- Excellent synthesis of the period's history from a progressive point of view - Incorporates huge amounts of new scholarship - Written in a sprightly and accessible style that will engage students and the general reader alike - Contemporary relevance will make the book attractive to faculty and students, as well as the more general reader

- Excellent synthesis of the period's history from a progressive point of view - Incorporates huge amounts of new scholarship - Written in a sprightly and accessible style that will engage students and the general reader alike - Contemporary relevance will make the book attractive to faculty and students, as well as the more general reader

So Glorious a Landscape: Nature and the Environment in American History and Culture surveys the vast and interdiscipli-nary subject of American natural and environmental studies. It examines the literary landscape that has inspired a local, regional, and national sense of place; explores the dynamic meaning and significance of nature across time, place, culture, and gender; and looks at the essence and history of environmental change. The first all-encompassing introductory survey of environ-mental history and cultural studies, this volume provides students and scholars with carefully chosen selections from major essayists, naturalists, preachers, geographers, novelists, scientists, and historians whose works have shaped the fields of literary ecology and environmental history. The essays trace the changing American landscape and ideas about nature from the seventeenth century to the present. By analyzing a range of material, So Glorious a Landscape provides a fresh perspective on what nature is in American life, what forces have shaped its profound place and changing definition, and what the work of environmental historians tells about the relationship of nature, culture, and power in America. So Glorious a Landscape is an excellent resource for courses in American studies, environmental history, and American culture

This four-volume encyclopedia chronicles the historical roots of the United States' current military dominance, documenting its growth from continental expansionism to hemispheric hegemony to global empire. This groundbreaking four-volume encyclopedia offers sweeping coverage of a subject central to American history and of urgent importance today as the nation wrestles with a global imperial posture and the long-term viability of the largest military establishment in human history. The work features more than 650 entries encompassing the full scope of American expansionism and imperialism from the colonial era through the 21st-century "War on Terror." Readers will learn about U.S.-Native American conflicts; 19th-century land laws; early forays overseas, for example, the opening of Japan; and America's imperial conflicts in Cuba and the Philippines. U.S. interests in Latin America are explored, as are the often-forgotten ambitions that lay behind the nation's involvement in the World Wars. The work also offers extensive coverage of the Cold War and today's ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Middle East as they relate to U.S. national interests. Notable individuals, including American statesmen, military commanders, influential public figures, and anti-imperialists are covered as well. The inclusion of cultural elements of American expansionism and imperialism-for example, Hollywood films and protest music-helps distinguish this set from other more limited works. Overviews the history of American imperialism through chronologically arranged entries that are multidisciplinary, incisively written, and informed by the latest scholarship Covers issues ranging from the fur trade of the frontier era to today's complex engagement in the Middle East and Africa Shares key insights on the intersection of popular culture with the projection of U.S. military power Includes background material and an extensive selection of primary documents that will help students practice critical reading, thinking, and writing skills Features numerous photos, illustrations, and sidebars that enliven the text and engage students in participatory learning

Covering the 17th century to the contemporary era, this chronological overview of the role of the environment provides many insights into one of the most important aspects of American history. Environmental issues such as deforestation, water pollution, extinction of indigenous animal species, and climate change have long existed in the United States. Fortunately, the American people and their government have demonstrated a willingness to address environmental concerns. Chronology of Americans and the Environment encompasses more than four centuries of dynamic and transformational environmental change that illustrate the central importance of the environment, natural resources, and "nature" throughout American history. The author provides a chronological overview of the significant events, major figures, and public policy developments throughout the history of our relationship with the environment, illustrating the sequence of historical events, cultural ideas, and trends that have led Americans to take action to protect the environment and public health. This book also touches upon prehistoric occurrences and events prior to the arrival of European explorers that provide context for Native American ideas and attitudes toward nature. Primary source accounts give a fascinating window into the ideas and experiences of those who have been instrumental in or witness to key events in U.S. environmental history Provides a chronology of events, key figures, ideas, and political developments that define Americans' relationship with the environment Includes various photographs and illustrations to accompany topics in the text A bibliography containing general titles, monographs, and websites provides sources for further research

Controversy surrounding environmental issues is not a recent development in American history. Since the time of the early settlers, issues concerning the environment have plagued certain groups of Americans. In this exhaustively researched study, primary documents support different sides of various questions, such as the use of water as an energy source, deforestation, gold mining in California, and the emergence of wildlife conservation. High school and college students will not only find this book extremely comprehensive, but will also find its heated discussions exceptionally engaging. Some of the major topics covered include: BLDifferences between the way Native Americans and early settlers treated the land BLThe Land Ordinance of 1785 BLThomas Jefferson's views about the land BLThe commercial progress of New England river valleys BLAct establishing the Adirondack Forest Preserve in 1885 BLTheodore Roosevelt's thoughts on forest conservation BLThe pros and cons of hydraulic gold mining BLThe near-extinction of the North American bison BLThe Lacey Act Magoc's book will prove an essential asset for all American history students.