Northern Mixed-grass Prairie, Montana
BEHIND THE SCENES
The Author: Naturalist and investigative writer Douglas Coffman operates a private business in Eugene, Oregon, where he conducts generalized research on the history, ecology, and evolution of the American bison.
A Tale of memory and meaning
I loved it! ... heartfelt book ... magnificent photographs ... [makes] me want to know more about taxidermy of large animals ... turned [my] skepticism into curiosity about both the preservation art and the animal ... A fascinating well-written story, poignant tribute to the bison and the land to which they belonged...
--Ann B., Urbana, IL Good background on a small but intriguing piece of bison history. [An] important contribution to the bison recovery story. --National Bison Range, MT I have nothing but kudos for [this book]... It’s REALLY well done. And everybody gets into the act. It’s quite nice the way [it] includes so many people in [the] story. The End Notes are impeccable... Really outstanding documentation that should give the piece solid academic credentials! --Paul Semonin, historian, Eugene, OR [This] book is great and makes a contribution to the knowledge of the historic Hornaday Bison. --Arnold Olsen, historian, Missoula, MT [A]n exceptionally well written account in the life of William T. Hornaday. I feel that even the man himself (Hornaday) would have been immensely pleased for [the] professionalism with research and documentation. --Frank Greenwell, Chief Taxidermist retired, National Museum of Natural History A smashing account of search and discovery, and an inspiring show of respect for people who came before us. After all these years, [the] subject is still fresh and exciting, and [the book] conveys that to the reader. --Virginia C., Omaha, NE Got [this] book a few days ago, and read every word, every note. [It is] thorough in every aspect, and keeps at letting us know why/how this was an important quest. I especially like the way [it takes] the whole bison group story on into the future so that it isn't just a retrospective or historical account or group of animals. And the photos were as carefully chosen as the text. [It] is great to see [this story] in a respectful, professional, and passionate version. --Roger Dunsmore, author and poet, Coeur d'Alene, ID A great read, a perfect museum publication. The bottom line is, great read! --James E., Eugene, OR |
Then ... (Washington, D.C.)
... and Now (Fort Benton, Montana) 
Learn more about the American Bison Group, and its historic return to public view: Montana Magazine (D. Coffman, Feb., 1991) Smithsonian Magazine (H.R. Shell, Feb., 2000) California Academy of Sciences (H.R. Shell, 10/18/04) Smithsonian Magazine online (M. Kutner, 08/27/14) Great Falls Tribune (E. Madison, 09/10/14) Smithsonian Record (Reflecting the Sublime, 2013) Museum of the Northern Great Plains (Fort Benton, Montana) Hornaday Bison Group (Smithsonian Institution) |