Tom Hennessey back with another book

For decades, readers of the BDN savored the outdoor essays and artwork of Tom Hennessey, who worked for this paper for 54 years.

Hennessey “officially” retired in 1996, but was a contributor to the sports and outdoor pages for years afterward. His last column appeared in March of 2013, and in the months that followed, I regularly heard from readers who were saddened by the void his departure had left.

Tom Hennessey. (BDN photo by Gabor Degre)

Tom Hennessey. (BDN photo by Gabor Degre)

Those who’ve been missing their monthly dose of Hennessey’s wisdom are in luck, however: Hennessey’s third book, “Leave Some for Seed,” will be released later this month, following a book launch reception scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Penobscot Valley Conservation Association’s clubhouse.

Hennessey said he’s busier painting than he has ever been, and is still writing plenty as well: You can find some of his work in Gray’s Sporting Journal, for instance.

The latest book has been published by Islandport Press in Yarmouth, and follows Hennessey’s other offerings, “Feathers ‘n Fins” (1989) and “Handy to Home, A Lifetime in the Maine Outdoors” (2000).

The format is similar in “Leave Some for Seed.” Hennessey’s essays are featured, as are some wonderful drawings that illustrate the themes covered in his prose.

In a recent interview, Hennessey said he was very pleased by the work done at Islandport, particularly the color reproduction of the cover painting, and the attention to editing detail that was displayed by all involved.

I’ve yet to receive a review copy, so I can’t tell you much about the essays themselves … yet.

But Hennessey says the essays are a reflection on the life he has led, and often illustrate the immense changes that have changed the state’s attitude toward traditional outdoor pursuits.

When I get my hands on a copy of the book, I’ll tell you a bit more.

And in September, you can read the full question-and-answer interview I conducted with Hennessey. That piece will appear in the Fall issue of our stand-alone magazine, BDN Maine Outdoors, which will hit newsstands in the middle of next month.

Stay tuned!

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.