Books with author Ernest Seton-Thompson

From the foreword- “THESE STORIES are true. Although I have left the strict line of historical truth in many places, the animals in this book were all real characters. They lived the lives I have depicted, and showed the stamp of heroism and personality more strongly by far than it has been in the power of my pen to tell…"Such a collection of histories naturally suggests a common thought a moral it would have been called in the last century. No doubt each different mind will find a moral to its taste, but I hope some will herein find emphasized a moral as old as Scripture: we and the beasts are kin. Man has nothing that the animals have not at least a vestige of, the animals have nothing that man does not in some degree share.”

THESE STORIES are true. Although I have left the strict line of historical truth in many places, the animals in this book were all real characters. They lived the lives I have depicted, and showed the stamp of heroism and personality more strongly by far than it has been in the power of my pen to tell. I believe that natural history has lost much by the vague general treatment that is so common. What satisfaction would be derived from a ten-page sketch of the habits and customs of Man? How much more profitable it would be to devote that space to the life of some one great man. This is the principle I have endeavored to apply to my animals. The real personality of the individual, and his view of life are my theme, rather than the ways of the race in general, as viewed by a casual and hostile human eye. This may sound inconsistent in view of my having pieced together some of the characters, but that was made necessary by the fragmentary nature of the records. There is, however, almost no deviation from the truth in Lobo, Bingo, and the Mustang. The fact that these stories are true is the reason why all are tragic. The life of a wild animal always has a tragic end. Such a collection of histories naturally suggests a common thought—a moral it would have been called in the last century. No doubt each different mind will find a moral to its taste, but I hope some will herein find emphasized a moral as old as Scripture—we and the beasts are kin. Man has nothing that the animals have not at least a vestige of, the animals have nothing that man does not in some degree share. - Taken from "Wild Animals I Have Known" written by Ernest Thompson Seton

Wild Animals at Home is a classic wildlife textby Ernest Thompson Seton. I have aimed to show something of the little aspects of the creatures' lives, which are those that the ordinary traveller will see; I go with him indeed, pointing out my friends as they chance to pass, adding a few comments that should make for a better acquaintance on all sides. And I have offered glimpses, wherever possible, of the wild thing in its home, embodying in these chapters the substance of many lectures given under the same title as this book. Ernest Thompson Seton

In the family of foxes babies were born, among whom one stood out with special dexterity, sharpness and color. It was Domino. He did not die when the farmer's children blew up the burrow, but grew up as a handsome black-brown fox, who surpassed everyone in the district in size, reason and beauty.Many raids, persecution and dangers managed to avoid Domino and his family in the fight against human cruelty. But still he came out victorious in this fight.

Set at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Rolf in the Woods follows a young boy on his journey to becoming a man, learning how to live in the wilderness, respecting animals and nature, and fighting amongst his brethren in war. When his mother passes away, fifteen-year-old Rolf goes to live with his aunt and uncle on their farm. But his aunt’s constant scolding and his uncle’s drunken violence make living in this new home unbearable for the gentle boy, and he runs away to live in a wigwam with Quonab, a Native American, and his trusty dog Skookum, who teach the boy how to live off the land, hunt, gather, and understand wild creatures. These newfound skills come into play when Rolf must participate in the War of 1812, and he is able to survive by relying on the wisdom the Indian has shared with him. Rolf in the Woods is not only an adventure story but also a guide that teaches young men how to thrive in the outdoors. Ernest Thompson Seton, an avid outdoorsman, provides vivid descriptions of Quonab’s lessons, like making a bed with logs, constructing a tom-tom, distinguishing the calls of animals, and making a bow and arrow, and includes over 200 hand-drawn illustrations to make these lessons come to life.

Naturalist and artist Ernest Thompson Seton was a founding pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America who introduced many elements of Native American lore to scouting rituals. In this comprehensive collection of his most interesting stories, crafts, games, and other activities related to outdoor life, Seton offers a respectful and informative tribute to Native American culture. More than 500 of his drawings illustrate this practical guide for campers of all ages. In addition to briefly outlining the principles of scouting, Seton discusses Indian customs and laws as well as songs, dances, and ceremonies. He suggests both indoor and outdoor activities and provides a wealth of information on Indian sign language and games, campfire tales, forestry, and many other captivating facts and fancies.