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Summary: If God is in the details, he/she is in this book.
Review: A book in my top-ten all-time list. It proves that no place is devoid of deep historic, geologic, and geographic meaning--if you are poetic enough, as Least-Heat Moon is, to observe and record it. The enormous amount of detail is presented in such a way that it makes you happy; as it prolongs the experience. The book has unique features--quotes that lead off every chapter, it's "geographic" the organization--that further the pleasure. Every place on earth needs a deep map. I am jealous of anyone from Chase County. I wish my home county had such a comprehensive compendium. To be sure, all of this information is there for the asking, but who esle but WLHM can pull it together in one place and present it in a such a gripping fashion? If you like history, America, people, geology, geography, maps, exploration, or adventure, are experiencing a turning point in your life, or are just someone who appreciates a job well done, this book is for you.
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Summary: More prairie than you can handle?
Review: As a native Kansan and writer myself, I appreciate the author's efforts to probe deeply into the heart, soul, and sod of my land, but sometimes you just want the guy to come up for air. The prose is so dense as to smack of academic pretentiousness. But maybe it will boost Flint Hills tourism among wandering intellectuals -- something I'm sure we locals will really appreciate!
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Summary: I DON'T BELIEVE I COULD BE SO FASCINATED WITH ONE COUNTY
Review: Having read BLUE HIGHWAYS several years ago I was excited when PRAIRYERTH came out and couldn't wait to read it. Even though itwas a huge book of about a thousand pages, my admiration for William Least Heat Moon was such that I knew I wanted to read this book.When I began to realize we were never going to leave one county in Kansas I was already near the end of the book and wished that it wouldn't end. I don't recommend this book to casual readers, for I think they will miss the beauty and fascination contained in these pages. But for those who love poetry and the sheer beauty of words mixed in with simplicity of spirit in story telling, there are few books that can come close to this one. I also have read RIVER HORSE and am hoping that William Least Heat Moon is writing his fourth book as I write these words!
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Summary: I DON'T BELIEVE I COULD BE SO FASCINATED WITH ONE COUNTY
Review: Having read BLUE HIGHWAYS several years ago I was excited when PRAIRYERTH came out and couldn't wait to read it. Even though itwas a huge book of about a thousand pages, my admiration for William Least Heat Moon was such that I knew I wanted to read this book. When I began to realize we were never going to leave one county in Kansas I was already near the end of the book and wished that it wouldn't end. I don't recommend this book to casual readers, for I think they will miss the beauty and fascination contained in these pages. But for those who love poetry and the sheer beauty of words mixed in with simplicity of spirit in story telling, there are few books that can come close to this one. I also have read RIVER HORSE and am hoping that William Least Heat Moon is writing his fourth book as I write these words!
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Summary: From Chase County, Kansas
Review: I first picked up this book when a job change brought us into the Tallgrass Prairie region of Kansas. As it turns out, we settled in Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Kansas! It was extraordinary to read PrairyErth, knowing that we would soon be experiencing this place first-hand. There is truly nothing like living in this community and experiencing the sights, places and people described so richly in PrairyErth. William Least Heat-Moon knows this place well, and paints a picture that is as vivid and timeless as Chase County itself. As a "local", I've returned to this book time and time again. Unfortunately, my job is now taking us away from here. If you've read the passage about Spring Street in Cottonwood Falls, then you know our home. This is truly a beautiful and extraordinary place; unique in the world. If you would like to experience the sense of community that my family and I have been so blessed with, give me a call.
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Summary: From Chase County, Kansas
Review: I first picked up this book when a job change brought us into the Tallgrass Prairie region of Kansas. As it turns out, we settled in Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Kansas! It was extraordinary to read PrairyErth, knowing that we would soon be experiencing this place first-hand. There is truly nothing like living in this community and experiencing the sights, places and people described so richly in PrairyErth. William Least Heat-Moon knows this place well, and paints a picture that is as vivid and timeless as Chase County itself. As a "local", I've returned to this book time and time again. Unfortunately, my job is now taking us away from here. If you've read the passage about Spring Street in Cottonwood Falls, then you know our home. This is truly a beautiful and extraordinary place; unique in the world. If you would like to experience the sense of community that my family and I have been so blessed with, give me a call.
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Summary: PrairyErth - A book that led me too Chase County
Review: I have just spent 2 days exploring Chase County, Kansas. I had read the book PrairyErth and found myself drawn to explore it for myself. Driving along I50, I rejoiced at crossing the Chase County border. I had fun exploring the Chase County courthouse, eating at the Emma Chase cafe and meeting folks that have met Heat Moon. Seeing the small towns of Matfield Green, Bazaar and Wonsevu were particularly interesting. The historical museum in Cottonwood Falls was a highlight for me, Pat, who is one of the volunteers there was extremly helpful and I found everyone I met and spoke too in Chase County as well as the whole of Kansas, a joy to meet and talk too. I plan to read the book PrairyErth again and relive my 2 days spent in Chase County. I congratulate you Bill on a great book that placed in my soul a want to travel and discover Kansas for myself.
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Summary: Prairy Erth
Review: I live in Lyon county, Kanzas, immediatly to the east of Chase County. When this book came out it stirred a great deal of controversy, needless to say. My first exposure to this work was an audio cassette version. I was curious and a bit skeptical about having an "outsider" review our area. To say I was pleased with what I encountered would be an understatement. Heat Moon has done a masterful job, better I think than BLUE HIGHWAYS. Since the book was published a park (of sorts) has been opened just west of Strong City. It consists of a wonderful old, limestone ranch house, the Spring Hill Ranch, which is being renovated and is open to the public and will be featured, eventually, as a "working ranch". In addition there is a small, stone schoolhouse and acre upon acre of hiking area amid the Tallgrass. Much of this development, I feel, is directly the result of this book. There is a dichotomy at work here in that, while pleased that travelers will come to know more about Kanzas, we are also cautious to keep away the crowds. Moon's work is, as is often expressed in the other reviews, a masterwork regardless of setting.
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Summary: He got it RIGHT!
Review: I picked up the book in a local bookstore, glad to see that the author of "Blue Highways" was back...and then was stopped cold by a chapter title: "Wonsevu." I grew up in Florence, Kansas, just a few miles from the village of Wonsevu. I had to have the book! And what was even more amazing: He got it RIGHT! Reading (and now re-reading) PrairyErth, I have had the strange experience of having childhood memories from the Flint Hills come pouring back over me. I'll even find myself reminded of something--cottonwoods, prairie chickens, floods--that had not yet been mentioned, only to find it two pages later. And the people! I could hear their voices, the only time I have seen the gentle Hills accent in print. So, as one who played softball with hedge balls, just let me tell you...this is an author who knows Chase County, Kansas. Way to go!
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Summary: Spiritual and historical excellence to the very last word
Review: I read the book over a six month period, a slow read probably similar to the slow walk through the Flint Hills. Each paragraph required a pause, a time to savor and think through that which was offered, to see the possibilities. I finished the book today, satisfied that I was in no hurry, and I found that my own sense of spirituality required that I have waited until this time of life to read WLHM's book. I have lived enough of a similar life that the book made sense and offered connection. Had I tried to read it 20 years ago I would have shelved it forever.
Poetic, factual, spiritual, thought and hope provoking, thank you William Least Heat Moon for not only making the journey, but also for offering hope and guidance to those of us who are on the journey's edge
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