Product Description

In Ecology without Nature, Timothy Morton argues that the chief stumbling block to environmental thinking is the image of nature itself. Ecological writers propose a new worldview, but their very zeal to preserve the natural world leads them away from the "nature" they revere. The problem is a symptom of the ecological catastrophe in which we are living. Morton sets out a seeming paradox: to have a properly ecological view, we must relinquish the idea of nature once and for all.

Ecology without Nature investigates our ecological assumptions in a way that is provocative and deeply engaging. Ranging widely in eighteenth-century through contemporary philosophy, culture, and history, he explores the value of art in imagining environmental projects for the future. Morton develops a fresh vocabulary for reading "environmentality" in artistic form as well as content, and traces the contexts of ecological constructs through the history of capitalism. From John Clare to John Cage, from Kierkegaard to Kristeva, from The Lord of the Rings to electronic life forms, Ecology without Nature widens our view of ecological criticism, and deepens our understanding of ecology itself. Instead of trying to use an idea of nature to heal what society has damaged, Morton sets out a radical new form of ecological criticism: "dark ecology."

Product Description
Methods in Stream Ecology provies a complete series of field and laboratory protocols in stream ecology that are ideal for teaching or conducting research. This new edition is updated to reflect recent advances in the technology associated with ecological assessment of streams, including remote sensing. In addition, the relationship between stream flow and alluviation has been added, and a new chapter on riparian zones is also included. With a student-friendly price, this Second Edition is key for all students and researchers in stream and freshwater ecology, freshwater biology, marine ecology, and river ecology. This text is also supportive as a supplementary text for courses in watershed ecology/science, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and landscape ecology.

* Exercises in each chapter
* Detailed instructions, illustrations, formulae, and data sheets for in-field research for students
* Taxanomic keys to common stream invertebrates and algae
* Website with tables
* Link from Chapter 22: FISH COMMUNITY COMPOSITIONto an interactive program for assessing and modeling fish numbers ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Most useful
I consider this book the best one I ever read about stream ecology assessment, with both strong theoretical bases and very useful/interesting field methods shown.
I used this book for my own field work and for students. They loved it, as I did before.

Speedy Shipment of Helpful Book
I'm currently a Ph.D. student with prior experience in aquatic ecology. Previously, most of my work has focused on lentic rather than lotic systems.After taking the usual stream ecology and hydrology courses I felt confident that I understood the basic concepts of ecology as they pertain to flowing water. However, when designing an experiment from scratch I needed a "crash course" in how to implement methodology.This book has been no disappointment on that front, and is a must have for anyone entering the field as a stream ecologist.In addition, I feel it would make a good supplemental text whereby students could perform some of the procedures outlined in the book for labs.

Never received
I never received the book and no reply from repeated emails to the seller. Amazon refunded my money.

top book
After so many 'yawn' text books, this one is really useful. I'm teaching a lab in freshwater ecology. There is a lot of material that is very useful. Any new methods your wanting to try out for research or monitoring, this book gives you an excellent introduction on what to do and how, including all the important info normally left out scientific literature (sourcing materials etc.). ... Read more

Product Description

Stream Ecology by Allan and Castillo is extensively revised and updated from the successful first edition to include major developments over the past decade. Although the subject matter is relatively advanced, this book has been written with the express goal of being accessible to students with only modest backgrounds in ecology and aquatic sciences. The First Edition was widely praised for its readability, and that emphasis is retained. The second edition opens with a new introductory chapter that sets the stage for what follows. The treatment of geomorphology and hydrology are greatly expanded from the first edition, and have been split into two, more substantial chapters. Basal energy resources, trophic roles and food web interactions are retained but thoroughly updated, particularly to include recent advances in microbial ecology and the synergies between producers and decomposers. The discussion of species interactions has been re-organized so that modern topics receive more emphasis, including trophic cascades, subsidies and food web structure. Chapters on organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling have been substantially re-written to reflect the enormous growth in knowledge of stream metabolism and nutrient processes, the core of ecosystem functioning. The closing chapter on human impacts summarizes the status of river ecosystems and principal threats, and new material that describes advances in river management including the science of environmental flows, the successes and failures of river restoration, and the potential for ecosystem-based catchment management.

