The Valley of the Second Sons: Letters of Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell, A Young English Naturalist, Writing to His Sweetheart and Her Brother About His Life in West Cliff

"Cockerell speaks to us from not only the frontiers of Colorado and the Victorian era, but also from the spirit of one galvanized by a passion for nature, beauty, and understanding. Today we lament the loss of naturalists as our biota is ravaged. Here Weber has resurrected Cockerell's vivid accounts; perhaps we may learn anew from a master's hand and before our flora and fauna vanishes."
– Dr. Michael S. Engel, Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, University of Kansas

"In giving us T. D. A. Cockerell up close and personal, William A. Weber has delivered a very valuable and interesting look at a period when science and education on the American frontier were at their earliest stages, and dependent on the heart and vision of an intrepid few." – Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University

"This entertaining collection of letters provides a delightful insight into pioneer days in Colorado and the formative years of one of America's greatest naturalists. Evocative of simpler times-but there was clearly plenty to do then too, and this is a very pleasant way to learn something about it."
– Peter H. Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis