In the Temple of Wolves: A Winter's Immersion in Wild Yellowstone

In the Temple of Wolves was an excellent read! It is a book I will want to read again, and share with family. Rick Lamplugh and his wife Mary are finally retired educators, and were accepted as volunteers in Yellowstone over the winter of 2013, a place they had revisited many times over the years as Park guests. 'In the Temple of Wolves' brings to notice the essential difference between visiting the park during summer and fall, and living, working, breathing the park all winter - sometimes a scary difference, but mostly just the joy found in such sweet emersion into the world of the wild. All winter inhabitants inter-relationships are covered, from Ravens to bison to wolves and all the critters in between. This is a book to savor, and read again on a cold snowy night. It belongs up there on the shelf with Leopold, Abby, and Stegner. I will watch for more by Rick Lamplugh.

A beautifully written memoir by Rick Lamplugh. He has an inate charm that allows the reader to connect with his story. He doesn’t write like he knows all of the answers, and can also be self-deprecating. He asks the right questions without fear of looking foolish as when he questions Rick McIntyre, the camp expert in wolf behavior, “do you think the wolves in Yellowstone are still wild?” What a thought provoking question given that so many visitors come physically close to the wolves! And McIntyre replies thoughtfully and simply with, “I don’t know.” We hear the author’s inner thoughts as he grapples with various questions that range from the scientific to the ethical and moral dilemmas that we, as human beings want to understand. We come away with a greater understanding of both the questions and answers of the wildlife in Yellowstone, and how the ecosystem revolves. Rick Lamplugh leaves the reader with his personal wonderment and exuberance of a winter in Yellowstone. And I look forward to reading his newest book, “Deep into Yellowstone”.

I've known Rick casually for few years and had no idea that he was such a great writer! I'm kicking myself for not picking up this book earlier! If you have any interests in Yellowstone this is a great winter time snapshot. I've lived in Gardiner for years and have taken several courses that Rick supported. His descriptions of his experiences is right on, and really take you into the heart of the Northern Range of Yellowstone. His very detailed and in depth writing takes you right into the wildness, and it describes, very accurately, his and my own experiences for everyone to share. I enjoyed reliving my own experiences from Rick's writing. His words bring the reader right into the experiences of life and death in this one and only intact ecosystem. Highly recommend this book!

Rick Lamplugh's book, In The Temple of Wolves, is a marvelous exploration of the Lamar Valley in the winter. Lamplugh and his wife Mary spent a season working at Yellowstone's Buffalo Ranch - a premier wolf watching spot. He writes beautifully about his experiences with the Valley, the wildlife, and particularly with the wolves. Each chapter is a meditation of sorts on the Valley which comes to life in so many unexpected ways. If you love the wildness that still exists in Yellowstone, you will want to savor every chapter of this compelling little book. I read and then re-read Lamplugh's ode to another master -- Rick McIntyre - Yellowstone's main wolf biologist for many years -- who is the Archbishop of that gorgeous "temple of wolves." The word pictures that Lamplugh paints will thrill you and also provide great insight into one of the great and unique places in America -- Yellowstone's Lamar Valley.

This book is a good one for background on the winter experience in Yellowstone National Park. Rick Lamplugh and his wife spent several winters there assisting "wolf tours" sponsored by the Yellowstone Association Institute. It is obvious that Rick has a broad understanding of, and appreciation for, nature and the Yellowstone Ecosystem. He describes his experiences there with sensitivity, honesty, and an obvious appreciation for nature and ecological cascades. And his descriptions are easily understood. I read this to prepare for a tour to the park in February, and feel much better prepared for what I will see (and feel) after reading IN THE TEMPLE OF WOLVES. I recommend it to anyone interested in ecosystems, and especially the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

My husband worked as a certified guide on horseback in Yellowstone for several summers years before we met, so visiting the park for the first time as an adult with him as my guide opened my eyes to what a truly incredible place on earth this is. I can see why people fall in love with this park, and the wildlife who inhabit one of the last great wild places here. Rick Lamplugh does a nice job making the winter wolf watching experience accessible to anyone who's fascinated by Yellowstone and its ecosystem's top dog, the wolf. At one point in the book, I was tempted to skip his account of a standoff between predator and prey that he witnessed, feeling tears swell up. As much as I love nature I'm not sure I'd have the stomach for the food chain when it comes down to it. But after skipping ahead I forced myself to go back and process the scene, Rick gently guiding the reader through it as he articulated his own conflicted feelings over the drama, and felt an appreciation for the sacredness of the moment where death gives life. Wolves are one of the most polarizing animals on the planet, yet their benefit to the Yellowstone ecosystem prove their irreplaceable role in nature, one that we can not remove without consequences. I hope loves of nature and wild places discover this book, and open their minds and hearts to the role of this amazing animal in protecting and preserving our last great wildernesses.

It took two days to read this book...and done. I could not be more SAD about that! I wanted it to go on forever, I did not want the book to end. I got all wrapped up in Ricks adventures and the history of some important animals (and more) that make up Yellowstone. I felt like I was there witnessing what Rick and his wife were seeing. I laughed out loud at many parts as the writing was so real, so in the moment for me. I cried very wet tears for the heartaches they had felt, cause again.....I felt like I was witnessing their pain as well. Rick made you feel like you were actually in the moment with him no matter if he was driving a tour bus of eager sightseers, stepping out of bed ready for the days activities or witnessing a wold pack cross the Lamar Valley.... you were standing right there with him. When I take my trip to Yellowstone within the next year I want to be in the exact places that Rick stood, under the cottonwoods admiring the starry nights, on the roadside turnouts watching the wildlife, or taking in a special informational chat with the locals. I want to do it all, thanks to this book. I felt his information and history on the bison, ravens, coyotes and wolves were so thorough, factual and complete and very interesting. I am ready for my journey to Yellowstone and I will carry with me the many things I learned from this book... and this time... Rick will be with ME. Everywhere I look I will remember what he told and taught me about Yellowstone through his wonderful book. I can't wait! Great book!!!

Rick Lamplugh has the power to bring the reader into the heart of winter in Yellowstone. The entire picture unfolds. My favorite part was when he ventured out and lost his way, temporarily. Pride wouldn't let him give in or even leave his snowshoe. He is humorous and insightful. Being a volunteer in such a frozen area definitely requires strength, courage, and stamina from him and his wife. As a "Southern Woman" I'm not sure I could manage to survive in such harsh conditions, but Rick makes me want to get in shape, pack my bags, and take off in my little AWD Volvo! Brr! The majesty and dovetailing of nature's perfect alignment is often cruel, but Rick presents it in such a natural, uncomplicated way that it is palatable and meaningful. His writing is not flowery, but thorough and inspired. The power of the pen (or computer) is certainly evident here. I came upon this author through quite a stroke of luck, knowing his family in Georgia and Tennessee. When news of the book appeared on their FB pages, I downloaded it on my Kindle program on my iPad immediately. I took my time reading the book on many frigid nights in Memphis, often In front of our blazing fire in our Buck Stove, wrapped in a warm throw that we picked up at the Grand Canyon's south rim a year and a half ago in September. This has been the perfect weather to enjoy Rick's adventures in The Temple of the Wolves.

We have visited the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone in February several times in the past decade (as well as in the spring and fall). Its beauty and wildness always draws us back. Rick Lamplugh describes his winter volunteer experiences in almost lyrical terms, so much so that we could actually feel the bite of snow crystals, smell the sage, see the bison plowing snow with their huge heads, hear in our minds' ears the coyotes calling and wolves howling -- and he does this all without sentimentalizing the harshness of the weather, and the life and death issues faced by all of the animals in the ecosystem, large and small. Watching wolves hunt elk, watching the slow death of a bison calf, dragging a road-killed yearling bison off to become food for a host of scavengers -- these are not experiences for those who want to see Yellowstone in Disneyland terms. However, if you want to read about the real Yellowstone, and participate in the author's occasional ambivalence about what one sees when immersed In the Temple of Wolves, this is the book for you. We appreciated his analogy of the experience to things spiritual -- "the temple of wolves," "this sanctuary," the wolf expert he calls "the Archbishop" conducting "sunrise services" and giving "impromptu sermons" for the participants in the Yellowstone "Wolf Weeks" - 5-day seminars led by naturalists, for whom Rick was bus driver. This book was carefully researched, and the facts and history he gives, in between his poetic narratives, are informative and add to the overall high quality of this book. One small nit-pick: although calling the U.S. Army's Cavalry unit the "U.S. Calvary" does tie in with the spiritual connections he makes (Calvary being the hill on which Christ was crucified according to the Christian faith), we doubt he intended to do that. It's a glaring error made by a lot of people and overlooked even by his editor, but is one of those little irritations that temporarily interrupted the flow of his narrative for us. That said, it's a great read and took us back to many wonderful experiences we've had visiting the Lamar Valley. His description of hearing a wolf's howl for the first time was right on! It prompted us to get out our video recording and relive it!

