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A review by jiayuanc
A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
Part 1 of the book has Leopold detailing in month by month chapters how flora and fauna change in and around his farmland; it is truly some of the most beautiful nature writing I have ever read. He is the master of packing a punch in a single sentence; his carefully chosen turns of phrase is sometimes funny, always inspiring. I would have loved to read this book while sitting by the river in cottage country (unfortunately I read this sitting in my home in the city).
Part 2 sees him write about the various states and provinces he has travelled to for adventure or hunting. I completely understand why some people may read this part and feel differently but I love that his conservation includes the importance of hunting.
His part 3 essays are alright as well, though he has some interesting views on who should be the governor of land ethics - he thinks it can only be done through private landowners taking responsibility which I think is an impossibility. I do agree with his critique on just throwing the "more education" phrasing around without actually committing funds to making sure the natural wilderness is protected is pretty useless.
I also want to note that he wrote this book in the late 1940s and thus uses some outdated terminology for Indigenous peoples - Leopold will call them 'American Indians' or 'Red Indians' and makes some generalizations. No doubt that's why other reviewers have pointed to his "colonialism" mindset. While he is outdated with his phrasing here, his ideas on ecology, nature and conservation was probably very forward thinking at the time. His writings and ideas still ring true, if not more so in our modern 2023 day. I hope you will read this book and leave inspired for more expanded wilderness.
Part 2 sees him write about the various states and provinces he has travelled to for adventure or hunting. I completely understand why some people may read this part and feel differently but I love that his conservation includes the importance of hunting.
His part 3 essays are alright as well, though he has some interesting views on who should be the governor of land ethics - he thinks it can only be done through private landowners taking responsibility which I think is an impossibility. I do agree with his critique on just throwing the "more education" phrasing around without actually committing funds to making sure the natural wilderness is protected is pretty useless.
I also want to note that he wrote this book in the late 1940s and thus uses some outdated terminology for Indigenous peoples - Leopold will call them 'American Indians' or 'Red Indians' and makes some generalizations. No doubt that's why other reviewers have pointed to his "colonialism" mindset. While he is outdated with his phrasing here, his ideas on ecology, nature and conservation was probably very forward thinking at the time. His writings and ideas still ring true, if not more so in our modern 2023 day. I hope you will read this book and leave inspired for more expanded wilderness.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death