Do you have a favorite book that you look to over and over? One that you read and reread, that never disappoints? This post is about one of my all time favorite books, one that feels like an old friend. It would be very hard for me to say I have one favorite book, but Sigurd F. Olson's Wilderness Days is certainly among the top contenders.
If you happen to be familiar with Minnesota's famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or if you are curious about the people who championed this wilderness area, you will know about Sigurd F. Olson. Some have called him the second John Muir. He helped draft the federal Wilderness Act and worked to establish a number of national parks and wilderness areas in the U.S.
In our early days, when we lived in Minnesota, my husband and I took a number of canoe trips into the BWCA. What adventures we had! What beauty!
I had read some of Olson's books when I lived in Minnesota, but I didn't own any until I rummaged through a box of books at a yard sale after we moved to New Jersey. In the box, in its original but water stained dust jacket, was a copy of Wilderness Days. I eagerly paid a $1 for this treasure.
Wilderness Days is a collection of writings from Sigurd Olson's several previous books, organized by season, containing those writings that most appealed to or moved his readers. These writings best express his love and respect for this unique wilderness. To me it is distilled beauty.
There are certain passages that I have to read over and over. The mouse that rapturously and repeatedly slid down the side of his tent during a night of full moon. The wolves that followed him down a frozen lake. I always find gorgeous writing, love of wilderness, quiet adventure, and inspiration in Sig Olson. I always feel a little closer to the beauty of Minnesota. As below, most every line seems poetic.
"Moonlight on a frosted leaf belongs to the world of the intangibles." - Sigurd Olson
If you run into a copy of Wilderness Days, or any of Olson's books, I encourage you to try them. He is a consummate writer. His first book, The Singing Wilderness, became a NYT bestseller. In 1974 he was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for his nature writing. He also won highest honors from the Sierra Club, the Izaak Walton League, and more. Sigurd Olson was the real deal.
In those times when I need to refresh myself in the rich language of nature, this is one of my touchstones. I commend it to you also.
It's Poetry Friday, hosted today by Kathryn Apel,
who posts from Australia. You can find her
here. As you might guess, it is a difficult time for
Kathryn, but you'll want to hear her news, read her
poems and leave a comforting comment. Don't hesitate to join the Inlinkz party to find other blogs
offering poetry.
My best to you for a calm and productive week.
who posts from Australia. You can find her
here. As you might guess, it is a difficult time for
Kathryn, but you'll want to hear her news, read her
poems and leave a comforting comment. Don't hesitate to join the Inlinkz party to find other blogs
offering poetry.
My best to you for a calm and productive week.
Wow, Olson's books seem like a great place to look for found poetry. I love the examples you give (passages and line). Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYes, Tabatha... thank you for pointing that out. This would be an excellent place to look... and I think I will do so myself!
DeleteI'm curious... Did Olson write poetry, too? Or did he not realise that gift? (Because it sounds like he brings poetry to his other writings - yes?)
ReplyDeleteExcellent question, Kat. As far as I know, Olson did not write poetry per se. His prose was so lovely and so thoughtful, to me it seemed poetry. I realize I am stretching the idea of Poetry Friday by posting this today, but... somehow it seemed appropriate. Here is another of his: At times on quiet waters one does not speak aloud but only in whispers, for then all noise is sacrilege.
DeleteThis is new to me and seems like one I really would adore, Karen. I often use Better World Books for 'used books' & they have this one plus many others. Thanks for sharing. The book sounds wonderful! And, my son and husband went on a trek with Scouts one year to the Boundary Waters-awesome trip!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this book recommendation, Karen. I'm putting it on my TBR. I'm reading a book by a naturalist right now and would love to follow it with Wilderness Days.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poetic line you share for someone who may not have ever written poems. I love old book friends. This one is a keeper! Thanks so much for sharing your buddy with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to Sig Olsen and his book. I did now know of either, but it looks like one I would love. I haven't paddled the boundary waters, but my husband has. I'm hoping to go one day.
ReplyDeleteKaren, thank you for leading me to read more about Sigurd Olson. I found another quote that resonates with me: “...only when one comes to listen, only when one is aware and still, can things be seen and heard.”― Sigurd F. Olson, Listening Point That would be a beautiful opening to a poem. That quote and the one you shared bring me to a quiet place of contemplation.
ReplyDeleteI shared your photo and quote on Twitter as an addition to my winter gallery, Winter's Embrace.
DeleteThanks for this, Carol... yes, you will find many wonderful quotes. Enjoy...
DeletePoetic language indeed! Thanks for introducing me to Sig Olson!
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ReplyDeleteWish we were young enough to spend a week in the BWCA again.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Karen! And I just put this book on reserve at my library. I read some bits of Olson's writing while researching my forthcoming picture book on loons, but I haven't seen this title. Interestingly, Chuck Dayton, a friend of Sig's and an environmental attorney in the fight to save the BWCAW, is the photographer of the picture book, and he also wrote the backmatter. Thanks for sharing this title!
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