The Hudson: America's River

by Frances F. Dunwell

Frances F. Dunwell presents a rich portrait of the Hudson and of the visionary people whose deep relationship with the river inspires changes in American history and culture. Lavishly illustrated with color plates of Hudson River School paintings, period engravings, and glass plate photography, The Hudson captures the spirit of the river through the eyes of its many admirers. It shows the crucial role of the Hudson in the shaping of Manhattan, the rise of the Empire State, and the trajectory of world trade and global politics, as well as the river's influence on art and architecture, engineering, and conservation.

Genres: Americana, Nonfiction

392 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2008

About the author

Frances F. Dunwell is the author of Hudson River Highlands and has spent over thirty years in a number of nonprofit and governmental positions dedicated to conserving the natural and historic heritage of the Hudson River."

Reviews

[Raimund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often know after the first chapter if a book is five-star material. This book is no exception to that. I have been living 20 years in Westchester County, NY and was largely unaware of the amazing and influential 400 year history of this river. For example, I didn't know that where the Bear Mountain bridge is now crossing the river is the spot where 300 years ago patriotic forces drew a chain across the river in an attempt to stop English war ships from penetrating into upstate New York.

The book has greatly inspired me to hike more in the Highlands and explore many of the historic sites which used to be the private residences of American millionaires of the 1800s such as the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers. When I get to Storm King Mountain on the west shore and Break Neck Mountain on the east shore side I will know that I am walking over the part of the Catskill Aqueduct where it crosses the river underneath the water in a syphon-like tunnel drilled into the solid bedrock. Starting near Cornwall at 418 feet elevation the tunnel drops down vertically to a depth of 1100 feet, crosses the river, and emerges back up vertically on the east side to an elevation of 395 feet. At the time it was built in 1907 and 1916 it was one of the greatest engineering feats in human history.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book. Though it was quite different from what I thought I was going to read. For some reason I thought it would be more of a photographic journey on the river.

Instead this was an in-depth history of the river. It covered many aspects of life on the river--industrial use, travel, the art movements, the great celebration in the early 1900s, etc., right up to the present and the environmental disputes and clean-ups.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this historical overview of the Hudson River, although it took me much longer to read it than I anticipated. Extremely detailed, but well-written so it keeps you engaged. Makes you truly appreciate the gift of the Hudson.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history book

[Emma Beckerle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot and the topic is near and dear to my heart - a bit dry in moments but a great historical overview for anyone interested in the history of the Hudson Valley and America in general.