Description: Thomas Dunlap shows how bird guides have changed with science and popular interest and how birding's twin activities, conservation and recreation, have over the last 120 years shaped our understanding of nature and supported its preservation as part of the nation and our lives.
Review Quotes: "n the Field will be fascinating reading for any birder, naturalist, or student of environmental history. Highly recommended."--CHOICE
"In the Field, Among the Feathered should be read by birders of all stripes who want to know more about the evolution of their hobby (or obsession). It also makes an important contribution to environmental history, placing birding in its larger historical context. Dunlap shows how birding developed from a genteel activity for the well-to-do to an occasionally competitive sport, even as its practitioners kept an eye and an ear on environmental concerns."--Kurk Dorsey, author of The Dawn of Conservation Diplomacy"Dunlap's brilliant environmental history of birders and their ubiquitous guides reveals new insights about a critical convergence of science, art, recreation, and conservation. His engaging and enlightening narrative demonstrates antecedents of our current enthusiasms for sustainability and clearly shows the critical role of citizen science and popular recreation in establishing the foundations for modern environmentalism. Wonderful and important."--Andy Kirk, author of Counterculture Green"Thomas Dunlap's book shows how North American field guides have evolved since 1889 to meet the ever-growing expertise of birders. With today's guides, birds that a hundred years ago could be identified only in the hand are easily distinguished by sight or by song in the field. Highly recommended for field naturalists, historians, and folks looking for an engaging hobby."--Chandler S. Robbins, senior author of The Field Guide to Birds of North America