Gary Ferguson – författare

Focusing on multiple aspects of Renaissance culture, and in particular its preoccupation with the reading and rewriting of classical sources, this book examines representations of homosexuality in sixteenth-century France. Analysing a wide range of texts and topics, it presents an assessment of queer theory that is grounded in historical examples, including French translations of Boccaccio's Decameron, the poetry of Ronsard, works in praise of and satirising Henri III and his mignons, Montaigne's Essais, Brantôme's Dames galantes, the figures of the androgyne and the hermaphrodite, and religious discourses and practices of penance and confession. Close comparison with the ancient models on which they drew - the elegy and epic, the works of Plato, Ovid, Lucian, and others - reveals Renaissance writers redeploying an established set of cultural understandings and assumptions at once congruent and at odds with their own society's socio-sexual norms. Throughout this study, emphasis is placed on the coexistence of different models of homosexuality during the Renaissance - homosexual desire was simultaneously universal and individual, neither of these views excluding the other. Insisting equally on points of convergence and difference between Renaissance and modern understandings of homosexuality, this book works towards a historicisation of the concept of queerness.

More than any other American landscape, the Rocky Mountains have prompted a remarkable medley of fierce, poetic dreams. For some 150 years this region served as a landscape of freedom for the black sheep of our culture: from the rebellious sons of wealthy industrialists to African American trappers; from affluent young women struggling for suffrage to the hippies of the 1960s, determined to turn their backs on the establishment. Gary Ferguson spins magnificent tales about these vivid charactersblazing a trail that leads us finally to modern adventure travelers bedecked in high-tech outerwear and toting satellite phones into the wild. From this spot on the crest of the continent comes a fresh look at how the nation's wild lands inspired some of our most cherished notions of freedom, as well as how much we stand to lose should our connections to those lands drift out of reach. 25 black & white photos, index.

Focusing on multiple aspects of Renaissance culture, and in particular its preoccupation with the reading and rewriting of classical sources, this book examines representations of homosexuality in sixteenth-century France. Analysing a wide range of texts and topics, it presents an assessment of queer theory that is grounded in historical examples, including French translations of Boccaccio's Decameron, the poetry of Ronsard, works in praise of and satirising Henri III and his mignons, Montaigne's Essais, Brantôme's Dames galantes, the figures of the androgyne and the hermaphrodite, and religious discourses and practices of penance and confession. Close comparison with the ancient models on which they drew - the elegy and epic, the works of Plato, Ovid, Lucian, and others - reveals Renaissance writers redeploying an established set of cultural understandings and assumptions at once congruent and at odds with their own society's socio-sexual norms. Throughout this study, emphasis is placed on the coexistence of different models of homosexuality during the Renaissance - homosexual desire was simultaneously universal and individual, neither of these views excluding the other. Insisting equally on points of convergence and difference between Renaissance and modern understandings of homosexuality, this book works towards a historicisation of the concept of queerness.

Focusing on multiple aspects of Renaissance culture, and in particular its preoccupation with the reading and rewriting of classical sources, this book examines representations of homosexuality in sixteenth-century France. Analysing a wide range of texts and topics, it presents an assessment of queer theory that is grounded in historical examples, including French translations of Boccaccio''s Decameron, the poetry of Ronsard, works in praise of and satirising Henri III and his mignons, Montaigne''s Essais, Brantôme''s Dames galantes, the figures of the androgyne and the hermaphrodite, and religious discourses and practices of penance and confession. Close comparison with the ancient models on which they drew - the elegy and epic, the works of Plato, Ovid, Lucian, and others - reveals Renaissance writers redeploying an established set of cultural understandings and assumptions at once congruent and at odds with their own society''s socio-sexual norms. Throughout this study, emphasis is placed on the coexistence of different models of homosexuality during the Renaissance - homosexual desire was simultaneously universal and individual, neither of these views excluding the other. Insisting equally on points of convergence and difference between Renaissance and modern understandings of homosexuality, this book works towards a historicisation of the concept of queerness.

