The rapidly disappearing wetlands that once spread so abundantly across the American continent serve an essential and irreplaceable ecological function. Yet for centuries, Americans have viewed them with disdain. Beginning with the first European settlers, we have thought of them as sinkholes of disease and death, as landscapes that were worse than useless unless they could be drained, filled, paved or otherwise "improved." As neither dry land, which can be owned and controlled by individuals, nor bodies of water, which are ...
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The rapidly disappearing wetlands that once spread so abundantly across the American continent serve an essential and irreplaceable ecological function. Yet for centuries, Americans have viewed them with disdain. Beginning with the first European settlers, we have thought of them as sinkholes of disease and death, as landscapes that were worse than useless unless they could be drained, filled, paved or otherwise "improved." As neither dry land, which can be owned and controlled by individuals, nor bodies of water, which are considered a public resource, wetlands have in recent years been at the center of controversy over issues of environmental protection and property rights.The confusion and contention that surround wetland issues today are the products of a long and convoluted history. In "Discovering the Unknown Landscape," Anne Vileisis presents a fascinating look at that history, exploring how Americans have thought about and used wetlands from Colonial times through the present day. She discusses the many factors that influence patterns of land use -- ideology, economics, law, perception, art -- and examines the complicated interactions among those factors that have resulted in our contemporary landscape. As well as chronicling the march of destruction, she considers our seemingly contradictory tradition of appreciating wetlands: artistic and literary representations, conservation during the Progressive Era, and recent legislation aimed at slowing or stopping losses."Discovering the Unknown Landscape" is an intriguing synthesis of social and environmental history, and a valuable examination of how cultural attitudes shape the physical world that surrounds us. It provides importantcontext to current debates, and clearly illustrates the stark contrast between centuries of beliefs and policies and recent attempts to turn those longstanding beliefs and policies around. Vileisis's clear and engaging prose provides a new and compelling understanding of modern-day environmental conflicts.
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Add this copy of Discovering the Unknown Landscape: a History of America to cart. $15.98, fair condition, Sold by JuGis Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from zephyrhills, FL, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Island Press.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. This used book is in acceptable condition and will show wear. It could also be missing the dust cover, or boxed set case. Pages may include notes, major highlighting, or minor water damage or foxing marks but the text is readable. Item may be missing CD/DVD/codes.
Add this copy of Discovering the Unknown Landscape: a History of America to cart. $15.99, good condition, Sold by Blue Vase Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Interlochen, MI, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Island Press.
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Former library book with the usual stamps stickers and labels. The item shows wear from consistent use but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover if applicable. Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs access code or other supplemental materials.
Add this copy of Discovering the Unknown Landscape: a History of America to cart. $47.27, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Island Press.
Add this copy of Discovering the Unknown Landscape a History of America to cart. $50.00, very good condition, Sold by Ann Open Book rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lansing, MI, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Island Press.
