The Nature Faker   By: Richard Harding Davis (1864-1916)

The Nature Faker by Richard Harding Davis is a compelling piece of literature that provides a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and the environment. Davis, known for his journalistic style, delves into the realm of nature writing with an engaging narrative that challenges our understanding of wilderness and its inhabitants.

One of the standout features of this book is Davis's keen observational skills. His vivid descriptions of flora and fauna transport the reader to each setting, immersing them in the natural world. From the bustling streets of New York City to the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, Davis captures the essence of each location, making the reader feel like they are right there alongside the characters.

Davis also tackles the concept of the "nature faker" head-on, exploring the fine line between portraying nature accurately and romanticizing or exaggerating it for entertainment purposes. Through a series of encounters with individuals who claim to be "nature experts," he sheds light on the deception that often masks itself as truth. This exploration adds a thought-provoking layer to the narrative and prompts readers to question their own perceptions of the natural world.

Furthermore, the characters in The Nature Faker are memorable and multi-dimensional. Davis creates a diverse cast of individuals, each with their own motivations and flaws. The protagonist's journey towards self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring, as he grapples with his own biases and learns to appreciate nature in all its authentic beauty.

One minor drawback of the book is the occasional repetition of certain themes and ideas. While it helps reinforce the book's central message, some readers may find it slightly repetitive at times. However, this minor flaw does not overshadow the overall quality of Davis's writing.

Overall, The Nature Faker is a captivating read that challenges our perception of the natural world and encourages us to truly immerse ourselves in its wonders. Davis's eloquent prose and thought-provoking insights make this book a must-read for nature enthusiasts, as well as those interested in exploring the intersection between humans and the environment.

First Page:

Richard Herrick was a young man with a gentle disposition, much money, and no sense of humor. His object in life was to marry Miss Catherweight. For three years she had tried to persuade him this could not be, and finally, in order to convince him, married some one else. When the woman he loves marries another man, the rejected one is popularly supposed to take to drink or to foreign travel. Statistics show that, instead, he instantly falls in love with the best friend of the girl who refused him. But, as Herrick truly loved Miss Catherweight, he could not worship any other woman, and so he became a lover of nature. Nature, he assured his men friends, does not disappoint you. The more thought, care, affection you give to nature, the more she gives you in return, and while, so he admitted, in wooing nature there are no great moments, there are no heart aches. Jackson, one of the men friends, and of a frivolous disposition, said that he also could admire a landscape, but he would rather look at the beautiful eyes of a girl he knew than at the Lakes of Killarney, with a full moon, a setting sun, and the aurora borealis for a background. Herrick suggested that, while the beautiful eyes might seek those of another man, the Lakes of Killarney would always remain where you could find them... Continue reading book >>