Description: The Interpretive Theme Writer's Field Guide builds on Sam Ham's 30-year thematic interpretation research legacy by offering writers strong theme examples, worksheets, exercises, inspirational quotes, andtechniquehighlights.
Brief description: Jon Kohl has dedicated his professional career to promoting heritage interpretation as part of a holistic approach to international natural-cultural heritage protected area management. Starting as a Peace Corps interpreter at the National Zoo of Costa Rica, he has since worn many hats as an interpretive trainer, professor, writer, planner, and theorist. He has taught interpretation at the University of Costa Rica, worked in the private sector, and is founding director of the PUP Collaboratory to innovate and curate heritage management tools, including interpretation. He has authored a Spanish university textbook on environmental interpretation for Latin America with Dr. Marisol Mayorga, a book on holistic heritage planning with Dr. Stephen McCool, and even a sci-fi romance novel with Casey Yager. Jon has penned nearly 300 professional, trade, and academic articles in many journals and magazines (see his ResearchGate profile). He has served as contributing editor to NAI's Legacy, associate editor of the Journal of Interpretation Research, and editorial advisor for UNESCO/WHIPIC's Interpreting World Heritage. He graduated with a Masters in Environmental Management from Yale University and a Bachelor's in Ecology and Political Science from Dartmouth College. He currently lives with his family in Costa Rica.
Review Quotes:
"With this impressive volume, Jon Kohl has extended thirty years of my research and practice to new and promising places... he has illuminated the potential of thematic interpretation, if delivered at a high level of competency, to achieve its most fundamental outcome-to provoke audience thinking and to make a purposeful difference in support of heritage preservation. I could not be more pleased. May heritage interpreters across the world magnify their impact by following his sound advice." --Sam Ham, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho, recipient of the William Everhart Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the National Association for Interpretation Fellow Award, and author of Environmental Interpretation and Interpretation: Making a Difference on Purpose
"This book is for devotees of thematic writing. Grounded in progressivism and traditional principles of interpretation, it is most useful for people who practise forms of interpretation in environmental and community settings. Jon Kohl and a range of prominent interpreters skillfully outline a number of theories relating to thematic writing and heritage interpretation in general, together with providing a wide range of exercises and practical tips. It is a great addition to any library and anyone involved in thematic writing can benefit from its insights." --Sue Hodges, PhD, Managing Director of SHP and Former President of the IOCMOS International Committee for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites (2015-2024) "This is a broad, ambitious text balanced between practical ideas and philosophical context that can be useful for several audiences. This would be an excellent teaching tool for students looking to understand the nuts and bolts of interpretive writing, as the practice exercises really allow beginners to demonstrate their learning and engage with Kohl's broader ideas. It's also useful for early career practitioners or experienced interpretation professionals looking to think more thoroughly about their process." --AHI: Association for Heritage Interpretation Journal