Since 1968, Bernie Krause has traveled the world making sound recordings of more than 15 000 species through his organization Wild Sanctuary. In his previous book, The Great Animal Orchestra, Krause drew readers' attention to what Jane Goddall described as "the harmonies of nature … [that are being] one by one by one, snuffed out by human actions." Now, Krause builds upon the subject of his popular 2014 TED Talk and examines natural sounds produced collectively within the landscape. He goes on to explain how the secrets hidden within the natural world's shrinking sonic environment must be preserved for the sake of our cultural and scientific heritage as well as humanity's physical and spiritual welfare.

Beautifully written and accessible to a wide audience, Krause's narrative – supplemented by exclusive access to new animal sound recordings – draws upon a compelling range of personal anecdotes, histories, and examples to document his early exploration of this field and to lay the groundwork for future generations.