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Canoes: A Natural History in North America (Posthumanities)

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Availability: In Stock.
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Arrives Tuesday, Jul 29
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Format: Hardcover


Description

Ancient records of canoes are found from the Pacific Northwest to the coast of Maine, in Minnesota and Mexico, in the Southeast and across the Caribbean. And if a native of those distant times might encounter a canoe of our day—whether birch bark or dugout or a modern marvel made of carbon fiber—its silhouette would be instantly recognizable. This is the story of that singular American artifact, so little changed over time: of canoes, old and new, the people who made them, and the labors and adventures they shared. With features of technology, industry, art, and survival, the canoe carries us deep into the natural and cultural history of North America.In the foreword by Pulitzer Prize–winner John McPhee, we dip into the experience of canoeing, from the thrilling challenges of childhood camp expeditions to the moving reflections of long-time paddlers. The pages that follow are filled with historical photographs and artwork, authors Neuzil and Sims describe the dugout and birch bark craft from their first known appearance through the exploration of Canada by fur traders, to the recreational movements that promoted all-wood and wood- and-canvas canoes. Modern materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic expanded participation and connected canoeists with emerging environmental movements. Finally, Canoes lets us hear the voices of past paddlers like Alexander Mackenzie, the first European to cross North America, using birch bark and dugout canoes a decade before Lewis and Clark went overland, Henry Thoreau, Eric Sevareid, Edwin Tappan Adney, and others. Their stories are a tribute to the First Peoples who, 500 or 1,000 or even 5,000 years ago, built a craft designed to such perfection that it has plied the waters fundamentally unchanged ever since. Read more


Publisher ‏ : ‎ Univ Of Minnesota Press; First Edition (November 15, 2016)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0816681171


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 74


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.3 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 1.2 x 8 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #908,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #169 in Canoeing #1,353 in Sports History (Books)


#169 in Canoeing:


#1,353 in Sports History (Books):


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Jul 29

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Comprehensive and very interesting
It is a very complete book about the history of canoes, it’s types and construction, and the cultural background this craft involves.
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2023 by Eduardo Rojo

  • The canoe as cultural artifact
Comprehensive, well written, fully illustrated. The authors' love of canoes and canoeing makes this history a pleasure to read. A beautiful book that every outdoors person will appreciate and want to share.
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2022 by Bill Utz

  • Wonderful Table Book
This book is a delight and will be enjoyed by anyone who is an outdoors enthusiast, especially paddlers. It is a great book to have on a table for guests to idlily flip through.
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2022 by Dennis H. Milbrath

  • A canoe paddler's delight.
This is a treasure. Beautiful photos and illustrations. A must-have in every serious paddler's library, except you will not be satisfied with it sitting on a shelf. Savor it. This book would make a lovely gift.
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021 by Mrs. Harris

  • Perfect read for the in-between seasons of canoeing.
A comprehensive history and up-to-date view of everything to do with canoes and canoeing. This book is well-researched and authoritative. The authors write from a perspective that seems to originate from many days paddling. It is apparent they have been around canoes for a good part of a lifetime. The appeal of canoe form, construction methods and canoe paddling shines through on every page. I really enjoyed the illustrations; the historical photos, the paintings, the portraits of early canoe-men and voyageurs. This book is write up my alley, the best ever on my favorite boat. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2017 by Leo A Keane

  • Great book
This was a gift for my dad. He absolutely loved it. Said that there is art in here he had no seen before. Recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2021 by jillangel

  • He sat down and read it and loved it. He often falls asleep while reading
I bought this as a Christmas present for my husband. He sat down and read it and loved it. He often falls asleep while reading, but not this book. He is an amateur boatbuilder and thought this history was very interesting and quite complete.
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2018 by Sally

  • Paddle On !
If you own or use a canoe for recreation, this book is for you. The writing is outstanding and the photos and art work are gorgeous. If you can't be out on the water enjoying your canoe, this is the next best thing.
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2017 by Swift 37

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