I would highly recommnend this book to anyone interested in the environment, but more importantly, anyone interested in the idea of "saving" the environment. Ashworth very nobly explores man's vision of what "nature" should be and what conservation should mean. Through his own experiences and wisdom, he deftly tells it like it is and though this may seem a turnoff to many, he doesn't aggravate or annoy the reader. I read this book in several hours, and wished there had been more. Ashworth is a keen observer of nature and anyone who feels that nature is worth saving should read this book.

Great Coffee Table Book especially for those who love the elusive Leopard Seal.

I read this book as part of the curriculum for my 'American Dreams and Realities' history class as an undergraduate student in the fall of 1991. The Late Great Lakes gives a good history of Native American and European use and abuse (most of the abuse perpetrated by the European folks) of the Great Lakes ecosystem. If you are a fisher person, this book will be interesting to you as it documents the numerous massive swings in dominant species in the lakes caused by overfishing and the introduction of non-native species over the last few centuries. The aspects of chemical pollution in the Great Lakes ecosystem are also important and well documented. A must read for anyone who spends time on the lakes in any recreational or commercial capacity (I used to live in Monroe, MI).

During the summer of 1999, it was reported that Lake Erie would be 10-18 lower than normal and that boaters should be aware of this change. Did anyone bother to ask why, because the papers certainly didn't bother to research the matter. If you would like to know, then read this book. It provides some possible conclusions as to why a major lake like Erie would suffer such a drastic loss of volume.

Although dated, because some of the places described have changed considerably, i.e. the Cleveland flats, this book contains some elegant, historical descriptions of the Great Lakes' former natural glory and the beginning of and up to present man's devastating manipulation and tragic destruction caused by centuries of industrialization and neglect. This is an indispensible learning tool as well as a teaching tool for how we have changed forever the lifeline of these lakes and how we continue to do so, whether good or bad. Did you know that it's possible to empty one of the lakes into the aquafier underneath the water-guzzling, midwest breadbasket?

The book was published in 1987 so one can imagine if more destruction has occured since and if not, then maybe some good has come about. In any case, there are other sad truths to be read about in this classic of environmental history. I recommend it with the highest degree of respect.

15 years after his journey around the Great Lakes region, recorded in his almost famous book "The Late, Great Lakes", Ashworth made a return trip to review the state of things. "Great Lakes Journey" is an account of this second visit, during which he explores many of the same issues covered in his first book, visits with many of the same people that he interviewed 15 years prior, and tries to draw a bead on the health of the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes region. There are some success stories---many of the hideously polluted areas have improved---as well as variety of new issues that plague the largest source of fresh water in the world. Urban sprawl and the invasion of 'exotic' species are two of the most significant problems that Ashworth uncovers in this very readable, cold-eyed assesment of the life and health of one of the States most important, and most disregarded, natural resources. Highly recommended for anyone interested in environmental issues, Great Lakes ecology, or for anyone passionate about the incomparable Sweetwater Seas.