New Book by Will Ryan Goes Inside the Outdoors

Writing program co-director Will Ryan's new book, Gray's Sporting Journal's Noble Birds and Wily Trout, has been published by Lyons Press, an imprint of Globe Pequot.

The book, a history of American outdoor activities, draws on novels, memoirs, articles, and stories from 1820 to 1920 to show how the writers created the hunting and fishing traditions in place today.

"It's no accident that outdoor recreation came to be defined as a demonstration of both personal independence and cultural affirmation," said Ryan. "Above all, the outdoorsmen and women from back then made sure they had fun doing so."

Ryan, a contributing editor at Gray's Sporting Journal, has taught expository writing at Hampshire since 1980. His articles appear regularly in Field & Stream, American Angler, and other publications. He has written two other books on the outdoors.