Focusing on multiple aspects of Renaissance culture, and in particular its preoccupation with the reading and rewriting of classical sources, this book examines representations of homosexuality in sixteenth-century France. Analysing a wide range of texts and topics, it presents an assessment of queer theory that is grounded in historical examples, including French translations of Boccaccio''s Decameron, the poetry of Ronsard, works in praise of and satirising Henri III and his mignons, Montaigne''s Essais, Brantôme''s Dames galantes, the figures of the androgyne and the hermaphrodite, and religious discourses and practices of penance and confession. Close comparison with the ancient models on which they drew - the elegy and epic, the works of Plato, Ovid, Lucian, and others - reveals Renaissance writers redeploying an established set of cultural understandings and assumptions at once congruent and at odds with their own society''s socio-sexual norms. Throughout this study, emphasis is placed on the coexistence of different models of homosexuality during the Renaissance - homosexual desire was simultaneously universal and individual, neither of these views excluding the other. Insisting equally on points of convergence and difference between Renaissance and modern understandings of homosexuality, this book works towards a historicisation of the concept of queerness.

'A classic' - Sir Tim Smit, Co-founder of the Eden Project'I saw truth, I saw beauty, I saw a better future in these pages.' - John Lewis-StempelFor too long we have set ourselves apart from nature, seeing ourselves as superior, removed, independent. But in doing so we have lost sight of all that the natural world can teach us.In Eight Master Lessons of Nature, Gary Ferguson reveals the wisdom of the natural world. By keenly observing and admiring wildlife and their surroundings, he shows us why sympathy is our greatest asset and crucial to our survival, that feminine rule is default in the natural world, and how even from the ashes of destruction, life is still able to thrive.Written in rich and nourishing prose, Ferguson gently dismantles the walls we have erected between ourselves and nature, showings us the wonder of our surroundings in all their splendour. Drawing on stories from art and science, flora and fauna, philosophy and history, he carefully unravels the dazzling web of connections that binds us to earth and the rich supply of wisdom that is stored here. The result is a powerful and timely reminder of our place in this world, our interdependence, and how much nature is able to teach, heal and ultimately restore us.

From the tenor of contemporary discussions, it would be easy to conclude that the idea of marriage between two people of the same sex is a uniquely contemporary phenomenon. Not so, argues Gary Ferguson in Same-Sex Marriage in Renaissance Rome. Making use of substantial fragments of trial transcripts Gary Ferguson brings the story of a same-sex marriage to life in striking detail. He unearths an incredible amount of detail about the men, their sex lives, and how others responded to this information, which allows him to explore attitudes toward marriage, sex, and gender at the time. Emphasizing the instability of marriage in premodern Europe, Ferguson argues that same-sex unions should be considered part of the institution's complex and contested history.

From the tenor of contemporary discussions, it would be easy to conclude that the idea of marriage between two people of the same sex is a uniquely contemporary phenomenon. Not so, argues Gary Ferguson in Same-Sex Marriage in Renaissance Rome. Making use of substantial fragments of trial transcripts Gary Ferguson brings the story of a same-sex marriage to life in striking detail. He unearths an incredible amount of detail about the men, their sex lives, and how others responded to this information, which allows him to explore attitudes toward marriage, sex, and gender at the time. Emphasizing the instability of marriage in premodern Europe, Ferguson argues that same-sex unions should be considered part of the institution's complex and contested history.

A seasoned naturalist vividly recounts his 500-mile trek through the rugged northern folds of the Yellowstone Rockies.

Popular nature writer Gary Ferguson (Walking Dopwn the Wild, Yellowstone Wolves) tells 60 wonderful stories from cultures around the world. Formerly published as Spirits of the Wild.

How to confront the climate crisis without losing heart."One of the most important books ever written on the climate crisis." —Paul Hawken, author of Carbon and RegenerationIt’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of global climate breakdown. So how might we develop the inner resolve to confront it? Full Ecology, a collaboration between social-cultural psychologist Mary M. Clare and longtime science writer Gary Ferguson, suggests a path forward. Breaking the modern impulse to see humans as separate from nature, Clare and Ferguson encourage us to learn from the “supremely methodical and highly improvisational” natural systems that touch our lives. True change, they argue, begins with us stopping and questioning assumptions about our place in the world. From this process of reflection, they offer us an alternative blueprint for acting in ecologically healthy ways, and for inspiring others to do the same. Rather than proposing a ten-step plan to save the earth, this book encourages a more elemental rethinking of our connections to nature, and of how such connections might be strengthened for the common good. Practical and poetic, scientific and spiritual, Full Ecology presents a strong, nourishing foundation for climate action.

How to confront the climate crisis without losing heart."One of the most important books ever written on the climate crisis." —Paul Hawken, author of Carbon and RegenerationIt’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of global climate breakdown. So how might we develop the inner resolve to confront it? Full Ecology, a collaboration between social-cultural psychologist Mary M. Clare and longtime science writer Gary Ferguson, suggests a path forward. Breaking the modern impulse to see humans as separate from nature, Clare and Ferguson encourage us to learn from the “supremely methodical and highly improvisational” natural systems that touch our lives. True change, they argue, begins with us stopping and questioning assumptions about our place in the world. From this process of reflection, they offer us an alternative blueprint for acting in ecologically healthy ways, and for inspiring others to do the same. Rather than proposing a ten-step plan to save the earth, this book encourages a more elemental rethinking of our connections to nature, and of how such connections might be strengthened for the common good. Practical and poetic, scientific and spiritual, Full Ecology presents a strong, nourishing foundation for climate action.

“This comprehensive book offers a fascinating overview of how those fires are fought, and some conversation-starters for how we might reimagine our relationship with the woods.” —Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet Wildfire season is burning longer and hotter, affecting more and more people, especially in the west. Land on Fire explores the fascinating science behind this phenomenon and the ongoing research to find a solution. This gripping narrative details how years of fire suppression and chronic drought have combined to make the situation so dire. Award-winning nature writer Gary Ferguson brings to life the extraordinary efforts of those responsible for fighting wildfires, and deftly explains how nature reacts in the aftermath of flames. Dramatic photographs reveal the terror and beauty of fire, as well as the staggering effect it has on the landscape.

With their towering, cinnamon-colored trunks and dusky green canopies,ponderosa pine has long been a charismatic icon of the AmericanWest. Yet a quiet unraveling has begun:in the past decade, in a vastarea from Santa Feto the Sierras, more than two hundred million ponderosa have died. While some trees willsurvive in cooler places, scientists estimate that by mid-century less than five percentof the ponderosa in the American Southwest may remain. As the very character of this vast region shifts, what will be left behind?And how can we come to terms with such profound loss? In The TwilightForest, GaryFerguson brings readerson an expansive journey throughthe ponderosa forestsof the Southwest both to mourn-and to celebrate-the forests that nurtured him.In warm and luminous storytelling, Fergusonweaves together the human and natural history ofponderosa, from its march across the West more than 10,000years ago, to centuries of artists inspired by its dazzling stature and shady passageways. Both wildfire and climate change are constant presences on this journey. Fire is necessary for healthy forests but has turned deadly, while climate change stresses even the hardiestbeings of the natural world. Yetthe story of ponderosa reminds us thatloss can be a gateway to connection-to nature and each other. While it is tempting to hide from the changes aroundus, Ferguson offers a healing approach: "to pick even one of these thousand doors of loss, pull it open and walk through." The resulting journey isa life-affirming tribute to oneof America's most cherishedwild landscapes.

With their towering, cinnamon-colored trunks and dusky green canopies, ponderosa pine has long been a charismatic icon of the American West. Yet a quiet unraveling has begun: in the past decade, in a vast area from Santa Fe to the Sierras, more than two hundred million ponderosa have died. While some trees will survive in cooler places, scientists estimate that by mid-century less than five percent of the ponderosa in the American Southwest may remain. As the very character of this vast region shifts, what will be left behind? And how can we come to terms with such profound loss?In The Twilight Forest, Gary Ferguson brings readers on an expansive journey through the ponderosa forests of the Southwest both to mournand to celebratethe forests that nurtured him. In warm and luminous storytelling, Ferguson weaves together the human and natural history of ponderosa, from its march across the West more than 10,000 years ago, to centuries of artists inspired by its dazzling stature and shady passageways. Both wildfire and climate change are constant presences on this journey. Fire is necessary for healthy forests but has turned deadly, while climate change stresses even the hardiest beings of the natural world. Yet the story of ponderosa reminds us that loss can be a gateway to connectionto nature and each other.While it is tempting to hide from the changes around us, Ferguson offers a healing approach: ';to pick even one of these thousand doors of loss, pull it open and walk through.' The resulting journey is a life-affirming tribute to one of America's most cherished wild landscapes.

