In these nine evocative essays, Barbara Hurd explores the seductive allure of bogs, swamps, and wetlands. Hurd's forays into the land of carnivorous plants, swamp gas, and bog men provide fertile ground for rich thoughts about mythology, literature, Eastern spirituality, and human longing. In her observations of these muddy environments, she finds ample metaphor for human creativity, imagination, and fear.

Rain, Mud & Swamps is a meticulously researched account of one of the most durable Missouri regiments to serve the Union cause. Even though the unit fought with General Sherman in such places as Vicksburg and Missionary Ridge, remarkably little has been written about it. This book offers the reader never before published letters, diaries and other material about the regiment as well as a complete roster of all the men who served. A must read for those interested in Missouri Civil War history.

The Equatorial Rain Forest: A Geological History presents the equatorial vegetation as a dynamic entity with varied and highly significant history. It also discusses other types of equatorial regions. It addresses the vegetational history from a palaeoecological viewpoint. Some of the topics covered in the book are the vegetation of equatorial regions; the prelude to the quaternary; the quaternary vegetation of equatorial Latin America; the quaternary vegetation of equatorial Africa; the cretaceous period; and the quaternary vegetation of equatorial indo-malesia. The value of vegetational history is fully covered. The effect of man on vegetation is discussed in detail. The text describes in depth the methods of studying vegetational history. The Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene epochs are presented completely. A chapter is devoted to the palynological evidence and synthesis. Another section focuses on the xeroseres, hydroseres and related successions. The book can provide useful information to botanists, geologists, students, and researchers.

Finding Voice is a foundational book for elementary students and teachers that addresses close reading of complex text through understanding and practicing the elements of voice. The book is a collection of classroom lessons that cover the tools authors use to shape voice and meaning: diction, detail, imagery, figurative language, and tone. Every voice lesson includes a quotation selected from a wide range of engaging fiction and nonfiction text, two discussion questions, an exercise that encourages students to practice what they have learned, and discussion suggestions so that possible answers are at the teacher's fingertips. The lessons will help students understand the elements of voice in what they read and encourage them to try out the elements of voice in their own writing. The Finding Voice lessons are specifically designed for students in grades 3-6. These lessons provide focused examination and practice for a specific element of voice and take only 10-15 minutes of class time. The lessons of Finding Voice: Introductory Lessons to Teach Reading and Writing of Complex Text fit well with any literacy and language arts curriculum. As students work with each element of voice, they will improve their ability to critically analyze text. Students will also learn to apply the elements of voice to their own writing, creating a clear voice of their own.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1866.