Bison. Distant Thunder

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At the turn of the nineteenth century, seventy million bison roamed the Great Plains of North America, but by 1900, only a few hundred were left. This narrative explores the bison's journey from near extinction to remarkable recovery, intertwining American history and its relationship with wildlife over the past two centuries. Native Americans revered the buffalo, relying on them for survival—using their hides for tepees, consuming their meat, and wearing their furs. However, in the mid-nineteenth century, a national campaign aimed to eliminate the bison to resolve conflicts with Native Americans, leading to a relentless slaughter fueled by free ammunition from the army. The author, Douglas Gruenau, captures the essence of the American West through his camera, showcasing the bison herds now protected in national parks and preserves. The book features fifty-six color images that honor the bison, illustrating the ancient rituals of a species over thirty thousand years old. Over the course of a year, the reader journeys alongside the herds, experiencing their lives' rhythm. Gruenau's photography powerfully conveys the size and untamed spirit of this majestic animal, evoking awe and wonder.