Beyond the ordinary

A guide to Alaska’s glaciers featuring an A-to-Z list, nature essays, and frequently asked questions.
Here, the wonders of Alaska’s glaciers are covered in three distinct parts. First up in Naomi Klouda’s book we get an alphabetized list of the state’s named glaciers, beginning with Adams Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and ending over 300 pages later with Yushin Glacier near Mount Campbell. Each entry has at least one paragraph dedicated to its glacier’s statistics (elevation, area, length, location, etc.). Some entries, like the one for the Aialik Glacier, also include
photos. The second section features a diverse cross-section of nature-writing; the selected writings are presented in diary format, such as naturalist John Muir’s 1890 entries, while others are straightforward essays like Marybeth Holleman’s passionate reflections on climate change. These more personal ruminations make for a stark contrast to the dry facts and figures of the previous section. Eliza Scidmore’s musings on the natural world, in particular, tend toward the poetic:
“Besides the clear, emerald tide, reflecting every tree and rock, there was the beauty of foaming cataracts leaping down the sides of snow-capped mountains, and the grandeur of great glaciers pushing down through sharp ravines, and dropping miniature icebergs into the water.” The final part features pictures, maps, and frequently asked questions, such as, “Where are glaciers formed?” Overall, Klouda’s guide functions more like a glacier encyclopedia than a dictionary. Its
tone reflects as much, with all of the information being presented without any distracting bells and whistles. While the reams of statistical information in the first section will likely prove rather dry for casual readers, the passionate essays and brain-teasing glacier trivia that make up the rest of the book perfectly balance everything out. This delicate see-sawing between information and entertainment ultimately results in a unique, science-based look at the world around us.
Fascinating facts and exquisite nature essays that will appeal to hardcore conservationists and amateur nature observers
alike.