The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness, and Greed, by John Vaillant (TPB, 2005, $2)
Before 1997 the western Canadian town of Port Clements could boast of both its Golden Spruce Tree and its albino raven. The 300 year old Golden Spruce was a biological oddity. Even botanists could not explain its glowing gold color. It was also a rare asexual mutant. Because of its mystical properties it was revered by all, but especially by members of the Haida tribe. Even the massive logging company that "owned" it had left it alone.
Enter a strange and disturbed man named Grant Hadwin. To express his rage at logging companies, and specifically at "university trained professionals"(?), he cuts down the Golden Spruce, and immediately becomes a hated man. Eventually, he takes off in a kayak and disappears. Is he dead, or is he alive and living off the land? And why would he cut down such a special tree in the first place?
This book tells the story of the land, its inhabitants, both native and white, and the logging industry, which seems to control the destinies of all.
You will have to read this book to find out how the people handled their grief over the loss. A fine book, to be found on the new non-fiction table, avail. 11/29.
