The Last Prairie: A Sandhills Journal

About this book

It is an area that has captivated and inspired travelers philosophers and artists for centuries. Long celebrated as one of the most visually stunning regions of the American landscape it is also one of the most historically significant. And now this vast 25 000-square-mile expanse known as the Nebraska Sandhills is brought to life with passion perspective and ecological timeliness in an unforgettable collection by Stephen Jones. The Last Prairie is an extraordinary triumph of the essayists art. By turns graceful and penetrating introspective and universal ruminative and prescient the 20 essays in The Last Prairie embodies the essence of Sandhills life. Jones delivers a series of riveting accounts of the Sandhills flora and fauna wildlife and rich cultural history. Fascinating descriptions of bald eagles trumpeter swans and the annual migratory flight of a half-million sandhill cranes stand alongside equally vivid accounts of trailblazing homesteaders range wars and devastating prairie fires. Jones speaks eloquently to such timeless themes as humanitys search for community and the ties that bind man and nature.