Beyond the Wonder - by Thomas Bancroft (Paperback)

About the Book

More than just a biological perspective on Alaska's wonders, a discussion of potential environmental impacts from tourism, mining, and climate change, a personal travel account, or a collection of dynamic photographs, Beyond the Wonder is a beautiful meditation on nature--one that highlights the importance of untamed places and the role they play in crafting a better world.

Book Synopsis

The grizzly paused in knee-deep water, staring straight at the man behind the camera. Abruptly he bolted, racing full tilt toward Thomas Bancroft, his eyes glued to the photographer's face. The bear kept coming, closer and closer, as Bancroft snapped pictures and frantically debated what to do. Suddenly a sockeye darted out of the water, and just as quickly, the powerful animal veered away to chase the fish.

A biologist and scientific policy advisor, Bancroft planned his weeklong trip to the Katmai National Park and Preserve intending to photograph bears, but he ended up finding a great deal more. Having spent much of his professional career in Washington, DC, working to protect places like the Alaska wilderness and now struggling with a deep personal loss, when he finally walked among its salmon, bears, and caribou, emotions overwhelmed him.

Wild things are essential to human wellbeing. Whether standing in a crystal-clear river feeling dozens of sockeye salmon swim around his legs, watching gulls lurk around a feeding bear, meeting a thrush by a Lake Clark cabin, pondering conservationist Dick Proenneke's determination, flying over spectacular volcanoes, mountains, and glaciers, or sitting beside a pilot who has lived his entire life in wild Alaska, Bancroft felt a profound awe and respect for Alaska's wild creatures and landscape. He also found himself contemplating his own life choices, family relationships, and career. More than just a biological perspective on Alaska's wonders, a discussion of potential environmental impacts from human actions, a personal travel account, or a collection of dynamic photographs, Beyond the Wonder is a beautiful meditation on nature--one that highlights the importance of untamed places and the role they play in crafting a better world.

Review Quotes

"I have been lucky enough to spend a great deal of time in the outdoors with all its drama, beauty and splendor. And on my many walks with Tom Bancroft he's taught to see the world through a gifted naturalist's lens, seeing landscapes, details and powerful connections. With this book you can get a glimpse of Alaska from the grand to the granular. His terrific camera work and pithy prose brings that world alive for all."

--Tom Martin, Former CEO and President, The American Forest Foundation

"If you have the good fortune to be in the field with Thomas Bancroft, you will be immersed in wonders detailed by his keen awareness of creatures and their relations in all directions. This book is the next best thing."

--Kim Stafford, Lewis and Clark College Emeritus Professor, former Oregon State poet laureate, and author, As the Sky Begins to Change

"Thomas Bancroft is a master teacher. Through the effective use of vignettes, he demonstrates his deep knowledge of natural history, ornithology, geology, and interdependence of a natural ecosystem's elements, while simultaneously working through significant personal loss."

--William Meadows, former President, The Wilderness Society