Summary

Working as a botanist for the Royal Horticulture Society, David Douglas landed at the mouth of the Columbia River in the spring of 1825. He made the first systematic collections of flora and fauna across many parts of the greater Pacific Northwest, often gathering flowers and fruit, then returning at a different time of the year to gather seeds. Colleagues in Great Britain attached his name to more than 80 distinct species, including the region¿s iconic timber tree. A colorfully illustrated essay collection, "David Douglas, a Naturalist at Work" examines various aspects of Douglas¿ meteoric career, demonstrating connections between his work and the Pacific Northwest of today. From the Columbia River¿s perilous bar to luminous mountain wildflower blooms; from ever-changing technology frontiers to the quiet seasonal rhythms of Native families gathering roots, Nisbet¿s compositions collapse time to shed light on the area¿s people and landscapes. Originally published in 2012 in conjunction with a major museum exhibit, this is the first paperback edition.