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Waterfall: Nature and Culture
From Niagara Falls in the United States to Angel Falls in Venezuela, Victoria Falls in Africa, and Hannoki Falls in Japan, waterfalls provide some of the world’s loveliest panoramas. With their glistening spray and deafening roar, these astonishing natural wonders attract hordes of people each year who seek out, with cameras in hand, these terrifying and sublime examples of natural beauty.
While waterfalls have often been considered in terms of their picturesque qualities, their rich cultural background has been neglected. In Waterfall , Brian Hudson portrays these marvels in a new light. He explores the many myths and legends waterfalls have inspired in cultures ranging from Native American to Celtic and Indian, and how they have been depicted in art, literature, film, and music. He also examines their influence on architecture and landscape design, as manmade waterfalls begin to be a staple of parks, gardens, and backyard landscaping. Hudson also discusses the ecology of waterfalls and the conflict that arises from their importance as both a source of hydroelectric power and tourist attractions in many countries. As erosion takes its own toll, the additional environmental impacts of human exploitation could be devastating.
A superb addition to the library of any nature lover, this beautifully illustrated book provides a fascinating look at the history and value of these stunning cascades of water.
While waterfalls have often been considered in terms of their picturesque qualities, their rich cultural background has been neglected. In Waterfall , Brian Hudson portrays these marvels in a new light. He explores the many myths and legends waterfalls have inspired in cultures ranging from Native American to Celtic and Indian, and how they have been depicted in art, literature, film, and music. He also examines their influence on architecture and landscape design, as manmade waterfalls begin to be a staple of parks, gardens, and backyard landscaping. Hudson also discusses the ecology of waterfalls and the conflict that arises from their importance as both a source of hydroelectric power and tourist attractions in many countries. As erosion takes its own toll, the additional environmental impacts of human exploitation could be devastating.
A superb addition to the library of any nature lover, this beautifully illustrated book provides a fascinating look at the history and value of these stunning cascades of water.
248 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 29, 2025
Even the stunning colour photographs couldn't make me muster up enough enthusiasm for this book. It is quite repetitive really. I mean once you've seen one epic waterfall, you've seen them all I suppose.
I did love how the author put captions next to loads of photos of people jumping into waterfalls like "these two tourists moments before they likely DIED as waterfalls are dangerous"! "see these fools jumping in, yeah? dead now I reckon"!
On a random note, if you played the game drink-along-a-falls (whereby you downed a bevvy for every time the word falls appeared) you'd end up in A&E! Just sayin!
I did love how the author put captions next to loads of photos of people jumping into waterfalls like "these two tourists moments before they likely DIED as waterfalls are dangerous"! "see these fools jumping in, yeah? dead now I reckon"!
On a random note, if you played the game drink-along-a-falls (whereby you downed a bevvy for every time the word falls appeared) you'd end up in A&E! Just sayin!
March 20, 2013
Although it has excess of Niagara falls and deficit of Tequendama falls, it mentions all of the most important, including an Inca four-spout fountain at Tipon, perú (p. 156) and an exuberant canadian frozen waterfall that a daring climber was working in (p. 60). I liked the reviews, the quality of the paper and the pictures. It is a great little book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews