Handbook of Nature Study
Product ID: 1699027
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A matchless handbook for decades, this classic work has been the natural history bible for countless teachers and others who seek information about their environment. Written originally for those elementary school teachers who knew little of common plants and animals, and even less about the earth beneath their feet and the skies overhead, this book is for the most part as valid and helpful today as it was when first written in 1911—and revised in the spirit of its authors by a group of naturalists in 1939. After all, dandelions, toads, robins, and constellations have changed little since then! And modern society's concern with the quality of life and the impact of people on soil, water, and wildlife makes this book even more relevant. Nature-study, as used in this handbook, encompasses all living things except humans, as well as all nonliving things such as rocks and minerals, the heavens, and weather. Of the living things described, most are common in the northeastern states, and many, such as the dandelion, milkweed, and mullein, and the house mouse, muskrat, and red fox, are so widespread that people living outside the United States will recognize them easily. Anna Botsford Comstock very appropriately took the view that we should know first and best the things closest to us. Only then, when we have an intimate knowledge of our neighbors, should we, journey farther afield to learn about more distant things. Teachers and children will find the material in this book invaluable in that regard. Details of the most common, but in some ways the most interesting, things are brought out, first by careful, nontechnical descriptions of the things themselves and later by thoughtful questions and study units. Because the most common things are treated in greatest detail, materials for study are easy to find. Whether the reader lives in the inner city or in the rural outback, the handbook is a treasure trove of information. A teacher does not need to know much about nature to use this handbook. The information is there for the novice and the expert alike. All that is needed is an inquiring mind, senses to observe, and a willingness to think about nature on a personal level. To enter this book in search of information about any common organism, stone, or object in the sky is to open the door to a fresh and lively acquaintance with one's environment. Review: STOP RIGHT THERE! How well do you know your own backyard?......"GO TOUCH GRASS!" - STOP for a second! Deep breath. World is crazy right now in 2025 (and so it has seemed since first publication of this wonderful handbook). The book is thick, perfectly written for everyone. Even enthusiasts of nature should love this and learn from it. Why is "this" nature book superior? Because it takes you outside gently and reintroduces you to your own backyard, your own wild, your own nature..... This book is black and white. Photos and images are profusely throughout. Some may call it cumbersome. But hey (or should I say "hay" to keep it au natural.), you're only a few feet or meters from the great outdoors, where nature displays all and your playground awaits. The world is your global park. The universe is your oyster, your home, and your ultimate first parent. Just how well do you think you know your own back yard? "GO TOUCH GRASS." This book will guide you and teach you. And it will humble you in its authentic voice. Review: wonderful source - I have had this book on my wish list for a number of years.This is a thick book chocked full of information.It has lessons on each section.They are short simple questions and easy things to see if your child has learned anything about the topic. The only thing that would make this an over the top book any more than it already is-put color pictures in there. This will be a great source for our family.It can be used for private nature study,family study,home schooling,etc.......If you know a nature buff-this would be THE #1 gift to get for them.The print in my book is good,not cloudy looking at all. I know you can see this book free on line BUT-the on line version IS the cloudy looking one.Not this real one.I think to have this resource in your hands in the yard,the woods,the pond-is worth the $ of the book.I am so glad I bought it.It will be used in this house for years to come-unless a newer version of it with color pics come out!!! (-; GET it-you will be glad you did!!!!
| Best Sellers Rank | #22,543 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #23 in Nature Writing & Essays #26 in Ecology (Books) #41 in Outdoors & Nature Reference |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 906 Reviews |
F**M
STOP RIGHT THERE! How well do you know your own backyard?......"GO TOUCH GRASS!"
STOP for a second! Deep breath. World is crazy right now in 2025 (and so it has seemed since first publication of this wonderful handbook). The book is thick, perfectly written for everyone. Even enthusiasts of nature should love this and learn from it. Why is "this" nature book superior? Because it takes you outside gently and reintroduces you to your own backyard, your own wild, your own nature..... This book is black and white. Photos and images are profusely throughout. Some may call it cumbersome. But hey (or should I say "hay" to keep it au natural.), you're only a few feet or meters from the great outdoors, where nature displays all and your playground awaits. The world is your global park. The universe is your oyster, your home, and your ultimate first parent. Just how well do you think you know your own back yard? "GO TOUCH GRASS." This book will guide you and teach you. And it will humble you in its authentic voice.
