Kirkus Reviews QR Code
MEASURE OF THE YEAR by Roderick L. Haig-Brown

MEASURE OF THE YEAR

By

Publisher: Morrow

Of the nature writers today, Donald Culross Peattie and Roderick Haig-Brown are tops. Haig-Brown's early books accustomed one to think of him as writing primarily about fishing in the Canadian southwest (or our own northwest). This new book is of broader general interest, with fishing (an enchanting essay on fishing with his children which is more about the children than the fishing) merely incidental to other lures. Accented by the seasons' round, he writes of many things in country living, of visitors and gardens, of tools, of walks, of birds and wild life, of community sharing, of country neighbors. Throughout there's the scent and sight and feel of the out of doors, keen observation of nature's ways, the traditional rhythm of the woods and streams done with an individuality characteristic of his writing. His tribute to his wife -- his word pictures of the children and the joys and responsibilities of parenthood, leave an impress of a happy rounded life as writer -farmer-family man-and good citizen. Those who like essays- those who like outdoor books will enjoy it.