This book is a wonderful collection of experiences the author had will spending a winter in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone. While I purchased the book thinking it was about the wolves, I discovered it really wasn't anout the wolves as much as the whole ecosystem. The author has a very good understanding of how all of the organisms in this complex ecosystem are dependent on each other, including the apex predators. Without being preachy or in your face trying to convince conservation, the author relates his experiences in such a way that the reader recognizes the need to treat these ecosystems with reverence. It also makes you want to go and experience the beauty, the harsh remoteness and the sometimes cruel reality of life in yhe Lamar Valley. A quick read that is thoroughly enjoyable yet thought provoking.

In the Temple of Wolves was an excellent read! It is a book I will want to read again, and share with family. Rick Lamplugh and his wife Mary are finally retired educators, and were accepted as volunteers in Yellowstone over the winter of 2013, a place they had revisited many times over the years as Park guests. 'In the Temple of Wolves' brings to notice the essential difference between visiting the park during summer and fall, and living, working, breathing the park all winter - sometimes a scary difference, but mostly just the joy found in such sweet emersion into the world of the wild. All winter inhabitants inter-relationships are covered, from Ravens to bison to wolves and all the critters in between. This is a book to savor, and read again on a cold snowy night. It belongs up there on the shelf with Leopold, Abby, and Stegner. I will watch for more by Rick Lamplugh.

A beautifully written memoir by Rick Lamplugh. He has an inate charm that allows the reader to connect with his story. He doesn’t write like he knows all of the answers, and can also be self-deprecating. He asks the right questions without fear of looking foolish as when he questions Rick McIntyre, the camp expert in wolf behavior, “do you think the wolves in Yellowstone are still wild?” What a thought provoking question given that so many visitors come physically close to the wolves! And McIntyre replies thoughtfully and simply with, “I don’t know.” We hear the author’s inner thoughts as he grapples with various questions that range from the scientific to the ethical and moral dilemmas that we, as human beings want to understand. We come away with a greater understanding of both the questions and answers of the wildlife in Yellowstone, and how the ecosystem revolves. Rick Lamplugh leaves the reader with his personal wonderment and exuberance of a winter in Yellowstone. And I look forward to reading his newest book, “Deep into Yellowstone”.

I've known Rick casually for few years and had no idea that he was such a great writer! I'm kicking myself for not picking up this book earlier! If you have any interests in Yellowstone this is a great winter time snapshot. I've lived in Gardiner for years and have taken several courses that Rick supported. His descriptions of his experiences is right on, and really take you into the heart of the Northern Range of Yellowstone. His very detailed and in depth writing takes you right into the wildness, and it describes, very accurately, his and my own experiences for everyone to share. I enjoyed reliving my own experiences from Rick's writing. His words bring the reader right into the experiences of life and death in this one and only intact ecosystem. Highly recommend this book!

Rick Lamplugh's book, In The Temple of Wolves, is a marvelous exploration of the Lamar Valley in the winter. Lamplugh and his wife Mary spent a season working at Yellowstone's Buffalo Ranch - a premier wolf watching spot. He writes beautifully about his experiences with the Valley, the wildlife, and particularly with the wolves. Each chapter is a meditation of sorts on the Valley which comes to life in so many unexpected ways. If you love the wildness that still exists in Yellowstone, you will want to savor every chapter of this compelling little book. I read and then re-read Lamplugh's ode to another master -- Rick McIntyre - Yellowstone's main wolf biologist for many years -- who is the Archbishop of that gorgeous "temple of wolves." The word pictures that Lamplugh paints will thrill you and also provide great insight into one of the great and unique places in America -- Yellowstone's Lamar Valley.

This book is a good one for background on the winter experience in Yellowstone National Park. Rick Lamplugh and his wife spent several winters there assisting "wolf tours" sponsored by the Yellowstone Association Institute. It is obvious that Rick has a broad understanding of, and appreciation for, nature and the Yellowstone Ecosystem. He describes his experiences there with sensitivity, honesty, and an obvious appreciation for nature and ecological cascades. And his descriptions are easily understood. I read this to prepare for a tour to the park in February, and feel much better prepared for what I will see (and feel) after reading IN THE TEMPLE OF WOLVES. I recommend it to anyone interested in ecosystems, and especially the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

My husband worked as a certified guide on horseback in Yellowstone for several summers years before we met, so visiting the park for the first time as an adult with him as my guide opened my eyes to what a truly incredible place on earth this is. I can see why people fall in love with this park, and the wildlife who inhabit one of the last great wild places here. Rick Lamplugh does a nice job making the winter wolf watching experience accessible to anyone who's fascinated by Yellowstone and its ecosystem's top dog, the wolf. At one point in the book, I was tempted to skip his account of a standoff between predator and prey that he witnessed, feeling tears swell up. As much as I love nature I'm not sure I'd have the stomach for the food chain when it comes down to it. But after skipping ahead I forced myself to go back and process the scene, Rick gently guiding the reader through it as he articulated his own conflicted feelings over the drama, and felt an appreciation for the sacredness of the moment where death gives life. Wolves are one of the most polarizing animals on the planet, yet their benefit to the Yellowstone ecosystem prove their irreplaceable role in nature, one that we can not remove without consequences. I hope loves of nature and wild places discover this book, and open their minds and hearts to the role of this amazing animal in protecting and preserving our last great wildernesses.

It took two days to read this book...and done. I could not be more SAD about that! I wanted it to go on forever, I did not want the book to end. I got all wrapped up in Ricks adventures and the history of some important animals (and more) that make up Yellowstone. I felt like I was there witnessing what Rick and his wife were seeing. I laughed out loud at many parts as the writing was so real, so in the moment for me. I cried very wet tears for the heartaches they had felt, cause again.....I felt like I was witnessing their pain as well. Rick made you feel like you were actually in the moment with him no matter if he was driving a tour bus of eager sightseers, stepping out of bed ready for the days activities or witnessing a wold pack cross the Lamar Valley.... you were standing right there with him. When I take my trip to Yellowstone within the next year I want to be in the exact places that Rick stood, under the cottonwoods admiring the starry nights, on the roadside turnouts watching the wildlife, or taking in a special informational chat with the locals. I want to do it all, thanks to this book. I felt his information and history on the bison, ravens, coyotes and wolves were so thorough, factual and complete and very interesting. I am ready for my journey to Yellowstone and I will carry with me the many things I learned from this book... and this time... Rick will be with ME. Everywhere I look I will remember what he told and taught me about Yellowstone through his wonderful book. I can't wait! Great book!!!

Rick Lamplugh has the power to bring the reader into the heart of winter in Yellowstone. The entire picture unfolds. My favorite part was when he ventured out and lost his way, temporarily. Pride wouldn't let him give in or even leave his snowshoe. He is humorous and insightful. Being a volunteer in such a frozen area definitely requires strength, courage, and stamina from him and his wife. As a "Southern Woman" I'm not sure I could manage to survive in such harsh conditions, but Rick makes me want to get in shape, pack my bags, and take off in my little AWD Volvo! Brr! The majesty and dovetailing of nature's perfect alignment is often cruel, but Rick presents it in such a natural, uncomplicated way that it is palatable and meaningful. His writing is not flowery, but thorough and inspired. The power of the pen (or computer) is certainly evident here. I came upon this author through quite a stroke of luck, knowing his family in Georgia and Tennessee. When news of the book appeared on their FB pages, I downloaded it on my Kindle program on my iPad immediately. I took my time reading the book on many frigid nights in Memphis, often In front of our blazing fire in our Buck Stove, wrapped in a warm throw that we picked up at the Grand Canyon's south rim a year and a half ago in September. This has been the perfect weather to enjoy Rick's adventures in The Temple of the Wolves.

