About the Book
The expression “Natural Wonders” conjures images of far-flung destinations like the Grand Canyon, the peaks of the Rockies, or Niagara Falls.
Yet Georgia, the largest state east of the Mississippi, is home to a wealth of wonders that rival any found beyond its borders. Such wonders include the Altamaha River, Georgia’s own untamed Amazon; Providence Canyon, the “little Grand Canyon;” Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak and only cloud forest; and the vast, hauntingly beautiful Okefenokee Swamp.
Based on noted science journalist Charles Seabrook’s personal bucket list and artist Ann Litrel’s insightful watercolors and drawings, 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die offers a fresh take on Georgia’s natural beauty in the tradition of naturalists such as John James Audubon and William Bartram. Each of the 35 sites is introduced by paintings, field sketches, artist notes, and elegantl science writing that highlight its unique attributes. The book captures the beauty and rich natural history of Georgia’s biological and geological treasures—inspiring leisure travelers, nature enthusiasts, and art lovers to explore these places on their own.
Praise
Robert A. Hathaway, PhD author of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of Southwest Georgia
"The best blend of art, science, natural history and Georgia history that you'll ever read!"
Wayne Clough former secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
"In my eighty-three years of life, I have been fortunate to have been to almost all of the 35 natural wonders included in this book. They have been captured in all their beauty and spirit through Litrel's paintings and Seabrook's words. These wonderfully paired nature lovers have created a book you can read again and again."
Linda G. Chafin author of Field Guide to the Wildflowers of Georgia and the Surrounding States
This is a wonderful book! Charlie’s clear, illuminating narratives coupled with Ann’s lovely, tender paintings will inspire every Georgia reader to visit these thirty-five beautiful or intriguing locales that are so rich in human history and Georgia’s impressive biodiversity.
Seth Hopkins executive director Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, Georgia
"Ann Litrel's wonderfully loose and expressive watercolor renderings paired with Charles Seabrook's masterful descriptions make you want to jump in the car and not come home until you've seen them all."
Suzanne VanAtten, the Atlanta Journal Constitution
"Litrel’s stunning watercolors and sketches take pride of place, and they are truly arresting. They are accompanied by Seabrook’s captivating observations on the topographical and ecological significance of each destination, while Litrel provides personal essays about her experience as a first-time visitor to the sites."
John Wieland lead donor of the Susan and John Wieland Pavilion at the High Museum of Art
"Seeing Georgia's natural wonders through the talented eyes and paintbrushes of Ann Litrel is almost as good as being there in person!"
About the Authors
ANN LITREL is a nationally published artist whose paintings of botanical and wildlife subjects have appeared on prints, books, stationery, and textiles. As a writer and illustrator, she has collaborated on three books and has been a monthly columnist for a range of publications on topics of art, ecology, community, and history. Litrel’s passion for arts and community led her to cofound the Woodstock Arts Center, an award-winning, multidisciplinary arts center on a four-acre campus. She lives with her husband, Dr. Michael Litrel, in Woodstock, Georgia.
CHARLES SEABROOK retired from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in 2005 after thirty-four years as a science and environmental writer. He continues to write on a freelance basis his popular column, Wild Georgia, which runs Saturdays in the AJC's Living section. He is the author of three books: Red Clay, Pink Cadillacs, and White Gold: The Kaolin Chalk Wars; Cumberland Island: Strong Women, Wild Horses; and The World of the Salt Marsh: Appreciating and Protecting the Tidal Marshes of the Southeastern Atlantic Coast. He and his wife, Laura, live in Decatur, Georgia.