American Environmental History: An Introduction

Columbia Guides to American History and Cultures

by Carolyn Merchant

By studying the many ways diverse peoples have changed, shaped, and conserved the natural world over time, environmental historians provide insight into humanity's unique relationship with nature and, more importantly, are better able to understand the origins of our current environmental crisis. Beginning with the precolonial land-use practice of Native Americans and concluding with our twenty-first century concerns over our global ecological crisis, "American Environmental History" addresses contentious issues such as the preservation of the wilderness, the expulsion of native peoples from national parks, and population growth, and considers the formative forces of gender, race, and class. Entries address a range of topics, from the impact of rice cultivation, slavery, and the growth of the automobile suburb to the effects of the Russian sea otter trade, Columbia River salmon fisheries, the environmental justice movement, and globalization. This illustrated reference is an essential companion for students interested in the ongoing transformation of the American landscape and the conflicts over its resources and conservation. It makes rich use of the tools and resources (climatic and geological data, court records, archaeological digs, and the writings of naturalists) that environmental historians rely on to conduct their research. The volume also includes a compendium of significant people, concepts, events, agencies, and legislation, and an extensive bibliography of critical films, books, and Web sites.

Genres: History, Nature, Environment, Nonfiction, Science, Reference, Native American

480 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2007

About the author

Carolyn Merchant is an American ecofeminist philosopher and historian of science most famous for her theory (and book of the same title) on The Death of Nature, whereby she identifies the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century as the period when science began to atomize, objectify, and dissect nature, foretelling its eventual conception as composed of inert atomic particles. Her works are important in the development of environmental history and the history of science. She is Professor emerita of Environmental History, Philosophy, and Ethics at UC Berkeley.

Reviews

[sdw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an overview of major themes in environmental history. I am very impressed with the organization of the book and the depth that Merchant is able to provide given the breadth requirements of such a work. The organization of information in the book is top notch. I highly recommend it as reference book, and I hope that Merchant continues to update it as the field develops.

In addition to the materials in the chapters, the book offers a timeline of environmental history, a guide to films and videos, a guide to electronic resources, a bibliographic essay for each theme, and a comprehensive bibliography for each theme.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in parts and pieces, but totally suited my needs for integrative environmental history lessons this year!

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a class

[T.M.]

Had to correct a few inaccuracies. Sitting Bull didn't die at Wounded Knee Creek in 1891, it was Chief Big Foot and his people. Otherwise, interesting textbook.