American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon

Name: American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon
Price: 13.03 USD
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“The most promising debut by a nature writer in years . . . a hymn to a complicated, long-standing human-animal relationship.”—San Francisco Chronicle

A hunt for the American buffalo, an adventurous, fascinating examination of an animal that has haunted the American imagination—from the host of the show MeatEater as seen on Netflix

In 2005, Steven Rinella won a lottery permit to hunt for a wild buffalo, or American bison, in the Alaskan wilderness. Despite the odds—there’s only a 2 percent chance of drawing the permit, and fewer than 20 percent of those hunters are successful—Rinella managed to kill a buffalo on a snow-covered mountainside and then raft the meat back to civilization while being trailed by grizzly bears and suffering from hypothermia. Throughout these adventures, Rinella found himself contemplating his own place among the 14,000 years’ worth of buffalo hunters in North America, as well as the buffalo’s place in the American experience.

At the time of the Revolutionary War, North America was home to approximately 40 million buffalo, the largest herd of big mammals on the planet, but by the mid-1890s only a few hundred remained. Now that the buffalo is on the verge of a dramatic ecological recovery across the West, Americans are faced with the challenge of how, and if, we can dare to share our land with a beast that is the embodiment of the American wilderness. American Buffalo is a narrative tale of Rinella’s hunt. But beyond that, it is the story of the many ways in which the buffalo has shaped our national identity.

Rinella takes us across the continent in search of the buffalo’s past, present, and future: to the Bering Land Bridge, where scientists search for buffalo bones amid artifacts of the New World’s earliest human inhabitants; to buffalo jumps where Native Americans once ran buffalo over cliffs by the thousands; to the Detroit Carbon works, a “bone charcoal” plant that made fortunes in the late 1800s by turning millions of tons of buffalo bones into bone meal, black dye, and fine china; and even to an abattoir turned fashion mecca in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, where a depressed buffalo named Black Diamond met his fate after serving as the model for the American nickel.

Rinella’s erudition and exuberance, combined with his gift for storytelling, make him the perfect guide for a book that combines outdoor adventure with a quirky blend of facts and observations about history, biology, and the natural world. Both a captivating narrative and a book of environmental and historical significance, American Buffalo tells us as much about ourselves as Americans as it does about the creature who perhaps best of all embodies the American ethos.

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"Discover the captivating story of the American buffalo in 'In Search of a Lost Icon.' This exhilarating book takes you on an extraordinary adventure as Steven Rinella, the acclaimed host of MeatEater, delves into the rich history and deep connection between humans and this majestic creature. From winning a lottery permit to hunt for a wild buffalo in the Alaskan wilderness to rafting the meat back to civilization while being trailed by grizzly bears, Rinella's thrilling experiences will keep you on the edge of your seat."

"Uncover the remarkable journey of the American buffalo in 'In Search of a Lost Icon.' Over centuries, the buffalo's population drastically declined, but now it stands on the precipice of ecological recovery across the West. Dive into Rinella's narrative as he explores the buffalo's past, present, and future, taking you on a panoramic tour from the Bering Land Bridge to historic buffalo jumps. Gain deep insights into the buffalo's impact on Native American cultures, the bone charcoal industry, and even its role in fashion history. Rinella's storytelling prowess will transport you into the heart of this remarkable creature's journey."

"Embark on an unforgettable quest with Steven Rinella's 'In Search of a Lost Icon.' Witness the resilience and significance of the American buffalo as Rinella traverses the continent in pursuit of its elusive history. Be captivated by his vivid descriptions of the Bering Land Bridge, where ancient buffalo bones intertwine with the footprints of the first human inhabitants. Immerse yourself in the raw power of buffalo jumps, once hallowed grounds where Native Americans expertly herded buffalo over cliffs. Rinella's enthralling narrative takes you from past to present, revealing the buffalo's central role in shaping our national identity."

"Experience the magnificence of the American buffalo in 'In Search of a Lost Icon' by Steven Rinella. Part gripping adventure, part exploration of our nation's heritage, this book weaves together tales of survival, courage, and respect for the natural world. Rinella's wide-ranging knowledge, combined with his unparalleled storytelling abilities, effortlessly transports readers on an enthralling journey. Discover the buffalo's allure, its struggles, and its place in the vast tapestry of American history. Now, it's your turn to join Rinella on this remarkable quest."

"Don't miss out on the thrilling tale of the American buffalo in 'In Search of a Lost Icon' by Steven Rinella. Explore the incredible bond between humans and this iconic creature, and rediscover the buffalo's vital role in our nation's narrative. Rinella's infectious enthusiasm and meticulous research create a narrative masterpiece that seamlessly blends adventure, history, and ecological restoration. Immerse yourself in this powerful story that reveals the soul of America. Grab your copy today and prepare to be swept away on an extraordinary journey alongside Rinella and the American buffalo."

Experience the awe-inspiring story of the American buffalo today.

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