Edited by Bob Henderson & Nils Vikander

Signed by Bob Henderson

Nature First combines the Scandinavian approach to creating a
relationship with nature (known as friluftsliv) with efforts by Canadian
and international educators to adapt this wisdom and apply it to everyday life
experiences in the open air. The word friluftsliv literally refers to
"free-air life" or outdoor life. A word saturated with values, the concept can
permeate deeply and playfully into one’s cultural being and personal psyche,
thus influencing the way one perceives and interacts with nature on a daily
basis.

For centuries, the North American approach has been one of domination and
bringing nature under control, in many cases abusing our natural environment in
the process. The friluftsliv way of being on "talking terms with nature,"
developing an "insider's" relationship with nature, offers the rich potential of
allowing us as cohabiters on the Earth to recreate, rejuvenate and restore the
balance among all living things.

Nature First is the first English-language anthology to bring together
the perspectives and experiences of North American, Norwegian, Swedish and other
international outdoor writers, all friluftsliv thinkers and doers. Here,
the thirty contributors' use of history, sociology, psychology, philosophy and
outdoor education writings blend to provide an understanding of how
friluftsliv applies to everyday life.

The book presents an alternative to much of the personal
growth/adventure-based literature that tends to dominate our current approach to
the outdoor activity. Folklore, heritage, adventure travel, crafts, place-based
education and the daily outings of families all have a role to play in promoting
an understanding of both the ordinary and the mystical importance of this Nordic
tradition. Dedicated to parents, travel guides, educators and generally to
participants in the outdoors, Nature First provides a compellingly fresh
approach to life in the out-of-doors.