In a manner that accommodates the duality of art and science uncommonly well, Ann Zwinger and Beatrice Willard conduct the reader across, through, and under the alpine scene… As well as filling a unique and vital place on the bookshelf, the triumph of this work is its harmonious blend of information with original, creative expression. The authors seem equally comfortable and refined at both translating science and creating art in a word and picture. Ann Zwinger… in a nouveau naturalist in the tradition of old describers, yet one who adds a wholly fresh and modern orientation. Beatrice Willard’s ecological research… has brought her both acclaim and deep insight; her scholarly contribution is appreciated…