D**T
wonderful source
I have had this book on my wish list for a number of years.This is a thick book chocked full of information.It has lessons on each section.They are short simple questions and easy things to see if your child has learned anything about the topic. The only thing that would make this an over the top book any more than it already is-put color pictures in there. This will be a great source for our family.It can be used for private nature study,family study,home schooling,etc.......If you know a nature buff-this would be THE #1 gift to get for them.The print in my book is good,not cloudy looking at all. I know you can see this book free on line BUT-the on line version IS the cloudy looking one.Not this real one.I think to have this resource in your hands in the yard,the woods,the pond-is worth the $ of the book.I am so glad I bought it.It will be used in this house for years to come-unless a newer version of it with color pics come out!!! (-; GET it-you will be glad you did!!!!
M**E
Bookshelf staple!
This book has it all. It's a large book with small print, but each topic has a fairly easy to read/follow paragraph or two. Definitely need this on your bookshelf for nature lovers, homerschoolers, artists, etc. This is one of those that we'll use for a lifetime!
M**C
Nurture Your Love of Nature
I have a fairly decent natural science home library, and this book is probably the jewel in the crown. It's packed with information, and even though some data has been updated by recent discoveries (the book was first issued nearly a century ago) much of it is still relevent. The author has a contagious awe for the world around us, from caddis fly larvae to little brown bats (which she recommends keeping for a while in order to observe closely). She wrote this when our society was less urbanized and more hands-on, so a lot of her audience (teachers and their young students) had only to march out into a nearby field to collect specimens. Today, we're more used to sanitized, distilled, controllable nature--and nothing that can't be washed away with antibacterial soap--that we forget how compelling these little anthill or treetop dramas are. Comstock brings us into that wild world, and we don't have to go far to find it, after all. Her anecdotes about her personal experiences and her study questions that end each section keep this book from becoming just another field guide. Even if you don't have young kids with whom to share these adventures, it's great to have this resource at hand. And if you do have young kids, it's fun to go mucking around in a ditch right after a storm, looking for tadpoles. Don't be obsessive about diseases (we all eat a pound of dirt before we die...or so they say) and don't forget to bring this book.
E**R
Lots of information
This is an old book but very useful and interesting. A whole lot of information in here
M**R
Quite fun
I am pleased with this kindle version of this book I think it’s just what I wanted to try to encourage my 6 to 7-year-old to perceive detail and observe nature around her since it’s a little bit above her level I will be reading to her but it will hopefully expand her vocabulary as well as her understanding of nature it’s a thumbs up from me
P**R
Great reference book
Awesome to have on hand for homeschool nature study. Easy to navigate, informative - A must have in the homeschool family home library!
K**B
I purchased for Charlotte Mason homeschooling
I wish I had the money to buy this actual book, but Kindle version is the next best thing. We use it for home school with Charlotte Mason philosophy of education. Even though it’s an old book, many of the facts will never change. Ex, cloud and cloud patterns are the same in 1911 is what they are now. The original intent was for elementary teachers that might not know as much about nature. It’s made to be picked up and read to a class of children. The Kindle version has a helpful index to find topics easily. And a Kindle is lighter to transport.
C**E
RECOMENDABLE
TIENE UNA LECTURA CARGADA DE ANECDOTA. RECOMENDABLE
V**H
This book has so much great information and suggestions for things to do to learn ...
This book has so much great information and suggestions for things to do to learn about different animals, plants etc. Although the wildlife is North American, there is so much information and activities that can be done in the UK that it's still worth getting.
R**E
Gostei
Praticamente uma enciclopédia. Excelente
A**S
Beautiful
Beautiful Book, perfect for any home library and great tool for homeschooling and even parenting in a calm way. Great tips and explanations;
A**R
Buen libro, malas imágenes
El libro aporta mucha información, pero las imágenes (en blanco y negro) están borrosas. Para tenerlas mal, preferiría que no estuvieran y quitar así páginas. O sustituirlas por mejores fotos.
Trustpilot
2 days ago
2 months ago