Accompanied by the photography of Thomas D. Mangelsen, "A Chorus of Cranes" details the natural history, biology and conservation issues surrounding the abundant sandhill crane and the endangered whooping crane in North America. Author Paul A. Johnsgard, one of the leading authorities on cranes and crane biology, describes the fascinating social behaviors, beautiful natural habitats and grueling seasonal migrations that have stirred the hearts of people as far back as medieval times and garnered the crane a place in folklore and mythology across continents. The stories of these birds and their contrasting fates provide an instructive and moving history of bird conservation in North America. "A Chorus of Cranes" is a gorgeous and invaluable resource for crane enthusiasts, birders, natural historians and conservationists alike.  In the acknowledgments, Johnsgard writes: “Since long before medieval times cranes have been considered messengers of the gods, calling annually from on high to remind humans below of the passing years and of their own mortality. Now it is up to humans to take responsibility for controlling our own fate—and also to cry out to protect not only cranes but all the other wonderful creatures that share our increasingly fragile and threatened planetary ecosystem with us.” The book was a finalist for the Jan Garton Prairie Heritage Book Award presented to the best book of the year that illuminates the heritage of North America’s mid-continental prairies. From Jane Goodall: "In this glorious book, Paul Johnsgard and Tom Mangelsen have captured the very essence of these ancient birds—their beauty, grace of movement, and fascinating lives. It is a must for crane lovers, birders, and all who love the natural world.” From Bird Watcher’s Digest: "Any coffee table would be enhanced by the photography in this book. Any person who admires cranes will want to devour every word, to understand their behavior, interpret their poses and dances, learn their natural history and gain a deeper appreciation of this revered family of birds." From George Archibald, co-founder and senior conservationist, International Crane Foundation: “In his latest book… the splendor of Johnsgard's lyrical style is matched by incomparable images from one of the world's best-known photographers, and fellow Nebraskan, Tom Mangelsen."
  Johnsgard, a professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is the world's most prolific author of ornithological literature. He has published more than 70 books, five works of fiction and more than 100 peer-reviewed and 150 nature-related articles. Mangelsen is one of the world's premier nature photographers. His work is offered in Mangelsen-Images of Nature galleries across the United States.