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CORVALLIS - The changing high desert country of Central Oregon provides the setting for a new book by the Oregon State University Press that was written by Jarold Ramsey, a native son who left the region years ago to attend college and became an award-winning poet and essayist.

The book is called "New Era: Reflections on the Human and Natural History of Central Oregon." In it, Ramsey provides an intimate look at how the region has changed, both in the lives of the people and the landscapes that define the high desert country.

Ramsey also wrote the critically acclaimed books, "Coyote Was Going There" and "Reading the Fire," which are considered seminal works on Native American literature.

In his latest effort, Ramsey provides a lifetime of stories about his homeland, including tales of early Native American-Anglo encounters, the ghost town of Opal City, a family fishing site on the Crooked River, and homestead ranches and the families who struggled to carve out an existence there.

"'New Era' is a terrific book," said Tom Booth, marketing manager for the OSU Press. "It traces the intricate relationship of people and the land - and the human need to tell stories. Each chapter offers a new perspective on the interplay of human and natural history in a challenging time and place.

"And though the author's focus is intensely local, the issues have larger Western and American implications, too," he added.

Ramsey was born in Central Oregon and grew up on his family ranch. He left Oregon to attend college, eventually earning a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. He joined the University of Rochester faculty in 1965 and taught courses ranging from American Indian literature to Shakespeare. A popular figure on campus, Ramsey retired in 1997 but was asked to return to campus in 2001 to give the commencement address to Rochester graduates.

In 2000, Ramsey returned to the family ranch north of Madras and that return to his roots prompted "New Era."

Author Craig Lesley, the noted author of "Winterkill" and "The Sky Fisherman," called Ramsey's latest effort "a wonderful collection of essays."

"Unforgettable characters populate Central Oregon's reservations and ranches, cities and schoolhouses," Lesley said. "Here are rich harvests and severe breakdowns, good stories and bad medicine, memorable adventures and forlorn mishaps. Jarold Ramsey offers a graceful and heartfelt gift to those who love Oregon and the West."

The OSU Press book, "New Era," is available in bookstores, or can be ordered by calling 1-800-426-3797. The 160-page paperback sells for $14.95.