Customer Reviews:
 JM Laws is my hero and this book is why January 23, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The title of my review pretty much says it. When this book first came out, I just thought "Wow! I wish I knew all that stuff!"
I already knew Laws' work from his thin book on Sierra Birds (largely or entirely included in the present field guide). It is slim, has fewer species than most and almost no text (owing no doubt to Laws legendary dyslexia), but time and again I find that his thin book was the easiest to use and most likely to allow me to find and ID a bird.
This is just the next ten steps - reptiles, bushes, flowers, birds, bugs (lots of bugs), mosses, and even constellations. If I were going to recommend just one book for hiking the Sierra, this would definitely be it.
Great Resource December 26, 2007
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
A ton of useful information on a range of subjects (plants, animals, mushrooms, insects, weather, tracks, scat, star charts, etc.). Beautifully illustrated and easy to navigate. The text snippets have a very personal, conversational, at times even humorous tone, which make it a pleasure to consult. At 17.5oz (496g), it's a little too heavy in my opinion for backpacking, but a good companion for all other occasions. The knowledge, thought and passion that went into this publication really burst off the pages.
Take this one on your hike October 19, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This is a gem, a comprehensive field guide to Sierra flora and fauna. John Muir Laws spent many summers drawing from life in all corners of the Sierra, and the results are enchanting. The book includes insects, tracks, stars, scat, and mushrooms as well as plants, birds, and animals. Though there isn't space in this slim volume for detailed information on each organism, the tidbits of natural history trivia scattered throughout are tantalizing. I take this one guide on every hike, and it rarely fails me. The color tab system makes it easy to find things quickly without searching the index. When I get back, I can refer to other guidebooks like Sierra Nevada Natural History for more information.
Best field guide I have ever used! October 17, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is an outstanding field guide! Great color drawings, and great presentation. It makes it very easy for anyone to identify almost anything in the Sierra Nevada.
This has it ALL October 8, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
John Muir Laws imparts a stunning resonance to all he paints. His work is thoughtful, complete, and inspired. Your fun with this book will be absolutely never ending. My granddaughters, my eighty year old father, my best friend, all LOVE this book. Imagine a guide that includes everything from constellations to the nest forms of miniature wasps to the most showy birds and fish! Just leafing through the book makes me feel blessed to live in the Sierras. Elisa Stancil
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