower to bird commonly exist in the United States, so information here is not limited strictly to a specific region of the country. Residents of California will find it equally as interesting as residents of Maine.

"The modest aim here is to provide the novice with an elementary guide to a friendly acquaintance with some birds, flowers, shrubs, and trees as a first step in a fascinating field. " John Kieran, 1946

Such a beloved and valuable resource, John's Introduction to Nature was reprinted in 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955 and 1966 following its original 1946 debut. This listing is for the 1955 edition. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• 1955 Edition
• 223 pages
• Oversized field guide
• Includes 300 species of birds, plants, and trees
• Illustrated throughout by Don Eckelberry, Michael H. Bevans, and Tabea Hofmann
• Includes original dust jacket and decorated front coverboard

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this book is very clean and bright throughout with no spots, stains, or notations. The dust jacket contains some light foxing on the front and back cover and a long fold line that runs down the front of the jacket. There is sun fading to the jacket's spine and some chippy areas along the top and bottom edge. The interior of the book including the coverboards looks practically brand new. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 11.5" inches (length) x 8.5" inches (width) x 1" inches (thickness) and weighs 2.4 lbs.