Wild in Seattle - by David B Williams (Paperback)

About the Book

An entertaining and history-packed exploration of Seattle's familiar yet often overlooked natural, urban, and geological wonders

Book Synopsis

Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Regional Finalist

• More than 40 essays dive into the geology, animals, plants, and architecture that shape Seattle
• Fully illustrated by celebrated local artist Elizabeth Person
• Fun and fascinating sidebars explore regional vocabulary, scientific terms, and Indigenous language phrases

For award-winning natural history writer David B. Williams, to be connected to a place you need to pause and look deeply at it. Wild in Seattle is Williams' delightful journey of discovery in this city where not only is nature all around, it's also written in the stones of the urban landscape. Explore the geologic history of glaciers, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes as well as the ways humans shape the Seattle topography. From backyards to downtown, watch for coyotes, crows, seals, otters, owls, and so much more wildlife who also call the region home. Look up at the buildings to find terra cotta eagles, stone that traveled over millions of years from Asia to the San Juan Islands, and clues to the horses who used to power the city's transportation network. Wrap your arms around a giant Douglas-fir, appreciate the unsung yet remarkable skunk cabbage, stop and listen to the spring chorus of frogs.

Williams' lively essays woven with Elizabeth Person's engaging illustrations will fire up the curiosity of both residents and visitors alike, inspiring all to take a fresh look at the Emerald City.

Review Quotes

As a Seattle area native, reading this book made me take a fresh look at Seattle. I learned new things about the city and can use them as I wander around. I highly recommend it for locals, newcomers and visitors.-- "King County Library System "Best Books of 2025""

Williams' love for the Puget Sound area is evident in the careful attention he lavishes on each of his subjects, and watercolor illustrations by Everett illustrator Elizabeth Person bring a sense of discovery to each page.--Lisa Gresham "Cascadia Daily News"

'Wild in Seattle' proves that the wonders of nature can be found anywhere.-- "KING 5 New Day Northwest"

Discover wild wonders of Seattle with this illustrated guide.-- "KING 5 Evening"

[Wild in Seattle] asks us to slow down and enjoy the beauty all around us.-- "The Seattle Times Pacific NW Magazine"

Exceptionally well written, illustrated, organized and presented, Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature by author David Williams and artist/illustrator Elizabeth Person features more than 40 essays dive into the geology, animals, plants, and architecture that shape Seattle. Of special note are the many fun and fascinating sidebars explore regional vocabulary, scientific terms, and Indigenous language phrases.--Willis Buhle "Midwest Book Review"

If you like the author's The Street-Smart Naturalist (2005), you should like this book.-- "The Birdbooker Report"