Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

8-13-89 . . . This evening, after my bike ride, a refreshing hot shower, and a late dinner, I finished reading Arctic Dreams. For anyone who appreciates good writing and such things as natural history, travel, and adventure, this is the book to read. Barry Lopez is a masterful writer. I’ve now read five of his books (in no particular order): (1) Of Wolves and Men; (2) River Notes: The Dance of Herons; (3) Desert Notes: Reflections in the Eye of a Raven; (4) Winter Count; and (5) Arctic Dreams: Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape. Next on my list is Crossing Open Ground, Lopez’s most recent collection of essays. The only book of his that I don’t have is Giving Birth to Thunder, Sleeping with His Daughter: Coyote Builds North America. Could it be? It has been almost nine years since I finished reading Of Wolves and Men. It is no exaggeration to say that it changed my life. It opened my eyes to the environmental movement, brought me into contact with ethical theory (by way of animal rights), and made me think for the first time about how human beings conceive of themselves and their world. I plan to write to Lopez soon to thank him for inspiring me. [David Cortner bought me a signed hardbound copy of Of Wolves and Men on 3 July 2000. Inside the front cover, he wrote: “As a token of my gratitude for your having given me Lopez in general, please accept this Lopez in particular. Best, DC”.]