The California Field Atlas

Fabulous find for an Art and natural history geek. The details are amazing in both illustrations and written info. Wonderful voice that gives a personal common sense perspective along with the facts. I bought ALL of his books and read them for hours. Magnificent paintings and incredible research on each topic. So much yet so easy and accessible to read.

If you love to explore California or love someone who loves to explore California - get them this book! Illustrations in watercolor are AMAZING

The best, most accessible book on the ecology and natural history of California. I'm a 4th generations native to the state and some of the areas and places he speaks of are great glimpses into a natural world we miss that's right in front of us that my grandfather spoke of. He also gives great hope to the re-wilding of California by looking at the entire state as a system of wild areas, rivers, mountains. I highly recommend this book as a guide for hiking, walking, camping throughout the state.

I love this Atlas! It has given me even more reason to love California and reveals information in an artsy and passionate way. Can't wait to get his new Atlas on Forrests that just came out.

Great gift for a Californian!

This book will almost certainly give you a new appreciation for California's varied geography, as the author deploys his vast and encyclopedic knowledge. You may even get a few trip ideas out of it. But it's not suited for any practical purpose whatsoever. The author chooses some locations to lift up and others to ignore, seemingly at random. (I've been around California more than the average bear, including some well-known sites and others off the beaten path.) Part of the book's appeal is that the author focuses on the natural world and lets human artifacts sink into the background -- quite the opposite of our usual perspective. But, consequently, he pays no attention to how you would get to some of these places, whether by highway, dirt road, or long hike.

This book is not like anything else I've ever read. It's a work of art and a beautifully executed attempt to capture California's soul in the way those of us who spend time outside know and love it. It's like a fine bottle of bourbon, enjoyed a few sips at a time, and I will be working through it and reflecting on it for a long time to come. I can't wait for the water book.

This book is a labor of love and is simply breathtaking. I have lived in California all of my life and some of my favorite moments have been spent in awe of the beauty that is the Golden State. This is a masterful work of art that captures the essence of what makes California California! I will be purchasing many copies of this jewel of a book to share with others.

Gorgeous hand-drawn pictures from an artist and author who truly loves his subject. A book for dipping into while sipping a nice glass by the side of a roaring fire and dreaming up your next hiking adventure...