The Attention of a Traveller

“The diversity of contributions and the depth of knowledge in their several fields of specialization evidenced among the more than a dozen contributors are outstanding. . . . The book is as eclectic as its iconic subject, providing something of interest for all those intrigued by Bartram regardless of the many avenues of approach to his work and enduring legacy. Equally entertaining and thought-provoking, it helps us better understand the land he traveled both in its reality and as it has been imagined.“ —Mike Bunn, Director, Historic Blakely State Park and author of Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During America’s Revolutionary Era

“Like its predecessor, Fields of Vision: Essays on the “Travels” of William Bartram, this collection distills the essence of a biennial meeting of the Bartram Trail Conference, and once again reflects the eclectic scholarly interests of that unique organization.” —Gregory A. Waselkov, author of A Conquering Spirit: Fort Mims and the Redstick War of 1813–1814

“As readers of Bartram's Travels know, his book offers a unique view of just-pre-Revolutionary Colonial North America as the artist, naturalist, and social commentator traveled through five British colonies and three Native American homelands (which together make up eight modern states). This new book is the third compilation of works generated by the Bartram Trail Conference, in this case mostly from the 2017 event. The essays cover the less-studied Mississippi River sections of the Travels, the natural science observations that still contribute to modern biology, the natural science illustrations that constitute such a valuable part of the original work, the significance of the Conference itself, and the original publication of the Travels considered as an artifact and creation of its time and world. The contributing authors are an interdisciplinary mix of scholars, including several award winners. For collections focused on southern (US) history and biology, natural science illustration, and pre-Revolutionary War history, this is a strong candidate for acquisition. Recommended.” —CHOICE