Description
By Michael Punke. A chronicling of the near-extinction of the American buffalo in the late 19th century, when a population of approximately 30 million was reduced to just twenty-three. This drastic decline was driven by relentless hunting, spurred by the U.S. Army’s strategy to subdue Native American tribes by eliminating their primary resource.
Amidst this crisis, George Bird Grinnell—a scientist, journalist, hunter, and conservationist—emerged as a pivotal figure advocating for the buffalo’s preservation. Through his writings in magazines, lobbying efforts in Washington, and direct actions in Yellowstone, Grinnell spearheaded initiatives to save this iconic species.
Grinnell’s conservation efforts brought him into collaboration with notable figures of the American West, including John James Audubon, Buffalo Bill, George Armstrong Custer, and Theodore Roosevelt. His relentless advocacy not only contributed to the survival of the buffalo but also played a significant role in the nascent environmental movement in the United States. Punke’s narrative highlights how Grinnell’s work laid the groundwork for future conservation policies and the establishment of organizations dedicated to protecting America’s natural heritage.
About the author: Michael Punke is an American author, attorney, and policy analyst, who served as the U.S. Ambassador and Deputy United States Trade Representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva from 2010 to 2017.
Softcover, oversized, 41 images and maps, 304 pages
