American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau (LOA #182) (Library of America)

My church's environmental team sponsors a book group. We have all been surprised, challenged, and inspired by the selections in this anthology which ranges from Thoreau through the twenty-first century. Over a thousand pages with a wide variety of perspectives and writing styles, the survey introduces readers to the founders as well as unexpected and underappreciated voices in American environmental writing.

"American Earth" is a fantastic summary/anthology of not just environmental writing but also a reflection of American patriotism in it's purest form. The book provides essential essays, speeches and excerpts from longer works that reveal how we as a country became aware of our problem with our planet. Everything from "Walden" to "Silent Spring" and beyond is here. The creators of the pieces are all true patriots- they love the country in it's purest sense and fight to preserve it. Reading there words is an inspiration to anyone who is interested in awakening to what is truly our biggest and most daunting long-term challenge. The book also has many wonderful photos and pictures adapted to the times and the subject matter in the book. Heartily, heartily recommended.

This is the anthology that should be on your shelf. Well thought out compendium that could easily serve as a single source for college courses. What is perhaps more important is that the various references mentioned or quoted within the book make a great roadmap to get you headed towards even more sources. Unfortunately, much has happened since its publication -- although nothing should be removed. Never-the-less, this is an outstanding source.

This is a good collection and I recommend it to sit side by side with your copy of Norton's Anthology of Nature writing. This collection is considered "environmental writing" which is a subset of nature writing that can often sound the alarm concerning environment problems. Silent Spring being the most obvious example. In this regard I believe this collection attains the goal and is worthy to own. To me however, an anthology which considers itself capturing American Nature related writing since Thoreau but does not include the man who is perhaps the greatest American Nature writer of the second half of the 20th century would have to be considered lacking. Peter Matthiessen is an obvious miss in these pages.

With over a hundred authors contributing and Al Gore's blessing, you cannot ask for a better collection of writings from some of the best minds around. After you get a taste, it will inspire you to seek out the full editions of the books. The Library of America series has always selected top notch authors and works; they also print the books on wonderful paper with sturdy bindings. The editor- Bill McKibben was able to give a brief summary of the authors works and life that contributed, which helps put the works into perspective.

an interesting compilation of environmental writing, although some of it is a bit weird. Not a book I'd read for personal interest, even though I'm in environmental education. It's required reading for my daughter. I'd rather she read Leopold. The book came in good condition, and we'll sell it back at the end of class.

If you have a library, and this is not on your shelf, you do not have a library. This is a must have for any library. The excerpts are wonderful, from Muri to Thoreau, this book is packed full of environmental historical writings that just make you think. The organization is great, and the aesthetics are superb. I found nothing lacking about this book. It even includes a silk ribbon bookmark.

There is perhaps no book more influential to my thoughts about our world, our environment, and our contributions — good and bad. One need not read through this giant collection all at once; however, its progression is lovely. I recommend American Earth for any classroom studying the sciences, sociology, political science, law or literature. There are so many themes to explore regarding how "environmental" writings have shaped our cultural landscape.

I expected to get a clothbound book, but it was just a normal hardcover board. Still, the paper quality was excellent and the content is extensive.

Very happy with this service, Thank you.