National Geographic atlas of wild America

This work highlights 41 wild places, including 3 Mexican biosphere reserves, 6 Canadian national parks, and 32 U.S. wild areas. Not limited to federal lands, the areas reflect a definition of wilderness as "untrammeled, undeveloped, natural, with solitude and unconfined recreation." Beginning with an overview by Roderick Nash, who wrote the seminal book Wilderness and the American Mind, the atlas follows with brief summaries and descriptions of leaders in wilderness conservation, the Wilderness Act, federal and state lands (e.g., those governed by the Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service), protected rivers, trails, wildlife corridors, and human impacts. Most of the work spotlights specific wild places, divided into geographic regions. Information about these places includes their location, defining features, overviews of wildlife present, geologic and human history, and trails (if present). Some 262 maps or graphics and 308 photographs are included. Although the description of each wild place is only 8--12 pages in length, the combination of text, pictures, and graphs draws readers in, making them want to experience these rare and quiet places, free from the commotion of everyday life.

The coffee-table-book format gives ample space for writer and former park ranger Waterman to showcase 41 North American wilderness areas (primarily in the continental United States, but some in Alaska, Canada, and Mexico). The tome's size and weight encourage enjoyment from an armchair, as a wishbook or general planning guide, with 260+ colorful charts and maps (showing canoe trails, loon populations, and the range of the pronghorn in Mexico), 300 photos, and standard entries featuring location, size, date established, and managing entity. Introductory sections (Indigenous lands; human impact), a glossary (ejido; pluton), map credits, and data summaries add utility, while the gorgeous forest vistas, critter closeups, and sunset panoramas hold readers' attention. VERDICT A beautiful and motivational addition for all libraries. Consider purchasing with Waterman's companion volume, Atlas of the National Parks.