Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants - Hardcover

Kimmerer, Robin Wall

4.54

116,545 ratings by Goodreads

9781571313355: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1571313354 ISBN 13: 9781571313355

Publisher: Milkweed Editions, 2013

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An inspired weaving of indigenous knowledge, plant science, and personal narrative from a distinguished professor of science and a Native American whose previous book, Gathering Moss, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as "the younger brothers of creation." As she explores these themes she circles toward a central argument: the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return.

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Review:

"Her book of wisdom, knowledge and teachings celebrates life that is both ordinary...and magical." --Minneapolis Star Tribune "It's rare to find a book that teaches you scientifically and also nurtures you philosophically." --Hans Weyandt, Micawber Books, St. Paul, Minnesota "A beautiful important work." --Jack Hannert, Brilliant Books, Traverse City, Michigan "Robin Wall Kimmerer is writer of rare grace." --Elizabeth Gilbert, author of The Signature of All Things "An extraordinary book." --Jane Goodall "A great writing and beautiful work."--Oren Lyons, Onodaga Nation Faithkeeper "Beautifully written... Anyone who enjoys reading about natural history, botany, protecting nature, or Native American culture will love this book." --Library Journal "A mesmerizing storyteller." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author:

Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, a scientist, a decorated professor, and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her first book, Gathering Moss was awarded the 2005 John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. Her writings have appeared in Orion, Whole Terrain, and Stone Canoe amongst many others. She lives in Fabius, NY where she is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, and where she is also the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.

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