An Entirely Synthetic Fish

How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World

"A fascinating story of man’s urge to cultivate and disseminate a beautiful coldwater fish—at times to the detriment of native species but also the joy of anglers who would not otherwise have the opportunity to catch a trout. A gripping blend of early American history, discussions on taxonomy, and questions of how best to preserve wildness and the indigenous in a world where the human relationship to Nature is complex and always changing."

- James Prosek, author of Trout of the World

"This book rewards readers in two equally significant ways. First, it entertains us with stories of intrinsic interest and even mind-stretching improbability. Second, it invites us to be smarter and more congenial citizens, more inclined to think productively about our environmental challenges and dilemmas, and more prepared to rise above faction and return to regarding 'the public good.'"

- Patricia Nelson Limerick, Faculty Director of Center for the American West, and author of The Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken Past of the American West and Something in the Soil: Legacies and Reckonings in the New West

"In this brilliant study, Anders Halverson illuminates the astonishing history of the rainbow trout, a native of the tributaries of eastern and western Pacific coastal rivers, but introduced to at least 45 countries, and every continent except Antarctica. But why does he call it 'an entirely synthetic fish?' You'll have to read this remarkable book for the answer."

- Richard Ellis, author of Tuna: A Love Story and On Thin Ice: The Changing World of the Polar Bear

“The historical research, personal interviews, and putting it together has produced an outstanding piece of work.”

- Robert Behnke, Professor Emeritus, Colorado State University, and author of Trout and Salmon of North America

"Anyone interested in life as metaphor will find here the fascinating historical story of how different people saw their highest ideals and aspirations through the lens of a single, uncommonly compelling fish. And like democracy—but with perhaps more success—they spread it around the world. This unusually well-written, interesting book deserves a place of honor for everyone who sees in trout more than ‘just’ a fish."

- Carl Safina, author of Song for the Blue Ocean, Eye of the Albatross, and The View From Lazy Point

Upcoming Events

Discussing Entirely Synthetic Fish at Wilderness Institute at the University of Montana

Missoula, MT

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 7:00pm

Wilderness Institute

American Society of Environmental History

Madison, WI

Saturday, March 31, 2012 (All day)

ASEH Madison 2012

Discussing Entirely Synthetic Fish at the New England Aquarium

Boston, MA

Thursday, May 10, 2012 - 7:00pm

New England Aquarium