Edward Hoagland is not only one of the best writers of our time; he is also one of the keenest observers of nature and one of the most celebrated essayists. His subjects range from the natural history of owls to the delicious mystery of wolves ("Howling Back at the Wolves"); the demise of the red wolf ("Lament the Red Wolves"); the nature of a bear-stalker ("Bears, Bears, Bears"); admirable qualities of other creatures (in his famous essay "The Courage...

Edward Hoagland was legally blind for three years until surgery miraculously changed his life. In this, his first original book published in more than six years, Hoagland serves up a literary banquet celebrating his renewed vision. With the penetrating and entrancing prose that has made him one of the most celebrated nature writers working today, he guides us along the full spectrum of a fascinating life -- the painful stuttering of prep-school days...