Jesse, Thank you for bringing Euell Gibbons back to our attention. At the time, his works were pivotal in helping us to step away from the Establishment during the Vietnam War and forage freely.
Rob- you’re welcome! I’m so happy you saw this piece and happy to connect. I just mentioned to another commenter how cool it is to think about the socio-political-historical context that books are written within.
From what I recall, Euell got into foraging out of necessity to feed his mother and siblings after his father left or passed away. John McPhee went afield with him. He has a great essay called Forager in one of his collections from the New Yorker, but you probably already know of it. It's one of my favorites. They hit the AT with no food for many days. Have you read McPhee's Survival of the Bark Canoe?
Man, I was just driving to the gym listening to a podcast that had me thinking about this book you may know, The Old Way, by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s awesome.
Great essay Jesse. I’d never heard of Gibbons but you make it clear he’s a writer to read—particularly in today’s age. Your writing makes me want to go for scallops, I’ve only clammed. Thank you for sharing.
James- Even just seeing them while snorkeling is worth it. I didn't really understand the title of Gibbons' book until I was underwater and happened to see one. Then it all "clicked." The books are a wealth of information.
Yes, to foraging. I'm not very good at it but I do continue to learn. Apparently my best knowledge is those little protein nibbles on the golden rod or willow 🤔.
The Eurosta fly larvae is found on the goldenrod. The pinecone gall midge is found on the willow. You'd need to collect a lot of them, but once you see them, you can't unsee them.
Lou- I was wondering if you had heard of Gibbons… I think you’ll really enjoy his books. I’m not trying to sound dramatic, but every time I read them, they change my life for the better in terms of adding perspective, motivation, and inspiration.
Jesse, Thank you for bringing Euell Gibbons back to our attention. At the time, his works were pivotal in helping us to step away from the Establishment during the Vietnam War and forage freely.
Rob- you’re welcome! I’m so happy you saw this piece and happy to connect. I just mentioned to another commenter how cool it is to think about the socio-political-historical context that books are written within.
From what I recall, Euell got into foraging out of necessity to feed his mother and siblings after his father left or passed away. John McPhee went afield with him. He has a great essay called Forager in one of his collections from the New Yorker, but you probably already know of it. It's one of my favorites. They hit the AT with no food for many days. Have you read McPhee's Survival of the Bark Canoe?
Just added it to my list. Wow- serendipitous- just read the description and I spent much of today banging my head thinking about related topics.
I’m going to read it again. She was our NH neighbor.
Josh- I vaguely remember the Forager article and need to now go find it since it sounds like the culmination of two of my favorite authors! Thank you!
I've read Survival of the Bark Canoe. I just finished "La Place De LA Concorde Suisse," which I enjoyed.
Man, I was just driving to the gym listening to a podcast that had me thinking about this book you may know, The Old Way, by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s awesome.
Great essay Jesse. I’d never heard of Gibbons but you make it clear he’s a writer to read—particularly in today’s age. Your writing makes me want to go for scallops, I’ve only clammed. Thank you for sharing.
James- Even just seeing them while snorkeling is worth it. I didn't really understand the title of Gibbons' book until I was underwater and happened to see one. Then it all "clicked." The books are a wealth of information.
Fascinating! I've heard of these book titles, but never read them or knew what they were about. I'll be reading them soon!
Erik- I found them to be dense page-turners and inspirational in many ways... Eating, traveling, educational. I hope you enjoy them.
Sounds excellent!
Yes, to foraging. I'm not very good at it but I do continue to learn. Apparently my best knowledge is those little protein nibbles on the golden rod or willow 🤔.
I’ll have to look those up. A world of possibility!
The Eurosta fly larvae is found on the goldenrod. The pinecone gall midge is found on the willow. You'd need to collect a lot of them, but once you see them, you can't unsee them.
Very cool. Thanks
This couldn't be more up my alley -- thanks for sharing, Jesse. My reading list keeps expanding.
Lou- I was wondering if you had heard of Gibbons… I think you’ll really enjoy his books. I’m not trying to sound dramatic, but every time I read them, they change my life for the better in terms of adding perspective, motivation, and inspiration.
I can’t wait to dig in!