Beaverland
| Company type | Publisher |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Products | Books |
Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America is a factual work authored by Leila Philip, released on December 6, 2022, through Twelve Books.
Overview
Beaverland delves into the habits, historical significance, and cultural influence of the North American beaver, highlighting its importance within Indigenous societies and its contribution to the expansion of America westward. The book’s title reflects Philip’s perspective that "Prior to 1600, nearly the entire continent from west to east, except for some desert areas, formed a vast Beaverland."
Reception
The book Beaverland garnered favorable reviews from critics. Kate Bellody of Library Journal commended its thorough examination of beaver behaviors combined with Indigenous knowledge. Richard Adams Carey, writing for The Wall Street Journal, characterized it as a blend of memoir, both local and national history, and an exploratory narrative. Kirkus Reviews emphasized Philip’s comprehensive fieldwork, while Publishers Weekly praised her writing style, labeling the book a "triumph of popular nature writing." Positive assessments were also published in The Washington Post, Scientific American, and Sierra.