TN wenger Be Bee BT np Bae 6 gine te oe 4 2 > : t a ' i t ‘20 — Wednesday, August 9, 1989 - North Shore News IT’S PROBABLY safe to say that this, like no other time in human histery, is the Age of Environment. In the brief span of the past few . years the human race has become acutely aware of the fragility of our planet and its interdependent ecosystems. ‘Conservation and preservation have supplanted in- difference: activism has triumphed over the inertia of pessimism. Naturally this means that there are more books dealing with en- vironmental topics than ever be- fore — despite the irony of turning greater numbers of trees into pulp for book pape: : The seven tities reviewed i in brief form this week range from an ex- planation of the Greenhouse Effect to nature books for youngsters. Turning Up The Heat (Bodley ' Head/RandomHouse; 229 pp.) by environmental! journalist Fred Pierce presents a dramatic over- view-of the factors contributing to the ‘Global Greenhouse,’ the immediate and longterm effects of a warming climate and steps that might be taken to at least slow down the trend. Pierce’s research and authorities cited are so solid as to make this the ultimate work of horror — but it’s fact, not fiction. From the spectre of flooded cities and par- ched grainfields to dying forests and massive economic disrup- tions, Turning Up The Heat is a {devastating analysis of a manmade . disaster... eet Two titles for junior naturalists that should meet with parents’ approval are Bianca Lavies’ Lily Pad Pod and Tree Trunk Traffic (Dutton/Fitzhenry & Whiteside; approx. 20 pp.; $19.50 each). Written for children four to seven years of age, both are pro- fusely illustrated with photographs, simply written and avoid an- Actress would like fo express concerns From page 19 ‘41 like to be crazy,’’ she said. On stage at Studio 58 until Saturday, Aug. 12 is “Road,” play set in Lancashire under — Margaret Thatcher. An intense drama with no neat, happy ending, Fargey fi finds her roles of a young girl “vho wants something else but is trapped” and a housewife with an alcoholic husband challenging. “Walking away” from social concerns is not something that Fargey is accustomed to. A woman who calls herself “very fortunate’ to have grown up in the natural beauty of North Vancouver, Fargey is passionate when she discusses issues such as the environment, welfare and single parenting. “| don’t think people are tak- ing the time to think about other people in our scciety,”” she mourns. “The way society is go- ing really bothers me.” Would she ever want to express some of her social concerns through her theatre work? “Well, right now I’m just hop- ing to do anything,’’ she smiles. “But eventually there’s a lot of things ! would like to say.” thropomorphic prose. These large-format, hardcover books are interesting introductory guides that may help stimulate young minds and foster an awareness of the complexities of the natural world. a Alberta’s Lone Pine Publishing has several! new nature tities in print; here’s a Icok at two of the best. Despite their importance to the plant and animal kingdoms, masses, lichens and ferns are fre- quently overlooked in field guides, which will make Mosses, Lichens and Ferns (296 pp.; $24.95) a welcome addition to any natu- ralist’s library. Mosses, Lichens and Ferns employs color photographs for over 376 species found in nor- thwest North America with ac- companying descriptive text, maps MIKE STEELE book review showing location and distribution, climatic and vegetation zones and index. ‘User-friendly’ throughout, Mosses, Lichens and Ferns is a top-quality field guide recom- mended without reservation. . The second Lone Pine title is Northern Bush Craft by Mors Kochanski. This introduction to survival skills, tool-use (including knives, axes and so on), fire tech- nology, and important flora and fauna is an excellent resource for wilderness self-sufficiency. Published in novel-sized format, ‘it’s ideal for stowing in a Get back to nature with environmental books backpack, contains a great many useful line-drawings and photographs and offers much for even the experienced outdoors ’ person. Like Mosses, Lichen and Ferns, Northern Bush Craft (303 pp.; $12.95) rates a well-deserved ‘thumbs up.’ eee Now here’s a handy book for bird-Icvers of all ages: Hosting The Birds — How to Attract Birds To Nest fn Your Yard (Garden Way/ Fitzhenry & Whiteside; 208 pp.; $30.95 in hardcover). From habits to migration pat- terns, bird houses, which plants and shrubs to use as lures, foods and nesting sites, this is a book with a wealth of information on how to entice avian visitors to ur- ban and rural gardens. 8ut the price — ouch! Most illustrations are nothing more than line-drawings (there is a very brief coler section with a meagre store of 14 images, so it ir extremely puzzling as to just why such a hefty price-tag is placed on this volume. It’s a pity because Hosting The Birds is the kind of book many of us would derive a great deal of pleasure from, but with such a cost it has to be a favorite for en- dangered species status. eet And last but far from least is ~ Doug Sadler’s Reading Nature’s Clues (Broadview; 245 pp.; $19.95), a splendid guide book that will enable anyone to become an outdoors detective. Sadler covers the more obvious areas one would expect from such . & a title (animal tracks and scats, for instance) but does the curious a great service by exploring strange growths cn trees and plants, bizarre markings everywhere and - other signs of nature’s creatures that would be overlooked by the uninitiated. Reading Nature’s Clues is highlighted with color and black- and-white photographs. __*BAGK-T0 -SCHOOL: “DIRECTORY: Don’t miss the bus... I f your business stands to benefit when the school buses start running again, then you'll want to be part of the BACK TO SCHOOL DIRECTORY that will run in every issue of the NEWS until September 10. Whether you have a nursery school, a daycare centre, special tutoring or instruction or even school supplies or clothing, you'll want to be included. Don’t miss the bus, get on board now... call an Ad-Visor for details. STARTS WED., AUGUST 16th Classified 986-6222 SHE VOICE OF WORTH AnD WEST VANCOUVER of Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. “TIDDLEY COVE” — a new reiease by Frank Townsley signed and numbered QUEENSDALE GALLERY (29 WEST ESPLANADE NORTH VANCOUVER 986-3222 AtThe Flower Show spring is always in the air. 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