Through the Woods is a journey through the rich beauty of America’s forests, sharing interviews with people whose lives are intertwined with America’s woodlands. This edition includes a new introduction by Gary Ferguson, who reminds us that now, more than ever, kinship with the earth is essential."By the end, you may find you’ve been seduced from the buzz and clutter of your life and won over to the ‘certain old brand of quiet’ he set out to find.” —THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW"Prose as inviting and uplifting as a walk in the woods." —PUBLISHERS WEEKLYThese woodland interludes are quick and bright, dazzling amid the bosky gloom. Writing so powerful that it’s hard not to share the author''s delight to be back in the woods."—KIRKUS (starred review)"Ferguson writes of woods and forest with fervor and reverence. This fierce devotion first learned in childhood colors the book''s beautifully written prose, resulting in a lyrical ode to the individuals Ferguson encounters as he travels along the back roads of New England and the Midwest."—BOOKLIST

"Among the many pleasures of re–reading Gary Ferguson''s Hawks Rest, is finding the prose even more accomplished than remembered, the wit more agile, the observations more revelatory, its stance in the world proved once again so precisely wise. Hawks Rest is a book I will return to again and again."—MARK SPRAGG, author of Where Rivers Change Direction and An Unfinished Life"Gary Ferguson is one of the preeminent historians of the American West, and of the place and value of wilderness within that history. Hawk''s Rest is an intense journal of the politics and ecology of one of America''s wildest cores, in Yellowstone National Park. In many ways, this book is an important portrait of one of the foundations of our country''s democracy, and of the struggles to hold on to that idea."—RICK BASS, author of All the Land to Hold Us"Hawks Rest is a long step toward a user''s guide to wilderness, and a reverential and beautifully said hymn to the wild."—TIM CAHILL, author of Hold the Enlightenment and Jaguars Ripped My Flesh"A lyrical and often tough–minded evocation of a summer spent in the Yellowstone backcountry, a place that is, unexpectedly, full of larger-than-life characters, some of whom are admirable and some of whom are not.”—WILLIAM KITTREDGE, author of Hole in the Sky and The Nature of Generosity"Dazzling…an Edward Abbey–esque book, full of snappy vignettes and chiseled writing."—SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE"A sharp and ironic sense of what it''s like to live in the American outback, twenty–first–century style."—NATURAL HISTORY MAGAZINE"A well-written work…if you love Yellowstone, a great treat."—DESERET NEWS"Ferguson evoke(s) feelings of solitude, timelessness and aching beauty in the smallest details…"—THE OREGONIAN"Mournful and defiant as a wolf howl…an eloquent tribute to a threatened place and its lone protectors."—LOS ANGELES TIMESHawks Rest brings the wonder, politics, and wildness of one of America’s most vast and popular national parks to readers everywhere. With a new introduction by the author, this edition offers fresh insight into the condition of parks nationwide, while reintroducing readers to Ferguson''s timeless tales and unique wisdom.Gary Ferguson is the author of twenty–two books including Through the Woods and, most recently, The Carry Home. He lives with his wife, Mary, in Montana''s Beartooth Mountains, and in Portland, Oregon.

Von empathischen Wildgänsen, respektvollen Affen und nachsichtigen MoosenGary Ferguson präsentiert uns die Natur als ein System, in dem auf faszinierende Weise alles mit allem zusammenhängt und merk-würdig miteinander verwoben ist. So anschaulich wie leidenschaftlich sensibilisiert er uns für allerlei Wunder und Mysterien, für das, was sich nicht erklären lässt, aber dennoch ganz selbstverständlich funktioniert. Welche Bedeutung hat ein einzelner Baum im Gesamtkomplex Wald? Wie können Wurzeln miteinander kommunizieren? Woher wissen Vögel, dass sie ihre lange Reise vom Sommer- zum Winterquartier im Formationsflug besser bewältigen als alleine? Diesen und vielen anderen Fragen geht der Autor nach. Er zeigt, wie fürsorglich und mitfühlend sich Wölfe im Rudel verhalten und wie zärtlich sich Elefanten von einem Artgenossen verabschieden, wenn sie merken, dass er im Sterben liegt. Immer wieder schlägt er eine Brücke von der unvorstellbar großen Vielfalt an Pflanzen, Tieren und Kleinstlebewesen zu menschlichen Gesellschaften, die ebenfalls umso produktiver und kreativer agieren, je bunter sie zusammengesetzt sind.Was in menschlichen Gemeinschaften oft nur mit Mühe funktioniert, klappt in der Natur mit größter Selbstverständlichkeit. Wir sollten aus den Lektionen lernen, die sie uns in puncto Verantwortungsbewusstsein, Teamfähigkeit, Loyalität, Kooperation und Diversität erteilt.