We have visited the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone in February several times in the past decade (as well as in the spring and fall). Its beauty and wildness always draws us back. Rick Lamplugh describes his winter volunteer experiences in almost lyrical terms, so much so that we could actually feel the bite of snow crystals, smell the sage, see the bison plowing snow with their huge heads, hear in our minds' ears the coyotes calling and wolves howling -- and he does this all without sentimentalizing the harshness of the weather, and the life and death issues faced by all of the animals in the ecosystem, large and small. Watching wolves hunt elk, watching the slow death of a bison calf, dragging a road-killed yearling bison off to become food for a host of scavengers -- these are not experiences for those who want to see Yellowstone in Disneyland terms. However, if you want to read about the real Yellowstone, and participate in the author's occasional ambivalence about what one sees when immersed In the Temple of Wolves, this is the book for you. We appreciated his analogy of the experience to things spiritual -- "the temple of wolves," "this sanctuary," the wolf expert he calls "the Archbishop" conducting "sunrise services" and giving "impromptu sermons" for the participants in the Yellowstone "Wolf Weeks" - 5-day seminars led by naturalists, for whom Rick was bus driver. This book was carefully researched, and the facts and history he gives, in between his poetic narratives, are informative and add to the overall high quality of this book. One small nit-pick: although calling the U.S. Army's Cavalry unit the "U.S. Calvary" does tie in with the spiritual connections he makes (Calvary being the hill on which Christ was crucified according to the Christian faith), we doubt he intended to do that. It's a glaring error made by a lot of people and overlooked even by his editor, but is one of those little irritations that temporarily interrupted the flow of his narrative for us. That said, it's a great read and took us back to many wonderful experiences we've had visiting the Lamar Valley. His description of hearing a wolf's howl for the first time was right on! It prompted us to get out our video recording and relive it!

This book is a wonderful collection of experiences the author had will spending a winter in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone. While I purchased the book thinking it was about the wolves, I discovered it really wasn't anout the wolves as much as the whole ecosystem. The author has a very good understanding of how all of the organisms in this complex ecosystem are dependent on each other, including the apex predators. Without being preachy or in your face trying to convince conservation, the author relates his experiences in such a way that the reader recognizes the need to treat these ecosystems with reverence. It also makes you want to go and experience the beauty, the harsh remoteness and the sometimes cruel reality of life in yhe Lamar Valley. A quick read that is thoroughly enjoyable yet thought provoking.

I became so envious of this man's time observing the balance in Yellowstone, made me want to take on a much more active roll than just reading about wildlife. He has a way of inviting you into the world he is privy to. You get a real feel for his admiration and respect for not only the wild creatures of Yellowstone, but those who are charged with protecting it. My favorite quote from the book is when an NPS instructor, nicknamed the Archbishop, addresses the question of anthropomorphism. Rick McIntyre says "A lot of times people will say don't be anthropomorphic. But what usually isn't said is that there's an opposite danger. That's being anthropocentric and making the mistake of assuming that our species is the only one that has emotions, feelings and free will."

Very well-written, scientific, and personal novel. After reading it, I want to pack up the car and head to Yellowstone to observe these magnificent animals and all the others Yellowstone has to offer. The author's insightful description of why humans hate wolves was informative and explained the history of that hatred. It's just sad and heart wrenching that humans can't learn from their past mistakes and want to eradicate a species or control one as they do with the iconic bison. Even the various State's Fish and Game seem to be on board with these species demise by allowing hunting contests and hunting permits with large limits. Keep writing your books to educate humans in the laws of nature and maybe there will be hope in the future.

A truly insightful look at Yellowstone's wolves and how they fit into the landscape, culture and ecology of the area. With humor, thought, research, and a deep sense of child-like yet very adult wonder, Rick Lamplugh takes us on a personal stroll of Yellowstone's Wolf Week tours. He does not shy away from the uncomfortable facts of an apex predator, nor does he romanticize wolves as being anything else but themselves. He handles some of the more difficult aspects of living around wolves with understanding and respect, yet it is obvious that he is a wolf advocate. Clear eyed and honest, this book will delight you, make you think, and even make you want to take the trip to spend a day, a week, a moment in the temple of the wolves.

I read this compelling, beautiful, moving, and informative book a month after seeing Yellowstone's wolves for the first time. I tore greedily through the pages, my heart and mind captured by the stories of Rick's winter in the most beautiful place i have ever seen--the Lamar Valley--supporting the Yellowstone association and the Wolf Week programs. I loved reading his personal impressions, and learned a great deal from the natural history he skillfully weaves in. His discussion of the history of human/wolf relations is an important addition to the book. I loved this book. Rick, thank you so much!!

Saw Rick's book on my Face Book page, and everyone was raving about it. Well, for good reason. I'm planning to go back to Yellowstone in June for a six week stay, and reading this book gave me a "Yellowstone Fix" that I sorely needed. Rick has a nack for putting you right next to him while he's enjoying the sights and sounds around him. He puts into words his subtle experiences, things I've experienced too, and now thought about again, thanks to Rick's wonderful writing abilities. The only thing I didn't like about the book, well I just wish it was much longer. I guess I'll just have to read it again, and maybe again after that. Write another one Rick!

In this book, Rick Lamplugh puts you directly in the story as it unfolds in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. As you read, you can see the snow covered valley floor, feel cold wind on your face, touch the cold river, hear the howls of wolves, and even smell wolf urine (yes, that’s actually in the book!). Lamplugh is a volunteer with the Yellowstone Association, and in this book, he tells stories about his time working in Yellowstone. It is evident throughout the book that he is a well-read naturalist who is very curious about the unique workings of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Lamplugh is a talented story-teller, and each chapter will get you excited about this magical place some refer to as “Wonderland”. Make this book a part of your personal library.

This is a wonderful book, a love letter to Yellowstone's Lamar Valley with its wolves, bison, coyotes and natural beauty that few places can rival. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Mr. Lamplugh, a winter volunteer at Yellowstone's Buffalo Ranch, provides his readers with a combination of detailed descriptions of Yellowstone's northeast quadrant in wintertime and serious, science-based background about this park and it's wild inhabitants. He also acquaints his readers with many of the people - both park employees and devoted volunteers - who make the park's magic available to whomever cares to visit and learn. A majority of those who visit Yellowstone come in the summer. Rick's book offers compelling reasons for people to make Yellowstone their winter travel destination as well; I've always wanted to visit Yellowstone in the winter, and after reading this book I fully intend to do so within the next few years.

I enjoyed reading the book "In the Temple of Wolves." I felt as if I were there shadowing the author, Rick Lamplugh, and reading his mind because of his vivid descriptions and honest thoughts. As well as sharing his experiences, he obviously did a lot of research for this book. Lamplugh transported me to being in the moment while he marveled at the harmony of nature. And I imagined the pain in the Lamar Valley as I visualized the life and death struggles of the wolves, the bison calf and the elk. Lamplugh has a fine way of integrating facts into the story. I certainly learned from this book, especially about the evolution of bison, the history of wolves, and the wolf behavior in the Yellowstone National Park area. And I now have admiration for ravens. In addition to that, the information he conveyed in the chapter of "The Cash Cascade" should convert almost any wolf hater into a wolf lover, or at least having a new appreciation and respect for wolves. And he shared an amusing story about his hike to Trout Lake, although I am sure it wasn't funny to him at the time. The way he included people made the story all the more compelling.. And how wonderful it is that he and his wife Mary can enjoy similar interests. I wish this book would be required reading in school so people would grow up having a better understanding of how nature interacts with the lives of animals, birds, and plants, etc.

I am going to admit bias in the first line: The author is my uncle. Let it not take away from my recommendation, for this slim book is enchanting for me, a city dweller who is not in the habit of "roughing it". Temple of the Wolves by Rick Lamplugh is a collection of monographs detailing the author's winter stay at Yellowstone National park on an internship program. The style is a self described Poetic prose, an the author manages to be both vivid and informative in describing the importance of the national park, both spiritually and ecologically. My favorite chapter involves a death in the park...a young water buffalo(?) becomes an instant celebrity by dying in plain view. This attracts a multitude of nature photographers, scavengers, and somewhat reluctantly, the author. What follows is a meditation on death's place in life and an attempt to find scientific remove amongst the spectacle. In a later chapter, the author tackles a historical misstep of the eradication programs of wolves and coyotes which I found illuminating. For nature lovers, and lovers of our national parks, In the Temple of the Wolves is a good all around read that will transport you to the place of nature's communion.

Having been to the Lamar Valley this book brought back unforgettable memories for me. Rick encourages the reader to use the senses of smell, hearing, sight, and touch when observing what might be present only if one sits still and observes. His descriptive writing made me feel like I was right there walking with him. There were exciting moments and pensive moments that made this author's writing very real. I, like others have mentioned wished the book didn't end. I wanted to experience more of Rick's excellent story telling and facts that made this venture into the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone a memorable visit.

Lamar Valley is on our bucket list, just wish we did not have to share with so many others. Yellowstone is being worn out by over 4 million people a year and still how can you not want to visit. Thank you for this Winter in Yellowstone following wolves.

