Under the Protection of the Cow Demon: dispatches from the unexpected world. This item is unavailable.Under the Protection of the Cow Demon: dispatches from the unexpected world

The world, E. Readicker-Henderson reminds us, is a much, much more beautiful place than we usually realize.Here the award-winning travel writer embroiders this theme over 25 essays: from a bra fence in New Zealand to mammoth hunting in the Yukon and the Zen of orange-pith-removal in Japan. Drawn to high latitudes and odd corners, Readicker-Henderson delves deeper into his search for the quietest place in the world: a quest that began with his feature for National Geographic Traveler, recognized by Best of American Travel Writing in 2007.At turns poetic, philosophical and howlingly funny, these tales span two decades. Ultimately, like Rufus - the puppy the author rescues on pilgrimage - they remind us all to ""wag your tail happily at life, and life will happily wag back."

Edward Readicker-Henderson is a frequent contributor to National Geographic Traveler, Sierra, and Art & Antiques; other publication credits include AARP: The Magazine, Budget Travel, and ­ despite his polar fleece aesthetic ­ Modern Bride. Best American Travel Writing honored Edward in 2007 for "The Quietest Place on Earth," as well as "Uses for Dirty Underwear." In 2003, the book noted "Why You're Here Now," and the next year, he won a Lowell Thomas Award for "Under the Protection of the Cow Demon." He's also recipient of a Northern Lights Award, for the best magazine travel story on Canada, in 2007. U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove remarked that his reflective style was "like watching a particularly elegant sleight-of-hand." The compliment was especially apt, since Edward can also juggle five balls and eat fire.