The American Environment: Readings in the History of Conservation

by Roderick Nash

"The publication of this book marks the first attempt to provide an inexpensive collection of documents illustrating the development of the American conservation movement as idea and actuality." (quoted from back cover blurb) Please

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Environment, Natural History, Nature, Conservation, Ecology

364 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Frazier Nash, Roderick
Nash, Roderic Frazier
Nash, Roderick F.
Nash, Roderick Frazier

Roderick Frazier Nash is a professor emeritus of history and environmental studies at the University of California Santa Barbara. He was the first person to descend the Tuolumne River (using a raft) [from: en.wikipedia.org]

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful exploration of prominent themes in American environmentalism over the years, from Thoreau's meditations on nature's eternal and intrinsic beauty to Rachel Carson's call-to-arms regarding the depletion of the ozone layer by CFCs and other pernicious unnatural chemicals. Reckoning with the contemporary political landscape concerning natural preservation and substantive efforts to combat climate change, humanity should delve into the past to derive inspiration and motivation as Generation Z grapples with the unseemly, precarious predicament that presently accosts us with foreboding, seemingly inescapable doom.

[Soren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fair overview. Sometimes I wonder about the length of selections/which pieces were selected but overall it's a solid selection. The author doesn't pipe in to give opinion or analysis, so this is a good baseline of the texts (in this body) that exist without the input of the author. It's fair for what it is and the organization seems logical to me. A fair read that I feel acts as a solid baseline for understanding or exploring the topic.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent collection of essays and opinions of conservation history in America. From the viewpoints of our country's founders to environmental legends like Leopold and Muir, to the more shocking viewpoints of the Earth First Movement, each essay and selection is quite interesting. I may end up purchasing this book for myself so that I can use it as a source for information and motivation as I look towards grad school.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a great read for a political writing anthology ... It gives a nice tour through the history of U.S. environmental conciousness and thought from colonial times right up through recent history--Lots of interesting excerpts I wouldn't otherwise have been exposed to.

[Photina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays and speeches from people about conservation throughout the history of America. I enjoyed some of the selections more than others but not a bad read. I read this as one of our texts for my history class.

[Eugene Miya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays for Rod's class. Lacks a little context, you needed the class for a bit more context. The essays are a bit fine if a little dated (think climate change and other issues (climate change was happening and being studied back then)).

[Nitrorockets · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good group of readings.

[Eugene Miya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had it for one of Rod's class. A collection of essays. It's OK. Fine for a class. Short on context (you need the class).

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

collection of essays.