Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Traces of a Profound Thinker July 29, 2008
Here we have in The Lost Notebooks of Loren Eiseley, a keen observer of the effects of nature on the soul, the momentary renderings of a wide ranging, deeply probing mind. The generous amount of biographical information heightens the amazement at the scope of Mr. Eiseley's interests. Whatever personal misgivings he had about himself, he expressed in masterly prose the constant wonder he found in existence's variety. This is a book that serves equally well as either an introduction to the series of naturalistic essays he is noted for or an after word to them.
Pondering Nature August 31, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Most of us do not spend our days thinking about the magic of nature. In fact, it is rare that we stop and wonder at the unique qualities of life and evolution. This book is a collection of short essays which seem to take a walk through nature, pondering its interesting and beautiful idiosyncrasies. Without going into too much detail, Eiseley helps us to stop and look at the seemingly small things and understand their vast importance. This is not a complicated book designed for naturalists, but a fairly straightforward and engaging book for those who simply enjoy nature. A high school student interested in studying anthropology or environmental science in college would be wise to read this as inspiration.
one of the little known great writers. February 10, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
the title, i suppose, could lead one to think that this book might be too heavily on the new-agey side of things for one's taste. not so! mr eiseley is one of the most profound thinkers i have come across over the years, and his writing is spectacular. i have seldom come across a non-fiction writer with such a marvellous prose style (lytton strachey comes to mind as an equivilant). this great book had me looking at life past and present in ways and from angles i had never considered. the authors wonder at existence in all its mystery, joy, and sorrow, made for some of the most moving reading i have ever encountered. this, and other works by mr eiseley, i will be reading and rereading throughout my lifetime.
Great book arrived in great shape March 20, 2006
0 out of 5 found this review helpful
Great book, it arrived in great shape in a timely manner
 scholarly treatment of Darwin's ideas - and textual analysis May 22, 2004
10 out of 24 found this review helpful
Eiseley has read all of the different editions of "Origin," and in that way traces the evolution of Darwin's thought in the context of his times and in how he re-edited his books as his opinion changed. It is well written and argued and somewhat better than normal academic writing, but it still reads like a pedantic text. Perhaps it was too advanced, or simply too detailed, for the level of my interest, but I found a lot of this somewhat boring - and I admit that that is as personal as a reflection on the text. Eiseley is a world-class science writer, up there with Sagan and Gould, and explains with great clarity, etc. You get to know Darwin's mind, his many doubts, and the way he constantly hedged and worried about his reception.
Recommended with this in mind. It really depends on what you are looking for.
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