|
|||||
|
"Florida's Rivers" is a look at the history and ecology of our state rivers "Florida's Rivers" is a look at the history and ecology of our state rivers
A Book Review Florida's Rivers Those who read my articles here and elsewhere on a regular basis will know that hydrographic features of the natural landscape such as springs and rivers are very important to how I look at Florida's ecosystems. Truly, Florida-especially northern Florida-depends on these water-sources as an extensive part of our unique environment and these features provide the crucial intersection between so many aspects of Floridian ecology and even history. Rivers may no longer play a central, everyday, role in transport but at a time they did and they were the main mechanism for opening parts of the state to exploration. Even today, every human, animal, and plant in the state has some connection-whether knowingly or not-to our rivers' lifeblood of water. Charles Boning, a man of many talents (he's a lawyer who not only is also an accomplished naturalist and writer, but even an astute photographer) has written a book entitled Florida's Rivers which, living up to its name, is an overview of all the major rivers of the state, organized by region. When I review a book, like any good reviewer, I try to be very unbiased and discerning and look for both good qualities and things which are lacking in a book under review but with Boning's volume I really cannot find a single fault. The book is clear in its layout, starting off with a great introduction to Florida's rivers and their importance and also an explanation of "how to use" the book. This pedagogical approach and the lavish maps and photographs throughout the entire book (also the contributions of the author) make the book useful to a diverse readership: I can see this book having a place in any Floridian library plus the personal collections of all avid naturalists and lovers of Florida's environment. Moreover, it would be useful as a secondary text for college-level courses on Floridian ecosystems. While not an academic work, per se, the depth in its overview of rivers is handy to students and anyone wanting to know at a glance about a certain river or region. The real treat though is to sit down and read Florida's Rivers cover-to-cover and thus gain the benefit of a short course in the history and ecology of Floridian rivers and riparian environments. While Boning doesn't spend too much time on any one river-in a mere 230-some pages he really doesn't have room to-he offers a strong overview of all the state's major rivers in a manner that is easy to follow. Plant and animal life, recreation, and history are all addressed in the river-specific entries. Boning writes with a keen eye for detail and a really nuanced understanding of Florida's riparian environments. Yet in doing so, he never provides too much or too dense information for his reader to absorb. The index is extensive and easy-to-use as is the list of reference works and suggestions for further reading. Boning's photographs really impressed me: I am myself a serious photographer and often photograph places I write about for this and other papers. Boning's photos of rivers and their surroundings are crisp, clear, and engaging. What is more, his photos of wildlife found living in and near these rivers are just amazing: getting photographs of wlid animals is in and of itself a difficult craft and Boning's are up there in quality with some of the best I've seen in regional journalism. The entire book is printed on a glossy, sturdy, paper stock and is small enough to take with you while camping or boating. If there is anything at all which I find wanting in Florida's Rivers, it is that I could envision Boning writing a more extensive version as an academic textbook for college or graduate-level courses that would provide about ten pages on each river with more detail on hydrology and ecology (instead of around two or three pages per river in the current edition). I am unsure of how large a market there is for such a volume but while the present book is great for most readers, I feel there is still a need for a more scientific and detailed book covering the topic of Floridian rivers. Boning, however, would make (perhaps with co-authors) an ideal author for such a volume because he brings across his information in clear prose that is a joy to read. Were Pineapple Press to address the academic market for this same topic, I think it would be a fine addition to the extant literature. Florida's Rivers is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in our state's riparian ecology and natural history. I could not be more pleased to see this volume published at a time when a lot of choices must be made to ensure the continued stewardship of our rivers. MIKE WALKER is a Gainesville, Florida, writer and journalist. He writes on topics germane to natural history, ecology, and action sports for a variety of local, regional, and international publications. He may be reached at: cloudrace@prontomail.com
|
      |
||||
