A Treasury of the Maine Woods

3.6/5 ( ratings)

“A Treasury of the Maine Woods” was Edmund Ware Smith’s seventh book and came out in 1958. It was the second published by Frederick Fell Publishers. Smith dedicates the book to his son James. With an introduction by Maine author John Gould, it promises to be a good one. It is also the first book with Maurice Day illustrations.

The very first story, “The Magic Woodsman” is a poignant tribute of sorts to Pop Thornton. It is a story about the drowning of Smith’s son, and how Pop helped them through the painful time. There is a great “Dobsis” story entitled “Saga of Third Chain Cabin”, a lot of hunting, fishing, and camping/canoeing stories, and even a Digsy Jones story entitled “The Wish Book Trail.” “Reunion With Pickerel” is a nice father/son story.

This book had at least two printings and another one done in 1977 by Downeast books. So it is out there, and at a reasonable price, and makes a great read for anybody interested in the Maine outdoors. As usual, most of these pieces appeared in various periodicals of the day. Smith’s genius and his love for the out of doors really comes though between the covers of this book. I can’t think of better writer of the Maine woods.

Introduction by John Gould