Most Popular Books by Ernest Thompson Seton

Outdoor activities for Boy Scouts. Based on Native American wisdom and practices and a guide for Boy Scouts and their leaders and anyone leading outdoor adventures. Includes building projects, outdoor food preparation, games on land and water, medical remedies, and more.

Wild Animals I Have Known - By Ernest Thompson Seton - Wild Animals I Have Known is an 1898 book by naturalist and author Ernest Thompson Seton. The first entry in a new genre of realistic wild-animal fiction, Seton''s first collection of short stories quickly became one of the most popular books of its day. "Lobo the King of Currumpaw," the first story in the collection, was based upon Seton''s experience hunting wolves in the southwestern United States. It became a classic, setting the tone for his future works that would similarly depict animals-especially predators who were often demonized in literature-as compassionate, individualistic beings. Several years after its publication, Seton and his works came under fire during the nature fakers controversy, which began in 1903 when naturalist John Burroughs published an essay called "Real and Sham Natural History" in Atlantic Monthly. In particular Burroughs blamed Seton''s collection of stories for founding the sentimental animal story genre, which he felt featured fabricated events and wild animal behaviors; he even amended the title of the collection to Wild Animals I Alone Have Known.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

First published more than a century ago, The Biography of a Grizzly recounts the life of a fictitious bear named Wahb who lived and died in the Greater Yellowstone region. This new edition combines Ernest Thompson Seton’s classic tale and original illustrations with historical and scientific context for Wahb’s story, providing a thorough understanding of the setting, cultural connections, biology, and ecology of Seton’s best-known book. By the time The Biography of a Grizzly was published in 1900, grizzly bears had been hunted out of much of their historical range in North America. The characterization of Wahb, along with Seton’s other anthropomorphic tales of American wildlife, helped to change public perceptions and promote conservation. As editors Jeremy M. Johnston and Charles R. Preston remind us, however, Seton’s approach to writing about animals put him at the center of the “Nature-Faker” controversy of the early twentieth century, when John Burroughs and Theodore Roosevelt, among others, denounced sentimental representations of wildlife. The editors address conservation scientists’ continuing concerns about inaccurate depictions of nature in popular culture. Despite its anthropomorphism, Seton’s paradoxical book imparts a good deal of insightful and accurate natural history, even as its exaggerations shaped early-twentieth-century public opinion on conservation in often counterproductive ways. By complicating Seton’s enthralling tale with scientific observations of grizzly behavior in the wild, Johnston and Preston evaluate the story’s accuracy and bring the story of Yellowstone grizzlies into the present day. Preserving the 1900 edition’s original design and illustrations, Wahb brings new understanding to an American classic, updating the book for current and future generations.

In the exquisite collection ''Bird Portraits,'' readers are invited to explore the captivating world of avian beauty through a unique amalgamation of literature and natural science. This anthology triumphs in its blending of vivid descriptive prose with rigorous ornithological inquiry, standing as a testament to the intricate relationships between humans and the natural world. The range of literary styles from the lyrically evocative to the scientifically precise showcases the multifaceted beauty of birds, engaging readers in a rich sensory and intellectual experience. The works within this collection serve not just as portraits of birds but as mirrors reflecting the diverse approaches to understanding and appreciating nature. The collaborative efforts of Ernest Thompson Seton and Ralph Hoffmann, seasoned naturalists and gifted storytellers, infuse this anthology with a depth of knowledge and passion for the avian subjects. These authors, rooted in the tradition of American natural history and the early conservation movement, weave together their distinct perspectives to illuminate the intricate lives of birds. Their collective expertise elevates the anthology, aligning it with broader cultural and historical movements dedicated to environmental awareness and conservation, and underscoring the evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world. ''Bird Portraits'' invites its readers to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder, offering an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the art and science of ornithology through literary expression. This collection is an essential addition to the library of anyone intrigued by the natural world, aspiring to deepen their understanding of birds, or seeking to appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature through the nuanced lenses of these eminent authors. It promises not only to educate but to inspire a profound appreciation for the avian world and the diverse methodologies employed in its study.

In 1907 I set out to journey by canoe down the Athabaska and adjoining waters to the sole remaining forest wilds-the far north-west of Canada-and the yet more desert Arctic Plains where still it was said were to be seen the Caribou in their primitive condition.

Tales of animals are not accidentally so loved in many countries by adults and children. The heroes of the stories written by the famous Canadian writer Ernest Thompson Seton, and among them stands out for its originality the "The Pacing Mustang", are animals and birds. However, often their life and behavior are more exalted and noble than that of people. A beautiful black mustang was a pacer, that is, when running, he moved first both right legs, then both left. The Mustang took home mares with him and they eventually got used to the wild life.

“The Trail of the Sandhill Stag” is a 1899 short story by Ernest Thompson Seton that chronicles a hunter''s attempt at stalking a stag. With charming illustrations throughout, this engaging and captivating tale will appeal to lovers of nature literature and is not to be missed by fans of Seton charming work. Ernest Thompson Seton (1860 – 1946) was an English author and wildlife artist who founded the Woodcraft Indians in 1902. He was also among the founding members of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), established in 1910. He wrote profusely on this subject, the most notable of his scouting literature including “The Birch Bark Roll” and the “Boy Scout Handbook”. Seton was also an early pioneer of animal fiction writing, and he is fondly remembered for his charming book “Wild Animals I Have Known” (1898). Other notable works by this author include: “Lobo, Rag and Vixen” (1899), “Two Little Savages” (1903), and “Animal Heroes” (1911). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.