William Joseph Long (1867–1952) was an American writer, naturalist, and minister who dedicated much of his life to observing and writing about the natural world. Based in Stamford, Connecticut, where he served as a minister for the First Congregationalist Church, Long regularly escaped the bounds of town life to immerse himself in nature. Every spring, he would journey to the wilderness of Maine, often accompanied by his children, remaining there until the autumn snows or occasionally through the winter.\n\nLong's deep connection to the outdoors inspired a prolific writing career focused on wildlife and nature studies. Among his notable publications are Ways of Wood Folk, Wilderness Ways, and Wood Folk at School. His works, which were illustrated by prominent artists such as Charles Copeland and Charles Livingston Bull, reflected his core philosophy of wildlife observation: that the best way to experience nature was to sit quietly and allow the animals to approach.\n\nAs the Maine wilderness grew increasingly crowded, Long shifted his summer excursions to Nova Scotia during the 1920s. His writings remain a testament to his patient, observational approach to natural history and his desire to share the wonders of the wilderness with a broader reading public.