Recently I was introduced to Rick Lamplugh and read his book IN the TEMPLE of WOLVES. Rick Lamplugh has created a wonderful examination of the life of the Wolf in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park since its reintroduction from Canada. He examines the Bison and a wide variety of animals that directly benefit from this apex predator and examines the interconnected relationships that create a natural beneficial balance that contributes to the health and welfare of us all. The snowy backdrop of Wyoming in winter contrasts with the saga of life and death in stark frigid terms with hungry elk and bison as they migrate back and forth to graze and sustain their fragile existence in the most desperate season. All the while wolves, coyotes, mountain lions stalk the grazers to protect their own existence. Eagles, ravens, and magpies patiently await their turn to scavenge the discards and scraps left behind. Rick and his wife Mary spent three frigid months exploring on skis and snowshoes, absorbing with all his senses, listening to and talking with experts. He then combined a literary blend of facts and feelings, In the Temple of Wolves and celebrates nature’s beauty and treacherous cruelty, while revealing the inner battles with his own human nature. Rick Lamplugh carefully examines with crystal clear vision and simplicity of explanation the conflict facing the ranchers and the loss of their livelihood. There is no justification for sportsmen who kill for entertainment and I salute him for choosing not to dignify these barbarians and their “sport” as an issue but to focus on the relationships between the animals of the Lamar Valley and the ecosystems which they manipulate.

I have always been fascinated by the history of human/wolf relations in the US and the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone is something I have followed with interest over the last 18 years. One thing that this book does well is present the wolf vs. rancher part of the story from a business perspective, which is different and interesting. We were in Yellowstone in 1997, two summers after wolves were reintroduced, and then again in 2003. I'd love to go back again sometime. There is nothing quite like seeing wolves in the wild. A fantastic read.

Rick Lamplugh shares with us his experiences amongst the iconic and majestic wildlife that inhabit Yellowstone National Park. He shares his emotions as well as his adventures. His writing makes you feel as if you are there with him. Rick provides some scientific content along with a diary of his encounters. In addition to his many stories of wolves, I really enjoyed a chapter that was focused solely on ravens and how they have become an ally of the wolves of Yellowstone. I also enjoyed his many encounters with bison. If you are even the slightest bit interested in wildlife, conservation and nature, you must read this book!

I have just finished this wonderful story that took me right back to Yellowstone. I highly recommend this book to fans of nature, whether you've been to this particular place or not. Of course, once you read Rick's book it will be on your travel list for sure! I found the Lamar Valley a very special place and I appreciate how well the majesty of that beautiful valley was described in this book. There was no sugar coating though, it's a wild place, and we are just visitors passing through. The keen observations with the detailed stories of wolf reintroduction and how it affected the entire park brought to life modern struggles with our wild and free fellow planet dwellers. I look forward to returning - for I know I have to and was glad to know I'm not the only one who feels that way. Thanks for sharing your story Rick. You and your wife are fortunate to have had the experiences at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch and your readers are fortunate you shared with us.

This is a wonderful book, beautifully written. I wanted to get a sense of what Yellowstone is like in deep winter (because the trips to go there cost $6,000+). This book saved me a fortune. It's nice to see the park through his eyes. He's very humane and he did (or tried) everything I would like to have tried, but was too chicken (snowshoeing off trail). There are chapters about a lot of different animals. Great read.

I read this before a trip to yellowstone national park. It was the perfect amount of personal anecdotes to round out essentially non fiction aspects of the ecology of the park in a much more readable fashion. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The only thing I wish was that it covered more about bears and moose. I would recommend this as a prelude to a visit to the park, regardless if you are going in winter or summer. I found it interesting to this about the season when I'm not visiting.

"In the Templeof Wolves " by Rick Lamplugh is his story from a stay in a small valley in Yellowstone nasjonal park . This book is a treasure! He invite us to be with him as he walks, looks, listen to the voice from the wilderness and its habitants He search, often i vain to have a glimpse of this shy and intelligent wolf. He moves into the home of wolves with respect and dignity, sharing their hardship to survive, and also his compassion of their prey. His way of telling is filled with a deep personal and poetic outlook , which filled me with deep respect and humbleness tNo animal on this planet hav been so misunderstood and haunted than wolves.Why this hatred? He tries to answer...and gives us all a lesson to adjust better to facts of nature, and let go of mystical myths and fairy tales When i closed the book I felt deep gratitude. This book should be a must to all that are in a position how to adjust and improve our toleranse and knowledge towards a fellow being that makes our wilderness back to harmony with all its colors . Rick Lamplugh, Thank you!!!!

I have a long time fascination with wolves and their powerful presence. This book reinforces the greatness of this amazing species in a comfortable way of presentation that makes you want more. It's as if you were sitting down with a trusted friend to listen to their tale of life in the presence of wolves. Will definitely be reading it again.

This is one of the most wonderful books I have EVER read. It is so well written that I thought I, myself was right next to Rick and enjoying all of the adventures, happy and sad along with him. I am somewhat familiar with Yellowstone and its animals and I defiantly could tell by his descriptions who he was talking about in his stories. If you ever want to experience Yellowstone without making the trip, this book is for you. I will read it again and again. Thank you Rick Lamplugh!

If you have any interest at all in the wonderland that is Yellowstone National Park, do yourself a favor and buy this book. It is an easy read, and the author's writing style is very engaging. The book is about a winter that the author and his wife spent volunteering in the Lamar Valley, which is my favorite area of the park. Although the focus is on the wolves who live in the valley, the book also deals with the other animals who live there and the valley itself. I learned a lot that I did not know about this area from this book, and I was very entertained in the process. I liked it so much that I bought the softcover version as a gift for my nephew after I had purchased the Kindle version for myself.

For those of you who love wild places, this book will fill you up, and leave you wanting more. Since 2005, I have made eleven journeys into Yellowstone National Park, during all seasons, to see the wolves and experience the incredible dynamics of this temple. It is as Rick Lamplugh says....I have felt his emotions and witnessed many of his experiences. He tells it like it is and covers the issues of wolf management and how that affects the entire health of Yellowstone as an ecosystem. If you care about wild places, care to experience the transformative power of nature, read this book....you will then find a wild place.....respect it, nurture it, protect it, and love it.

Nice and easy read, all the way standing on the wolves’ side; no ‘another side of the story’ stuff, an asset authors have in self-published books. Rather short, only 170 text pages minus the picture page heading every chapter and, in some cases, another one if the previous chapter ended in an even number page. Excellent chapter on “Creating a World of Wolf Haters”. Author does a good job on not getting emotional about the main characters.

In The Temple of Wolves is a wonderful read. I found myself walking alongside Mr. Lamplugh as he experienced life lessons during his time of volunteering, with his wife, in Yellowstone National Park. Mr. Lamplugh has a natural storytelling style and his "voice" resonates with the love of nature. He inspires a curiosity in the reader to understand the mind of the wolf pack, while gently reminding us that "every creature is connected" on this earth. I highly recommend this book.

I've read quite a bit on Rick's blog over the last year, but hadn't read his book. Boy am I glad I took the time to do so! It is full of interesting naturalist observation, not only on wolves, but coyotes, ravens, and other wildlife. And he's obviously done his homework. There is good science behind what he says. Being a biologist that has been reading up on wolves lately, I recognized specific peer-reviewed papers that provided the foundation for his statements. Possibly best of all, it is poetically written and clearly from the heart as well as the mind. I was taken with him on many a chilled morning or evening into the cold air where I could see the drama unfold and feel his fulfillment from being alone in the temple... And having lived in Minnesota and the Klamath Basin, I could feel those -10F nose hairs sticking with each breath!

Great Yellowstone account of the vital and integral role the wolf has played in Yellowstone re-wilding' and returning the GYE to its' natural glory.Very reader - friendly and factually - based account...I read this newly-released book in a couple of hours, pushed both by the straight - forward and enigmatic writing that causes one to really pause and think. I fully recommend this gem for wolf, animal, nature & Yellowstone lovers.

A little pretentious, but made us excited for our trip to montana

I loved the stories in this book. And all the information about Ravens, Coyotes, and Wolves was very interesting. I did not want to stop reading this. His story about losing the snowshoe had me remembering my own missteps while hiking. I highly enjoyed this book and it has served to make me more passionate about Wolves. This is a good read in what a fear based mentality does to all around us.

I really enjoyed Rick's book. I am a little biased because I was one of the Wolf Week guests who witnessed the incident described in his book. Regardless of wether I had been there for that particular subject I have always wondered what it would be like to be a volunteer at Yellowstone Park, which is my favorite national park. I would like to do this once I retire and based on his book it sounds well worth it. Thank you , Rick for bringing the wonder and beauty of this special place back to me.

This is an extremely well written, well researched, and very enjoyable book about the wonders of Yellowstone and the incredible living organisms that inhabit this magical land. Every page offers a wonderful perspective and gives you so much to reflect upon. I loved the many different aspects presented to us; the history, the evolution, the ecology, the biology, and the human perspective - just awesome. It is both educational and captivating. I recently retired from teaching science but if I were still teaching, I would make this book required reading for my students. Thank you, Mr. Lamplugh, for sharing your experiences and writing such a treasure.

If you want insights into wolves in general and the Yellowstone packs in particular, this read is a must. Loved it.

This book is not exclusive to wolves but speaks to the whole Yellowstone National Park. I enjoyed Rick's description of his travels around the park and especially where he pokes fun at himself. He provides a neutral summation of this issues surrounding the wolves at Yellowstone and I appreciated that very much.

Any book that helps to temper the uphill battle that wolves have always faced is welcome. This book is well written and filled with information that informs us about the history of the never ending conflict. It is well written and engaging. Mr. Lamplugh does not preach. He merely tells a fascinating story that makes one want to become more involved. You can't help but feel an appreciation for the beauty of Yellowstone.

What a wonderful refreshing read. I found this book to be Interesting, informative, inspirational & enlightening. I felt like was in the cabin bunkhouse, the bus, the ranch, the trails, the snow-covered valleys & ridges. Thanx for taking me along for the trip & for the Herculean effort you put forth in promoting this “Cathedral” of all creatures wild & free…

This love story to Yellowstone and its wolves is a book that made me long to be back in the Lamar Valley, my happy place. I could picture every vista the author described, his attention to every detail a testimony to his own adoration of this magical place. Anyone who loves Yellowstone and its fauna will devour this book and be left wanting more.

I liked the book....a series of small vignettes inside the big story. It is friendly and accurate with respect to wolves. I like how he addressed the coyote issue. He included important information regarding the livestock industry, its impact on wolves, and a nice cost/benefit analysis as well. His perspective on the rancher's claims of predator "abuse' was on the mark as well. It has been over a decade ago since my wife and I went to the Lamar Valley in winter to see wolves so this book was a great refresher for that experience. Plus he writes well....always a plus!!

Written by a man who has first hand knowledge of the plight ..and lives of our Wolves. Rick Lamplugh offers us an insight in the life styles and the many ecological reasons to protect these wonderful necessary creatures. There is no fluff or fantasy ....facts , science thru observation and easy to understand. I hope to read more from Rick Lamplugh.

Read this book in a couple of days. Went down like ice cream. Lots of information and lots of thoughts. It is familiar country for my husband and me. Now we know who the guy in the yellow SUV is. If you have any interest in Yellowstone and wolves, apex predators, how not to hike through the snow, this is the book.

This book gives a wonderful insight into Yellowstone and the amazing wolves and other animals that call it home I learnt so much from Rick as he wandered the snow covered Lamar Valley and connected with the wolves and the web of life which surrounds the Valley. Written by a man who loves both the land and the animals, it overflows with poetic descriptions that take you right there with him. If you love nature, wildlife,Yellowstone or wolves then I highly recommend this beautifully written book. .

whether you have spent a winter in Yellowstone or not, Rick transports you there. Great introduction for the reader that is interested in the wolf's world, and regardless of your background this book offers a true vision and understanding of the delicate balances that give life to this magnificent area of the world. This book also breaks the old myths and fairy tales deeply imbedded in human DNA about this great carnivore, Canis Lupus. best money ever spent!

I loved the Temple of Wolves it was a great read. Rick captured the Yellowstone and it’s wildlife so you feel like you are right beside him experience it first hand. I highly recommend Temple of Wolves. Wonderful story telling.

I purchased Rick's book as a Christmas gift for my husband, after we returned from a vacation to Yellowstone and the infamous Lamar Valley. We were fortunate to spend some spotting time with a few Wolf Project members, so reading Rick's stories brought our entire trip back to life. The stories are extremely well written and give a clear description of different areas and events. Having been there and recognizing many of the places and people Rick mentions, I can imagine the stories playing out just as he describes. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who has visited Yellowstone, is planning to visit Yellowstone, or just simply enjoys reading first-hand accounts of wildlife in nature - as it happens.

My wife and I have been to Yellowstone in August and late February. Risk's writing captures the crunch of snow, the frozen diamonds on every tree, the thrill and excitement of those looking through the scopes, and the Soul of Yellowstone. Yellowstone is God's gift to everyone who visits this paradise. Reading the book captured our trips perfectly. Rick would make a wonderful Guide. A Great Read before a visit to Yellowstone.

An absolutely great read. A well written and thoughtful treatment of the Yellowstone wolves. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure Rick. Next... "Deep Into Yellowstone".

I found Rick Lamplugh's book to be an engaging and informative story about winter in Yellowstone NP and how the various animals survive. Much more than just a book about wolves, In the Temple of Wolves, describes both hardship and beauty as man and animals cope with the hardships of winter. I have been to Yellowstone many times and have visited the Buffalo Ranch (summer tourist). Highly recommended.

A great book, well written, very descriptive and easily understood. There is no fancy lingo or scientific jargon to cloud your comprehension as you read this excellent account of wolves in Yellowstone Park. The author takes you on a trip filled with excitement from wolf watchers intent on seeing wolves, to the everyday life and death scenario's the animals face on a daily basis. You won't be disappointed.

Having recently returned from my first trip to Yellowstone and having been privledged to see wolves in the beautiful Lamar Valley while there, this was a truly delightful read! It added depth and meaning to my recent experience and increased my knowledge of the Yellowstone area. I was sad to reach the end of this book!

This is a must read for anyone who has spent time in Yellowstone's Northern Range and an excellent primer for anyone who is headed to our nation's first national park. Rick captures the essences of the characters of the valley both four and two legged and writes with an eloquent sense of place. I have spent many days in the Lamar Valley of the Northern Range and every page resurrected a wonderful memory. Reading Rick's book is the next best thing to being there.

Wolf watching in the Lamar Valley is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Hearing a wolf howl gave me chills and Rick Lamplugh, In the Temple of Wolves made me feel like I was back there again. Buy this book, especially if you are planning a trip to Yellowstone.

Very good read. Compared with another favorite Aldo Leopold's work. It softly draws you in with the rhythm of the prose and for a brief spell the smell of the cold crisp morning and the crunch of the snow surrounds the reader. I recomend highly. Thanks for my return to the magical Lamar Valley in the deep of winter.

This book was a perfect description of the essence and balance in Yellowstone National Park. It was like being on a magic tour of the Lamar Valley and witnessing the beauty for myself. Seeing it all through the eyes of Mr. Lamplugh ~ a creative and erudite writer who gives readers a poignant description of survival, coexisting and enriching the park made it hard to put the book down. His observations of the wolves as they migrated and established their territories is descriptive and enlightening. A must read!

This book is amazing! It is full of facts, wonderful stories and an excellent history of Yellowstone. The benefits of the balance of nature are impressed upon the reader in a logical and unemotional style yet the book is full of emotion. I read it because of my love of and advocacy for wolves. I learned so much about wolves, bisons, foxes, various birds, coyotes, bugs, the list goes on and on. Thank you Mr. Rick Lamplugh for writing "in the Temple of Wolves". My husband is now reading it and cannot put it down. Carol Cook

I just finished Rick's book. As a huge fan of Yellowstone National Park in general, and Lamar Buffalo Ranch in particular, the book was close to my heart and mind. Rick did a marvelous job of articulating his love for and knowledge of the area. His emotional attachment to his subject enhanced my reading experience; my only complaint was that the book ended too soon. In the Temple of Wolves is well researched and contains a wealth of information about this wonderful place place and its inhabitants.

My first trip to Yellowstone landed us in the Lamar valley. We wanted to see what is one of the best places to observe wildlife anywhere. At one point we pulled into the Buffalo Ranch and I was intrigued about this place. When I found out the courses offered and you could stay there in winter, I was taken with the idea of spending time there. I have not been able to get there in winter, but I came across In the Temple of Wolves and read it. The book shares the experiences of the author spending time there in winter. An amazing insight into Life in winter in the Lamar.

My husband and I had the honor of visiting Yellowstone in February 2012. That trip ranks as one of the best we ever took, and Rick's book took us right back there. We saw ravens raiding the unattended lunch bags of a snowmobile group, so that chapter hit home. Rick's description of a dying bison calf brought back our memories of a thin lone bison laying in the snow that we wondered if it was soon to be a wolf dinner. But mostly, his descriptions of the wolves took us back to the morning when we saw Mollie's pack relaxing in the snow under the trees. We hope someday to return to Yellowstone in the winter, but in the mean time, we'll experience it vicariously by rereading Rick's book again and again.

Every scene in this book is carefully described in intricate detail that fulfills every human sensory - to the extent of easily transporting the reader to the wintry terrain of The Lamar Buffalo Ranch and it's surrounding areas. There exists a beautiful flow through each creative sentence and chapter, with masterfully inserted facts that strengthen, not distract from the narrative. I enjoyed this book because it is an honest depiction of the author's personal experience in our ever decreasing natural wildlife. He shares adventures, thoughts, and even solutions to the conservation of the wolves in Yellowstone.

The author’s words and thoughts resound with mine. I have loved watching and reading about wolves since they were reintroduced . The wolves are part of the magic of Yellowstone, one my favorite places.

This book is remarkable for describing the tranquility and spiritual quality of Yellowstone and the ambivalence wolf lovers feel about observing a kill and a meal. The author painted a remarkable picture of the interaction between predator and prey and the magnet of nature for animal lovers despite the hardships (snow and temperature) while observing them. He was generous in giving credit to longtime "volunteer watchers" that keep the rest of us connected by photos and web sites. I will read it again for the feelings it generates

Lamplugh has a distinct talent for writing. He paints an honest picture of everything he sees and of all his observations, pleasant or otherwise, and he somehow manages to do this with all the grace of a poet. He teaches us much in this book, and gives us much to ponder about not only wolves, but also ourselves.

I love winter and I love animals other than humans. Therefore this book was perfect for me as the author teaches us about the lives and necessary interactions of many of the amazing animals in Yellowstone. He also gives great history of the origins and migrations of these beautiful creatures.

I have studied the 1995 restoration project of the Wolf to the Yellowstone and followed thier history ever since. Reading this outstanding book I have learned much more and increased my awarenes of and respect for the wolf. Rick Lamplugh is a really fine writer and naturalist. Anyone interested in the history and habits of the Wolf will find this book of great interest and knowledge and increase your respect for this powerful predator. Highly recommended!

This puts a new perspective on the wolf and the balance of nature. Loved this book and it did inspire me to enjoy this beautiful world around us. Rick did a lot of research on wolves and their habatat and blended them well into his experience. This is a great book and I recommend it.

This reverent, sensory-rich and fact-based account of the story of the wolves of Yellowstone is a must-read for anyone with an interest in, or passion for, wolves and their fate in the battle for co-existence with humans.

Very well written book. I always knew that wolves were a very important part in the ecology of our forests. But this book explains how all of the land, plants and animals are connected to ensure the survival not only of our National Forests, but our planet, too. I would love to see this book on a reading list required for all students to read.

This was an excellent book.It was very descriptive of life in Yellowstone through the winter.The cycle of life & death.The predator & prey relationships. It is all there wolves elk coyote ravens eagles & buffalo.Author discusses our mistrust & hatred of wolves.I fear for the future of wolves

This is an excellent book about the wolves in Yellowstone, particularly in the Lamar Valley. Written as a series of shot essays, In the Temple of the Wolves is thoughtful, thought provoking, well written, and extremely engaging. I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone interested in Yellowstone, wolves, or the issues surrounding the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone.

Rick's book is a must read for everyone who enjoys animals in the wild and wilderness itself. Rick is very open in his book about how special interest groups and politics are the greatest threats for our wild animals.

A good report on wintering with wolves in Yellowstone. Lamplugh's readable and informative account of his winter volunteering in Lamar Valley made me finally resolve to figure out a way to get out there and see the wolves myself. It's ridiculous that I haven't done that yet.

Loved author’s descriptions of wolf sightings, pack behavior, beauty of Yellowstone in winter. Lyrical writing. Best book I read this year.

This book came today and I did not put it down until I finished the final page. It will go on my "special self " of books that I must read again. Thank you for your insight, the history and the method that combined it all into a magical experience for the reader.

This is an excellent book. Mr. Lamplugh's story of his volunteer time in Yellowstone park and his visiting with the wolves of Yellowstone and human/park interaction. Highly recommend this book.

Well written. I'm so envious of the experience the author had but grateful that he shared it and his thoughts.

A good, easy read which is best when the author sticks to a natural telling of experiences and events, but loses some of the spell when he starts to toil at making it too novel-esque.

I was first introduced to Rick Lamplugh when he was featured on an episode of Nature on Yellowstone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading In the Temple of wolves. It is very thoughtfully written, with moments of humor and humility thrown in.

I enjoyed this little book immensely; the author's day-to-day experiences in Lamar Valley made me feel almost as if I were there. He intersperses stories of wildlife watching (including watching a pack work to bring down an elk) with philosophy and science, and shares a bit of the history of the Yellowstone wolves. I admit, I ended up shedding a tear for 06, who was probably Yellowstone's most famous wolf. A must-read for any wildlife lover, and indeed, for anyone who might want to learn more about the valuable place wolves hold in the environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed Rick's book. I find it to be very well written, descriptive and extremely insightful. He made the reader feel what it was like to spend a large amount of time in Yellowstone and his observations of the ecosystem around him were filled with depth and truth. I highly recomment this book to anyone who feels a deep connection with all things wild.

Well written and very interesting. A great read for a nature lover.

My husband and I were contributors to the Defenders of Wildlife Wolf Reintroduction Campaign. We hope, at the very least, to hear their voices someday in YNP. In reading this book I feel almost as if I have. Rick Lamplugh's accounting of his own experiences in the Lamar Valley are compelling and intelligent. I am moved by the honesty and integrity of his writing.

Great read and it’s a factual journey throughout our cherished and very first National Park.

I love the out of doors and this book made me feel like I was right outside with Lamplugh and the wolfs of Yellowstone. The book was exciting, sad, poignant, full of facts, wonderful stories, and thoughtful accounts of a winter spent in a Temple. A good read for those who love nature. This book will love you back.

Beautifully written, passionately researched, Lamplugh's "In the Temple of Wolves," is an homage not to the wolf but to the natural cycle of all living things. Vibrant descriptions of Yellowstone Park -- wildlife and terrain -- bring you back, if you'd had the fortune to visit, or draw you to making plans for your first journey into the wilds of the West. Lamplugh looks at the interrelated nature of humans and wolves and adeptly portrays the kindred spirit between us, leaving us with a taste for protecting these amazing animals from extinction once and for all.

If you like wolves you will like this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and learned a lot about the wildlife in Yellowstone.

This is a very good book. I love winter in National Parks but have yet to experience Yellowstone in winter. Rick’s descriptions made me feel like I was there with him while sitting in my living room in Kentucky. Getting ready to read his “Deep Into Yellowstone”.

This book is brilliantly written. I have had the great pleasure and honour of being up close and personal with wolves but have never been to Yellowstone. This book took me there and gave me the experience of being there with YS wonderful wild ones and yet I never left the comfort of my couch and fireplace. Rick's vivid and beautiful descriptions allow your imagination to take flight. Rick has also inspired me to go to Yellowstone and see the Temple for myself.

if you visit Yellowstone you must read this book. It takes you deep into the ecology of this wondrous park, with humor and a heartfelt love of the park. I have visited Yellowstone 9 times, this book has given me a new insight into the park and it's wolves. Just awesome, I am going to look for Rick when I visit this winter.

I very much liked the book. I wish it was longer but all in all a damn good read about Yellowstone’s wolves.

An excellent and easy read of a volunteer working in Yellowstone during the winter to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the natural order and balance of an extraordinary ecosystem. Very enjoyable with just enough background to encourage the reader to seek more knowledge.

This book shows the compelling evidence of how we as humans once again malign the magnificent wolf. We most not let the wolf disappear from our landscape. We need the wolf.

I loved this book. Lamar Vally is one of my favorite places, and Rick's narrative brings it to life. His writings are vivid, thought provoking, and deeply personal. He describes life and death honestly and reverently, always respectful of both the predator and the prey. I highly recommend this book.

What an amazing read. I felt like I was right there with the author. There was so much to learn - from the history of early wolf migration to how we must change the public's perception to one of respect for the wolf. The wolf brought back to Yellowstone's its natural ecosystem. I intend to read this book again and to share it with friends.

Interesting read for all lovers of wildlife and the little remaining wilderness that the USA has left. Not preachy or flowery, just good info and memories of an experience I wish I could have.

Very well written. Provides a first hand information on wolves, their prey and the Yellowstone ecosystem. Told with emotion and respect for the animals and ecosystem

I very much enjoyed the observations the author made about the environment around him, and I found myself being more critical of the same things while in nature and watching wildlife. I visited Yellowstone as a child, and this book has definitely inspired me to go back. I recommend this read for any outdoor enthusiast, ecologist, conservationist, and wildlife lover. It reminded me a bit of Aldo Leopold's "A Sand County Almanac".

Very enjoyable as written from the author's first person perspective. Would recommend reading as part of any (series of ) book interests in concern for the recovery of Yellowstone's wildlife and wolf population.

Both of Rick’s books are incredible journeys into the heart of the ecosystem that is Yellowstone. Weaving together science, naturalist observations, and personal memoir, he has created a narrative of love for this place and its inhabitants.

Reading this book made me feel like I was right there in Yellowstone Park in the winter, right beside Rick Lamplugh and his wife Mary. Having been to Yellowstone but not yet during winter, In The Temple of Wolves gave me an insight into just that experience. The author's narrative includes his personal observations of wolf and prey behavior during an entire winter season living and working in the park. Rick passes along lots of useful information about wolves, wolf-watchers and people's differing attitudes to them.

Rick Lamplugh does a great job telling this 'inside story' about Yellowstone Park, particularly the Lamar Valley, during a time of year when, as a child growing up nearby, I always thought of the Park as being in hibernation. There was nothing to see. Life was frozen. Not true! The book describes an amazing panorama of activity, from birds, to elk, to bison, to wolves, and how they are all interconnected. Read this book. It will change how you experience wilderness. Bill B.

This book had me from the get go. I appreciated the observations and insight that Rick gave and it was refreshing to not have to wade through a lot of technical jargon. I was pleasantly surprised to be reading not just about wolves but about coyotes, ravens, bison, elk, and more, and being flooded with compassion for each species. Thank you for this insider view of Yellowstone!

We read Rick's book just before heading to our first adventure in the Lamar Valley. We loved both the book AND the valley. We will return as often as possible. The book describes the various places we fell in love with and is a road map of sorts. We appreciate Rick's ambassadorship of the area as well as in his home state, Oregon. Beautiful account of winter in Yellowstone accented with lovely pictures. A winter trip is in our future for sure. A must read!

I really loved this book. I spend a great deal of time in Lamar Valley every year and Rick helped me to relive some of my experiences. I liked his writing style. The stories he told really came alive for me. I am familiar with many of the places and people he introduces. He described Rick McIntyre perfectly. I especially liked his description of the Lamar Canyons stalking the bull elk. I have observed this behavior a number of times and he described it perfectly.

I spent a good deal of time listening to and briefly seeing some of the Mexican Wolves in South East Arizona this year. That motivated me to read every book I can find about wolves. Rick Lamplugh's may be my favorite so far. I especially liked that the author took a naturalist's over- view of the ecosystem and wolves of Yellowstone. I'm envious of his time spent in the Lamar Valley during winter! On this solstice night I can dream I'm there.

Rick's book is truly immersive. I've spent time at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch myself and I felt like I already knew it thanks to Rick's incredible writing. For wolf lovers as well as anyone that treasures wild things and wild places, this book is a must read!

I really enjoyed reading this entertaining and informative book. It's a great read for anyone with an interest in Yellowstone. Books like this encourage people to think a little deeper, listen a little more intently, observe a little closer and understand our world more fully. Thank you for the great book and perspective!

I loved this book. I felt as if I were actually there. I can't wait to visit Yellowstone and experience it for myself. Rick is a great writer, and this is a must read.

Anyone that has been to and loves Yellowstone would find this book an amazing story of the ways of wildlife in the park, especially in winter. And if you haven't been there in the winter this will take you there with his words. Then, of course, you will want to see it for yourself during the beautiful winter months.

Wolves are a captivating subject and there's no lack of wolf books out there. But this one rises to the top. It's unique, supremely readable, and informative. Though it's a relatively easy read, be careful, while you're enjoying the storytelling and philosophy, you'll learn something too! Rick's experience on the ground, his passion, and storytelling ability make this the best natural history book I've read in a long time (and I've read a lot). A must buy!

The world needs to be educated on wolves and their importance to healthy ecosystems. In the Temple of Wolves, Rick gently takes the reader on a journey of learning and enchantment leaving the reader with a much deeper appreciation of nature and our very co-existence with wolves. It’s a light yet insightful read.

If you have ever taken a class the the Buffalo Ranch in Yellowstone, or even if you haven't, this book is a must read. All of us think we know a little about Yellowstone, but we DON'T! Yellowstone is so much more than roadside wildlife watching. It is an unusual mix of everything that goes on behind the scenes. This book captures just that. It is a brief view into the true balance of nature at it's very best. Don't miss it!

I read this book ( cover to cover on the plane) on my way to the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. Rick's description of the magnificence of Yellowstone and it's wildlife are spot on. I had been there once before and his mesmerizing stories brought back wonderful memories and made me excited to experience this amazing place once again. This book is for anyone wishing to visit Yellowstone or for those who want to be transported there through Rick's magical story telling.

There wasn't a moment that I the reader lost focus on the import of these studies by dedicated scientists. I lived worked with wolves and testified for wolf reintroduction with Renee Atkins of The Wolf Fund while living in Jackson WY . I am proud to underscore the value of the immeasurable contribution of so many and will continue to fight for the wolfs survival. Beautiful work!

An interesting and informative journey into the wilds of Yellowstone. Thoughtfully told and amazingly descriptive, a throughly enjoyable and educational read.

I couldn't put this book down-- read it in <24 hours. It's one of the best descriptive nonfiction books I've come across in recent years. I'm an ecologist, but you don't have to be a scientist to enjoy this book. Lamplugh presents some complex ecological theories, but he does so masterfully, with wording that is accessible for anyone. Having taken graduate-level courses on some of the topics introduced in this book, I can say that the science (as he presents it) holds up to scrutiny, but it is interwoven with a fascinating personal narrative that makes it a real "page-turner." Don't be fooled by the fact that it's self-published; it's a very smooth, polished read-- no edits needed.

Rick Lamplugh has created a detail rich book that truly made me feel like I was experiencing Lamar Valley in winter. I have made a few trips to Yellowstone during summer. This book gave me insight and a taste of the valley during winter. Lamplugh's attention to detail and storytelling truly made me feel like I was experiencing Lamar Valley through his eyes. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has been to the Lamar Valley or want to go there.

I couldn’t put this book down! Interesting, informative, and well written.

Loved this book. Made me want to make another trip to beautiful Yellowstone. Great lesson on history of wolves.in this country,

When you see the title, you will already understand that Rick Lamplugh finds Yellowstone and the parts of its ecosystem sacred. Lamplugh opens his heart and shares his most personal observations and feelings about his experience as a winter volunteer at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch in northeastern Yellowstone. The Lamar Valley is accessible year round, because the road between Gardiner and Cooke City, MT is plowed in winter as the only access for the residents of Cooke City. Lamar is also one of the best places in Yellowstone to watch and photograph wildlife, including wolves, one of the main themes in Lamplugh's touching memoir. His series of short vignettes also cover history of the Lamar station, solitude (and a little fright) of trekking alone in the winter landscape, bison, ravens, the balancing act of protecting the wild and visitor experience, and people who watch and study wolves and other wildlife. If you have visited Yellowstone or the Lamar Buffalo Ranch, this book will take you back to your adventure. If you dream of visiting Yellowstone, especially in winter, then the stories will stoke your desire and prepare you. You will get a sense of the sights, sounds, feeling, and even scents of winter in the wild. Are you a wolf watcher? Or, maybe you are an aspiring writer or blogger. Then, add the book to your collection. It's reverent and dreamy!

Great book on the Lamar Valley experience in Yellowstone. I was truly in the Temple of Wolves while reading this vivid, accurate account.

Wonderful book. Full of information about wolves, coyotes, bison, and ecology in Yellowstone. Thought -provoking.

This book gives insight to one man's journal during his winter stay in Yellowstone as a volunteer. His personal journey in the wilderness as an author and observer makes you feel as if you were there. His curiosity of the wolves and his insight will leave you feeling connected in a non-scientific way. His writing is fluid and poetic and was an easy destination in my mind. I highly recommend this book and hope he writes more!

Rick Lamplugh gives an introduction to his and his wife's stay as volunteers in Yellowstone through one winter. He describes his impressions and his learning about the nature, the animals, and the people who come to see them in this famous place.

Excellent book written by a writer who had a unique perspective having lived (multiple times) for three months in the heart of winter in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone. Not a scientific book, but one that is informed by solid science and infused by writer's own thoughts and emotions.

Fascinating book. Learned a few interesting facts about the wolves that I didn't know before as well as a few other animals in the Yellowstone way of life. All in all, very well written.

interesting follow up read, to the decade of the wolf

Fantastic book...it transports you to the park and provides a wealth of information about the ecology of Yellowstone. If you love Yellowstone National Park and feel a connection to its wilderness, this is a "must have" book.

A good read about the joys of spending winter time in Yellowstone - Really brings out how Yellowstone is a magical place

I will read this again. It was hard to put down once I started reading. When I was on the last page I didn't want to stop reading about this magnificent journey of wolves, animals and adventure. Thank you Rick for sharing your journey with the world through your words. It was like I was there. Please write again on more adventures.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to like inside Yellowstone National Park and have Lamar Valley as your yard, this book is for you. If you love wolves, Rick's unique window into the valley where wolf packs fight the elements, each other and man to live is not to be missed.

Loved, loved, loved this book. I was captivated from the moment I picked it up.

Wonderful book that depicts the true family style of wolves.

This is a great book. Rick not only looks at the positive of wolves in the area but also considers the negative impact and ways of fixing the issues. His writing brings you into the area and makes you want to be there. When reading the book he makes you visualize what he must be feeling and going through. Very will written. Thanks for sharing.

Very well written! I felt I was right there with Rick in the Lamar Valley. I had a wolf hybrid & know how smart a wolf is.Would highly recommend this book.

I am a big fan of Rick's work and his book," In the Temple of Wolves", makes you feel like you are back in Yellowstone. And if you haven't been, you surely will after reading it!. I have read the book twice, and it is just so refreshing to have a book that brings the wolves and the Yellowstone landscape to life! Thanks Rick... I simply can't recommend this book enough!

Awesome book for a much maligned animal. We need wolves, and we need science and stories to correct the medias warped presentation of them.

A delightful set of essays that takes you right into the Lamar Valley as the author volunteers at the Buffalo Ranch in Yellowstone National Park in winter. Thoughtful, descriptive writing that had me shivering in the cold snow and hearing the wolves howl - while seated in the heat of southern AZ!

Outstanding!! Highly recommend

I absolutely loved In the Temple of Wolves! I was truly sad when I finished the book, I didn't wanted it to end. I felt that I was right there with him. A must read for any wolf lover or just nature lover. I rarely read a book more than once, but this one I'll be giving a second and probably third read.

You'll feel like you spent the winter watching wolves in Yellowstone reading Rick's passionate account of his time at Lamar Buffalo Ranch. Among the best non-fiction since John McPhee!

Couldn't put this one down. For lovers of the outdoors and wildlife this is a keeper.

A terrific read for anyone who is interested in wolves. It is filled with amazing stories and enough factual information to give valuable background. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book. I have my bachelor's degree in wildlife biology so it had a lot of biological information but a good story line to make it fun.

Having been there a couple years ago and used The Wild Side as our guide, it was really cool to read about them. I have always wanted to go to YNP in the winter and his book gave me inside look at that awesome experience.

Beautiful story, well written, scientifically accurate.

Wonderful

Most definitely a must read! Beautifully written.

I wanted to learn about wolves. Really liked the information presented in the book. Thanks for Writing about wolves and their place in nature.

I could not put this book down, from start to finish a good read. It brings you into the lives of the volunteers and the beauty and wonder of Yellowstone National Park in winter. Great facts about wildlife and the hardships they face. Loved this book. Thank you Rick for a wonderful good read! Jenni B.

Great first book.....enjoyed learning more about the Yellowstone Association's winter trips, and life in Lamar Valley. The life and death cycle and survival of wolves, buffalo, and elks in the winter shows how we all depend on each other. Humans and animals and plant life too. The only thing I didn't care for and this is just me personally was the history of the wolves. I enjoy Yellowstone and that was why I bought the book, to get a different perspective of life in the winter in Yellowstone.

An informative and easy to read book. Discussion of Asian cows to bison interesting. The chapter on wolf hating history was especially informative. Would recommend it to wildlife or wolf enthusiasts or anyone looking for a good read.

A gift for my son who is an avid wolf watcher in Yellowstone, I'm sure he'll enjoy the book.

Great book...makes you feel like you are right there with the author...it came very highly recommended to me by many others!

A truly wonderful read ! I felt like I was right there experiencing the beauty of YS. Also great insight to the struggles of wildlife conservation.

Great book......

Have not finished yet, but the first chapter tells me I am going to love it

Loved every minute. I have experienced snippets and want to try more. A wolf watcher, nature lover at heart inspired by this story to extend myself. Thank you.

I really enjoyed this book. Very nice writing style, very interesting topic. I'm planning on visiting Yellowstone for the first time in a couple of months, and this book really got me even more excited to visit.

Tales of winter landscapes, charismatic carnivores, adventure, introspection, and controversy – all unfold beautifully in Rick Lamplugh’s In the Temple of Wolves. The author led me along the starlit nights and crystalline days of Yellowstone in deep winter. He inspired me to see wolves in the wild, hear their howls, and witness their role in the natural world. And he wasn’t afraid to expose some truths about himself and our society along the way. I’d put this up there with other great reads like those of Edward Abbey and Gary Ferguson. A must for anyone interested in the wonders of Yellowstone in winter.

It was one amazing book. I was in Yellowstone with the author the whole time. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves wolves and wildlife. A must read

Well written primer for a 1st time winter visitor to YNP. You felt like you were in the Lamar Valley watching the stories unfold.

Wonderful story of the wolves positive impact on Yellowstone's ecology.Written with a yearning for a deeper understanding of the balance of nature.Yellowstone touches many souls along with the authors.

This is a must read for anyone who respects nature and the creatures who balance the ecosystems. His words draw you in to the experiences of the Yellowstone's Lamar Valley as if you were there following the wolves, bison, coyotes and ravens through their life experiences.

Great book, with several short-stories about Yellowstone wolves. Highly recommendable.

I loved this book it really helped me to see these wolves better. The decline in the LaMar valley wolf packs leaves me somewhat apprehensive as to their future after they have come so far.

Enjoyable, enlightening and fearful of the future for the wolves. I hope someday man and beast can find a common ground.

I enjoyed the book very much. I was raised not far from where that book is about so I know that the author had his facts straight and the story provided me "a trip home". I will probably read the book many times.

I struggle to stay focused on most books, this however kept me interested cover to cover. Can't wait to admire the beauty of the Lamar valley in winter myself.

This is a truly beautiful book. Read it.

This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys Yellowstone. It is very well written and literally places you in a Yellowstone winter. It is very informative and describes the wildlife and landscape of the Lamar Valley perfectly. I highly recommend it.

I loved the realness of this book. To understand you must be able to feel both sides between the hunters and the science. This author.does this through his vivid adventures. Great read!

Felt like I was right there in Lamar valley! Excellent book!

Living in the Netherlands, where wolves are long gone, it's an adventure to read a book like "In the Temple of Wolves". I'm not quite finished reading but so far I rated this book with 5 stars. Sincerely, Nieske

Excellent,brought back fond memories of the majestic wolf in its sacred sanctuary Yellowstone.It also serves as a reminder of what advocates of the parks and it's wildlife fight to preserve for all of us.

A wonderful book for anyone who loves wildlife and wolves. Very informative on Yellowstone. Written very well. You will feel like you are right there with the author. Could not put it down. Read it in one sitting.

Very good.

Rick's book is well written and moves along easily. I am a lover of the wild and wolves and am so jealous of Rick and Mary's adventure in Yellowstone. Great job. I hope that Rick is working on a new book.

Fantastic book! Easy read, and useful for anyone that plans a trip to Yellowstone National Park or is a seasoned veteran of the park.

Fantastic

Rick brings his story of winter in YNP to life. Hard to put down.

I liked it but thought it was going to be more about wolves, so a bit disappointed Bout that, however it was a well written excellent book.

A quick, easy read that made me feel as if I was back in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone, a very gratifying place to be!

Great read, fast read

This book really brings the reality of Yellowstone and the Wolves that live there to life for the reader. Rick's words paint a vivid picture of the wolves daily struggles.

I found the book very enjoyable. The authors style is comfortable and casual. I could have listened to many more stories from buffalo ranch.

Fantastic story about a part of Yellowstone most do not get to see. Definitely worth picking up if you love nature or wolves

I loved In The Temple of Wolves! It should be a necessary read for those of us that live in Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming.

Parameters for defining an awesome book-When you power through almost an entire book in one sitting, oblivious to the world around you, it's a great book!

As a french visitor of the Lamar valley and lucky wolf watcher thank's to Yellowstone association, this book drop me again in the magic of YNP

great book