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Books by David B. Williams

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I write about natural history, primarily focusing on geology and how it impacts our lives in myriad ways, from earthquakes to the stone we use in buildings to the hills that make riding a bike more challenging. I write about geology because it is such a fascinating and cool subject, whether out on the trail or in your own backyard.

I am excited about my most recent book, Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound. It weaves the stories of people and place across more than 10,000 years of history. This include warfare, transportation (canoe culture and mosquito fleet), and resource extraction. In addition to addressing salmon and orca, I also explore lesser known, but ecosystem-critical species such as rockfish, herring, kelp, Olympia oyster, and geoducks. Ultimately, my goal is to create a more nuanced and complex picture of this beautiful place and to illustrate that we are in a critical moment where we can work together to make it more habitable for all. 

Although geology is my primary subject, I also have a deep passion for all areas of natural history. My essays have ranged from exploring the ecological recovery at Mount St. Helens to a journey to find salmon in Seattle to a personal essay about seeing and holding first editions of On The Origin of Species.

In exploring the geology, plants, and animals of the world around us, I hope that my books, blogs and articles will encourage people to look more carefully at the natural world around them and to go outside and investigate. More…