Escaping into Nature: The Making of a Sportsman-Conservationist and Environmental Historian
“It was only by escaping into nature that I could obtain the peace and harmony I sought.” —from the Introduction

In Escaping into Nature, prominent wildlife conservationist and environmental historian John Reiger shares his story of an angler and hunter who found a cause and a calling and combined them for his life’s work.  

John Reiger’s outdoor adventures as a young man primed him for the teachings of the great sportsmen-conservationists of the past, particularly George Bird Grinnell, Theodore Roosevelt, and Aldo Leopold. Inspired by these conservation giants, Reiger left the security of a tenured professorship to serve as executive director of the Connecticut Audubon Society where he, sometimes controversially, put his ideals into practice. Later, he resumed his academic career to illuminate the lives of early wildlife conservationists, visionaries who continue to inspire us to care deeply about the future of the natural world. 

Abused psychologically within his family in his early years, Reiger found solace in nature. Though he first entered the outdoors as an escape from his unpleasant circumstances, he soon found the study and pursuit of insects, fishes, and birds to be exciting ends in themselves. He came to believe that it was only by participating in the life and death of other creatures that one could learn to truly value the natural world, be a part of it, and be inspired to work for its conservation. 

John Reiger’s autobiography is also the story of his own developing fascination with America’s past, especially as it relates to human interaction with the natural world; his desire to share that passion with others; and his experiences on the road to becoming a nationally recognized scholar. The twists and turns of that journey, and his accounts of the people—and of the wild creatures—who helped him along the way, will appeal to history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
"1116531576"
Escaping into Nature: The Making of a Sportsman-Conservationist and Environmental Historian
“It was only by escaping into nature that I could obtain the peace and harmony I sought.” —from the Introduction

In Escaping into Nature, prominent wildlife conservationist and environmental historian John Reiger shares his story of an angler and hunter who found a cause and a calling and combined them for his life’s work.  

John Reiger’s outdoor adventures as a young man primed him for the teachings of the great sportsmen-conservationists of the past, particularly George Bird Grinnell, Theodore Roosevelt, and Aldo Leopold. Inspired by these conservation giants, Reiger left the security of a tenured professorship to serve as executive director of the Connecticut Audubon Society where he, sometimes controversially, put his ideals into practice. Later, he resumed his academic career to illuminate the lives of early wildlife conservationists, visionaries who continue to inspire us to care deeply about the future of the natural world. 

Abused psychologically within his family in his early years, Reiger found solace in nature. Though he first entered the outdoors as an escape from his unpleasant circumstances, he soon found the study and pursuit of insects, fishes, and birds to be exciting ends in themselves. He came to believe that it was only by participating in the life and death of other creatures that one could learn to truly value the natural world, be a part of it, and be inspired to work for its conservation. 

John Reiger’s autobiography is also the story of his own developing fascination with America’s past, especially as it relates to human interaction with the natural world; his desire to share that passion with others; and his experiences on the road to becoming a nationally recognized scholar. The twists and turns of that journey, and his accounts of the people—and of the wild creatures—who helped him along the way, will appeal to history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
24.95 In Stock
Escaping into Nature: The Making of a Sportsman-Conservationist and Environmental Historian

Escaping into Nature: The Making of a Sportsman-Conservationist and Environmental Historian

by John F. Reiger
Escaping into Nature: The Making of a Sportsman-Conservationist and Environmental Historian

Escaping into Nature: The Making of a Sportsman-Conservationist and Environmental Historian

by John F. Reiger

Paperback

$24.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

“It was only by escaping into nature that I could obtain the peace and harmony I sought.” —from the Introduction

In Escaping into Nature, prominent wildlife conservationist and environmental historian John Reiger shares his story of an angler and hunter who found a cause and a calling and combined them for his life’s work.  

John Reiger’s outdoor adventures as a young man primed him for the teachings of the great sportsmen-conservationists of the past, particularly George Bird Grinnell, Theodore Roosevelt, and Aldo Leopold. Inspired by these conservation giants, Reiger left the security of a tenured professorship to serve as executive director of the Connecticut Audubon Society where he, sometimes controversially, put his ideals into practice. Later, he resumed his academic career to illuminate the lives of early wildlife conservationists, visionaries who continue to inspire us to care deeply about the future of the natural world. 

Abused psychologically within his family in his early years, Reiger found solace in nature. Though he first entered the outdoors as an escape from his unpleasant circumstances, he soon found the study and pursuit of insects, fishes, and birds to be exciting ends in themselves. He came to believe that it was only by participating in the life and death of other creatures that one could learn to truly value the natural world, be a part of it, and be inspired to work for its conservation. 

John Reiger’s autobiography is also the story of his own developing fascination with America’s past, especially as it relates to human interaction with the natural world; his desire to share that passion with others; and his experiences on the road to becoming a nationally recognized scholar. The twists and turns of that journey, and his accounts of the people—and of the wild creatures—who helped him along the way, will appeal to history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780870717109
Publisher: Oregon State University Press
Publication date: 04/01/2013
Pages: 272
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

John F. Reiger is Professor of History at Ohio University-Chillicothe and the former Executive Director of the Connecticut Audubon Society. His other books include The Passing of the Great West: Selected Papers of George Bird Grinnell and "Gifford Pinchot with Rod and Reel"/"Trading Places: From Historian to Environmental Activist"—Two Essays in Conservation History.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Discovering Nature: New York City, 1950-1951 5

Chapter 2 Entering a Saltwater Universe: South Florida, 1951-1952 13

Chapter 3 Looking for New Special Places: Pre-Prep School Years in New York City, Long Island, and South Florida, 1952-1956 41

Chapter 4 Finding Solace in the Natural World: Prep-School Years in New Jersey, Maine, and South Florida, 1956-1961 67

Chapter 5 Becoming a Sportsman-Conservationist: College Years in Colorado, North Carolina, the American West, and Europe, 1961-1965 121

Chapter 6 Becoming a Historian: Graduate School Years in North Florida, Illinois, New York City, and Long Island, 1965-1970 149

Chapter 7 Life as a Teacher-Scholar and Full-Time Conservationist: Mainly South Florida and Connecticut, 1970-1988 171

Chapter 8 Back in Academia and Providing Historical Models for Today's Sportsmen (and Sportswomen)-Conservationists: Mainly Appalachian Ohio, 1988-2012 227

Epilogue: Reflections on a Fortunate Life 241

Notes 249

Author's Selected Bibliography 251

Acknowledgments 253

Index 255

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews