Wilderness and the American Mind

This is an excellent survey of the history of the concept of wilderness in America. Originally published in 1967, the latest edition contains four additional chapters. The even-handed treatment of the topic has made this a classic of its genre, and its themes and lessons resonate through time. Our current debates about global warming and oil exploration echo the many (seemingly) forgotten political battles of the past, laid out here in lucid detail. Noticeably absent, however, is any discussion of aquatic wilderness. Even so, this is an essential book for anyone interested in environmentalism or the ceaseless efforts of industry to develop and/or harvest America's natural treasures.