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Cycle of Fire
Awful Splendour: A Fire History of Canada
Fire is a defining element in Canadian land and life. With few exceptions, Canada’s forests and prairies have evolved with fire. Its peoples have exploited fire and sought to protect themselves from its excesses, and since Confederation, the country has devised various institutions to connect fire and society. Awful Splendour narrates the history of this grand saga.
The story has three parts. "Torch" sketches the historical geography of fire from the retreat of the ice sheets to the advent of agriculture, with human control limited to ignition. "Axe" focuses on the era of European colonizatioin and describes what happens when people create new fuels through cutting. "Engine" traces the impact of industrialization. This section tells the story of institutions and events, province by province, and for the federal government, era by era, through the early 1980s. An Epilogue summarizes recent developments.
Fire remains a vital presence in the boreal environment. How Canadians have chosen to relate to it says a great deal about their national character. The book will interest geographers, historians, and members of the fire community.
The story has three parts. "Torch" sketches the historical geography of fire from the retreat of the ice sheets to the advent of agriculture, with human control limited to ignition. "Axe" focuses on the era of European colonizatioin and describes what happens when people create new fuels through cutting. "Engine" traces the impact of industrialization. This section tells the story of institutions and events, province by province, and for the federal government, era by era, through the early 1980s. An Epilogue summarizes recent developments.
Fire remains a vital presence in the boreal environment. How Canadians have chosen to relate to it says a great deal about their national character. The book will interest geographers, historians, and members of the fire community.
- GenresResearch
584 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2007
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October 22, 2016
Look, I'll be honest: This is a book for folks who want a really, really thorough introduction to wildfire in Canada. It's long (480 pages), incredibly packed with details from the 1800s and 1900s, and written by a clearly historical mind. As such, it's best for people with a deep passion for fire or forestry in Canada.
All that said, I can't imagine a better bible on the subject. Steve is thorough and able to weave a book that hits details, individual stories, and the big picture alike. His position as an outsider, looking in at the Canadian fire scene, helps reveal insights difficult to see from the inside alone.
Don't expect a light read, but do expect the most thorough, complete, and thoughtful account of Canada's fire history that's available anywhere.
All that said, I can't imagine a better bible on the subject. Steve is thorough and able to weave a book that hits details, individual stories, and the big picture alike. His position as an outsider, looking in at the Canadian fire scene, helps reveal insights difficult to see from the inside alone.
Don't expect a light read, but do expect the most thorough, complete, and thoughtful account of Canada's fire history that's available anywhere.
Displaying 1 of 1 review