Arctic Dreams

By: Barry Lopez

Narrated by: James Naughton

Winner of the National Book Award

This best-selling, groundbreaking exploration of the Far North is a classic of natural history, anthropology, and travel writing.

The Arctic is a perilous place. Only a few species of wild animals can survive its harsh climate. In this modern classic, Barry Lopez explores the many-faceted wonders of the Far North: its strangely stunted forest, its mesmerizing aurora borealis, its frozen seas. Musk oxen, polar bears, narwhal, and other exotic beasts of the region come alive through Lopez’s passionate and nuanced observations. And, as he examines the history and culture of the indigenous people, along with parallel narratives of intrepid, often underprepared and subsequently doomed polar explorers, Lopez drives to the heart of why the austere and formidable Arctic is also a constant source of breathtaking beauty, beguilement, and wonder.

Written in prose as memorably pure as the land it describes, Arctic Dreams is a timeless mediation on the ability of the landscape to shape our dreams and to haunt our imaginations.

Look for Barry Lopez's new book, Horizon, available now.

©2013 Barry Lopez (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Extraordinary.... A master nature writer.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“One of those landmark works of travel writing.” (The New Yorker)

“Dazzling.... Treats the distant, snowy world of the Arctic as a place that exists not only in the mathematics of geography but also in the terra incognita of our imaginations.” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

Prepare to be inspired.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - so much so that I was sorry when it came to an end. About a third of the way through the book I knew I had to listen to/or read more of Barry Lopez’s works. What an inspiration - his detailed and entertaining knowledge of the natural world, and his appreciation of human nature and understanding of our place in the world is I believe unique. I cannot imagine someone finishing this book without being impacted in a very positive way. It should be required reading for anyone in a position to influence the policy affecting our natural world.

Awesome

It is an amazing experience to listen to this book. It transports one into an incredible journey and deep appreciation for the Arctic.

Beautiful story

Wonderful story, presentation and narration is excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. One of the better books that I have read lately.

Beautifully written

Wonderfully written and read, there is much more to this book than meets the eye.

Man and Nature as One

I am trying to give it a full 5 stars but stupid system won’t let me. This is my favorite book of all time and I am 76 years old. It is brilliant, and I have long awaited an audible reading after reading and reading rereading the book over the years.

A true visual emotional and soul searching experience

Love the book absolutely loved his writing. First time I’ve ever listened to a Barry Lopez book. I will listen to more. I appreciate his ability to reflect and do some serious soul-searching himself. My wife who lived in a Calais for 10 years, said he nailed it.

Integration of arctic experience and wisdom

A history of arctic exploration including its follies, exaltations, hubris , and tragedies. Written with paradoxical humility and eloquence. The author reports the folly and triumph of human expeditions with matter-of-fact objectivity. Vivid description of the land and its indigenous peoples described with deeply felt reverence. The exploitation of arctic lands for its abundant riches and for the attainment of fame is reported in historical context. Both the study of a geographical place, and humankind’s interaction with this place, including thoughtful reflection of greed, danger, magnificence, brilliance and mystery.

Really well written

This is a very well-written book. The narrative grows more impressive the further you go till it becomes immense in its scope and language. I plan to listen again soon.

Excellent

Poetry in prose, well written, well narrated. Like watching a movie, in my head.

Brilliant

Keen observations of a land most will never visit or understand, beautifully expressed through the written word and brilliantly narrated. I would highly recommend this book (particularly in this form) to anyone that enjoys nature or nature writing.