In his most urgent book to date, world-renowned biologist Edward O. Wilson states that in order to stave off the mass extinction of species, including our own, we must move swiftly to preserve the biodiversity of our planet. He argues that the situation facing us is too large to be solved piecemeal, and he proposes a solution comensurate with the magnitude of the problem: dedicate fully half the surface of the Earth to nature. Identifying actual regions of the planet that can still be reclaimed, Wilson puts aside the prevailing pessimism of our times. Edward O. Wilson won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2011. BOOKPLATE SIGNED BY AUTHOR.
Liveright, W. W. Norton, 2016. Paperback, 259 pp.

Explores the emotional and physical world of the octopus, the remarkable connections it makes with people, and the vibrant community that arises around this complex, intelligent, and spirited creature. An example of true immersion journalism. Sy Montgomery won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2017.
Atria, 2015. Paperback, 262 pp.

Explores a new perspective on human evolution by examining the phenomenon of ultraendurance and makes surprising discoveries about the physical, spiritual, and primal drive to win. At once lyrical and scientific, this book shows Bernd Heinrich's signature blend of biology, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, infused with his passion to discover how and why we can achieve super-human abilities. Bernd Heinrich won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2018.
Ecco, HarperCollins, 2002. Paperback, 292 pp.

A grand tour of the realm of all of our senses. We learn about the evolution of the kiss, the sadistic cuisine of eighteenth-century England, the chemistry of pain, and the melodies of the planet Earth. Diane Ackerman won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2015.
Vintage Books / Random House, 1990. Paperback, 331 pp.

A beautifully written mix of science and personal reflection that invites readers to explore and learn from the elegantly simple lives of mosses. In this series of linked personal essays, Kimmerer explains the biology of mosses and reflects on what these fascinating organisms have to teach us. Robin Wall Kimmerer won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2021.
Oregon State University Press, 2003. Paperback, 168 pp.

Botanist and Native American Robin Wall Kimmerer shows that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learning to give our own gifts in return. Robin Wall Kimmerer won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2021.
Milkweed Editions, 2013. Paperback, 390 pp.

A book that is part memoir, part scientific investigation. Heinrich is a dedicated and accomplished runner who won his first marathon at age 39. Here he looks deeply at running, aging, and the body, exploring the unresolved relationship between metabolism, diet, exercise, and age. Bernd Heinrich won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2018.
HarperCollins, 2021. Hardcover, 208 pp.

The authors explore through intimate and thought-provoking dialogue one of the most sought after and least understood elements of human nature: hope. Here, Jane Goodall focuses on her Four Reasons for Hope: The Amazing Human Intellect, The Resilience of Nature, The Power of Young People, and The Indomitable Human Spirit. Drawing on decades of work that has helped expand our understanding of what it means to be human and what we all need to do to help build a better world, this book touches on vital questions, including: How do we stay hopeful when everything seems hopeless? How do we cultivate hope in our children? What is the relationship between hope and action? Filled with moving and inspirational stories and photographs from Jane's remarkable career, The Book of Hope is a deeply personal conversation with one of the most beloved figures in the world today. Jane Goodall has been named the winner of the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in 2022.
Celadon Books, 2021. Hardcover, 272 pp.

A definitive collection spanning more than five decades of this Pulitzer-Prize winning poet's esteemed and celebrated literary career. Arranged by Mary Oliver herself, this timeless volume showcases the beloved poet at her edifying best. She provides us here with an invaluable collection of her passionate and perceptive observations of the natural world. Mary Oliver won the Henry David Thoreau Prize for literary excellence in nature writing in November 2018.
Penguin Press, 2017. Hardcover, 455 pp.