In A Work That Beautifully Demonstrates The Rewards Of Closely Observing Nature, Elisabeth Bailey Shares An Inspiring And Intimate Story Of Her Uncommon Encounter With A Neohelix Albolabris--a Common Woodland Snail. Part 1. The Violet-pot Adventures. Field Violets ; Discovery ; Explorations -- Part Ii. A Green Kingdom. The Forest Floor ; Life In A Microcosm ; Time And Territory -- Part Iii. Juxtapositions. Thousands Of Teeth ; Telescopic Tentacles ; Marvelous Spirals ; Secret Recipes -- Part Iv. The Cultural Life. Colonies Of Hermits ; Midnight Leap ; A Snail's Thoughts ; Deep Sleep -- Part V. Love And Mystery. Cryptic Life ; Affairs Of A Snail ; Bereft ; Offspring -- Part Vi. Familiar Territory. Release ; Winter Snail ; Spring Rain ; Night Stars -- Appendix: Terraria. Elisabeth Tova Bailey. Simultaneously Published: [markham, Ontario] : Thomas Allen & Son. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 179-186). John Burroughs Medal Winner, 2011. William Saroyan International Prize For Writing, 2012.