With this stunning collection of images of the Southern
Appalachians, James Valentine presents an enduring portrait of the
region's unique natural character. His compelling photographs of
ancient mountains, old-growth forests, rare plants, and powerful
waterways reveal the Appalachians' rich scenic beauty, while Chris
Bolgiano's interpretive text and captions tell the story of its
natural history.
Over four decades, Valentine has hiked hundreds of miles across
mountainous parts of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North
Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia to
photograph some of the last remnants of original forest. These
scarce and scattered old-growth stands are the most biologically
diverse temperate forests in the world. By sharing these remaining
pristine wild places with us, Valentine and Bolgiano show that
understanding these mountains and their extraordinary biodiversity
is vital to maintaining the healthy environment that sustains all
life.
Featuring an introduction by the late, longtime conservationist
Robert Zahner and a foreword by William Meadows, president of The
Wilderness Society, this visually entrancing and verbally engaging
book celebrates the vibrant life of Southern Appalachian
forests.