The Sacred Balance, 25th anniversary edition

Greystone Books, 2007 (25th anniversary edition released in 2022)
ISBN: 978-1-55365-166-6

In 2007, I worked with Dr. David Suzuki on the third edition of The Sacred Balance, which was first published in 1997. In this book we reflect on our place in the world and how we cannot separate ourselves from the environment. The basic message is this: We are creatures of the Earth, utterly dependent on its elements, which are not just external factors, but incorporated into our very essence. As such, The Sacred Balance explores our intimate relationship with air, soil, water, and other living things. Chapters also explore ideas about love and the sacred, as well as good news stories showing how people have “restored the balance.”

Comments on the first edition: “This book is the most complete expression to date of an environmental ethic from one of the world’s leading conversation writers, combining science, theology, poetry and philosophy to express a world view towards which the human species must shift in the twenty-first century. The Sacred Balance has a beautiful spirit.” – E. O. Wilson, author of The Diversity of Life

Greystone Books, 1999
IBSN 1-57805-044-8

Published in the US as: The World of the Spider, Sierra Club Books
Published in French as: L’Univers des Araignées: Virtuoses de la Prédation, Editions du Trécarré, 2-89249-861-9

Spiders are one of the most successful groups of animals on earth. There are almost 38,000 species of spiders, and they are found in every type of environment throughout the world, including seashores, deserts, caves, and mountains. The species include the huge, hairy tarantula, which lives a mostly subterranean life; the colorful crab spider, which often hides in flowers and may prey on bees or wasps; and the ubiquitous orb-weaver, which may rebuild its wheel-shaped web every evening.

Besides exploring the physical characteristics and behavior or spiders, nature writer Adrienne Mason describes the role of spiders in myth and legend. She also examines how spiders are used in scientific research today and how the use of pesticides and loss of habitat are affecting them.
Throughout the book, stunning photographs show beautifully colored spiders on flowers or leaves, gossamer webs shimmering in the sunlight, and close-ups of monstrous-looking spiders. The result is a fascinating look at these creepy yet captivating creatures.

“Spider is a marvelous look at one of the most successful animal groups on our planet. … the text provides a good primer of spider biology, behavior, and folklore. Mason delves into the common families of spiders, spider silk, and its manufacture, anatomy, breeding, predation, and relationships with humans.” – Booklist

“Mason writes clearly, introducing the different groups of spiders and giving solid scientific explanations for characteristics that might otherwise appear merely bizarre. Tales of hunting, courtship, web-spinning, and dispersal fill the pages with surprise and enlightenment. Stunning photographs and line drawings make this a combination of coffee-table and reference book for all ages.” – BC Bookworld

“This book is an excellent introduction to the world of spiders. It offers clearly written information, detailed drawings to support certain materials, and lots of superb photos. The author imparts to her topic a sense of awe…. The information covered will satisfy the curiosity of anyone wanting to know more about spiders, and will whet the appetite of budding arachnophiles to know more.” – Canadian Field Naturalist

“Photographed up close, the spiders in this slender text display an otherworldly beauty. But it’s the text that makes this book shine. Even veteran arachnophobes will be charmed by author Adrienne Mason’s lively writing about the diversity of spiders and her delight in the strange details of their eating habitats and sex lives.” – Amazon

Honours
Short-list for the Canadian Science Writers’ Association Science in Society Book Award.

Purchasing
This book is out of print, but please look for it at second-hand book shops or your local library.

ISBN 978-0-9865058-3-6

This 44-page book is chock-full of information on the history of Tofino, perched on the western shore of Vancouver Island and at the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound. Set up as a walking tour with 25 stops, the book is a great gift for history buffs, walkers, and “armchair strollers” as well. Historic Tofino also includes illustrations and a full-colour fold-down map by Tofino artist, Marion Syme. More information here.

$18.95
Postelsia Press

In this beautiful handcrafted book, I explore the natural and cultural history of this beloved Tofino beach, and peoples’ varied and changing relationship with it. Interior illustrations and design by Marion Syme.

“This is Adrienne’s writing at its most elegant. The writing blends precise detail and information with a dream-like, poetic quality that makes you feel as if you are really at the beach.” – Tofino Time magazine

This book is available from Postelsia Press.

A Celebration of People and Place on Canada’s Rugged Western Shore
Greystone Books, 2012
$24.95
ISBN 978-1-55365-344-8

This title explores the rich natural and cultural history of Long Beach – that spectacular sweep of sand along the west coast of Vancouver Island. The book includes more than 40 rarely seen archival photographs and contemporary nature photography. More details can be found here.

“Long time Long Beach resident Adrienne Mason has done a terrific job of digging up delightful stories and characters for Long Beach Wild.” – BC Bookworld

Greystone Books, 2012
$24.95