Customer Reviews (6)

Not the best, but gets the job done
I am a college student who was taught in a course using this textbook. From a student's perspective, the book was thorough and detailed but relatively unhelpful. The block text and lack of bolded words (or color, for that matter) was a huge deterrent to effective studying. These elements may not be important for professors, but they truly make a difference to students. The illustrations were confusing at best and unintelligable at worst (even reading the caption and text did not effectively explain the graph in some instances). All in all, it contained good information, but I ultimately used it very little.

Great transaction
Book came on time and in great shape just as the seller promised.Thank you very much.

This text has few pictures but...
The composition and content of this text make up for a lack of illustrations, which are black and white photos or graphs.

Accessible to Scientists - Not Fishermen

My interest in this book followed from a desire to obtain information that might help me outwit wild and wily trout by any and every means possible. And sure enough, this book contains a wealth of information. The only problem is that much of it is incomprehensible to the lay reader as opposed to the scientific community.

For instance, here's what I encountered as I researched what and how fish eat (feeding ecology of riverine fishes): "Herbivorous fishes with scraping mouthparts such as the stoneroller Campostoma anomalum clearly have little in common with ooze feeders such as the blunt-nose minnow Pimephales notatus. Some benthic invertebrate feeders utilize prey primarily from soft bottoms (the suckermouth minnow Phenacobius mirabilis), others from stony bottoms (the greenside darter Etheostoma blennioides)."

OK...

On the other hand, for biologists and advanced students of ecology the book presents a comprehensive exposition of technical information. And the rest of us, who may not be equipped to cut through the scientific jargon, will still take away a sense of the intricacy and complexity of the living systems of streams and rivers.

Disappointing
since this is the best text on the subject. Cluttered and difficult, reads more like a literature review than a textbook. There is no glossary and the index isn't very good. The figures are hard to interpret without reading the text. The drawings are poor quality. On the other hand, it is packed with information. Anything you want to know about stream ecology is in here, its just difficult to access. ... Read more

Product Description

This best-selling majors-level book, by Charles Krebs, approaches ecology as a series of problems, which are best understood by evaluating empirical evidence through data analysis and application of quantitative reasoning. No otherbook presents analytical, quantitative, and statistical ecological information in an equally accessible style for students. Reflecting the way ecologists actually practice, the new edition emphasizes the role of experiments in testing ecological ideas and discusses many contemporary and controversial problems related to distribution and abundance. Introduction to the Science of Ecology, Evolution and Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Analyzing Geographic Distributions,Factors That Limit Distributions I:  Biotic, Factors That Limit Distributions II:  Abiotic, Distribution and Abundance, Population Parameters and Demographic Techniques, Population Growth, Species Interactions I:  Competition, Species Interactions II:  Predation, Species Interactions III:  Herbivory and Mutualism, Species Interactions IV: Disease and Parasitism, Regulation of Population Size, Applied Problems I:  Harvesting Populations, Applied Problems II:  Pest Control, Applied Problems III:  Conservation Biology, Community Structure, Community Dynamics I:  Biodiversity, Community Dynamics II:  Predation and Competition,  Community Dynamics III:  Nonequilibrium Communities, Ecosystem Metabolism I:  Primary Production, Ecosystem Metabolism II:  Secondary Production, Ecosystem Metabolism III:  Nutrient Cycles, Ecosystem Dynamics under Changing Climates,

Ecosystem Health: Human Impacts. Intended for those interested in learning the basics of ecology

Customer Reviews (4)

what i needed
came in pristine condition and was what my class required. couldn't ask for anything more

Excellent!
The book is very interesting and has very up to date examples of Ecological topics that must be checked by any ecologist o ecology student!

eh, it's a textbook
This textbook is clear, but the content doesn't help the entertainment value. As far as college texts go, though, it's pretty useful.

Scarily good
As a layperson with next-to-no knowledge of the subject, nor any maths, algebra or statistics, I thought I'd have a lot of trouble with this book.

And yes, I did have some trouble, and yes, I would really have liked to have had a tutor and classmates to help me through the exercises.

But even so I got a great deal from it, it has lead me to read scientific papers, it has prompted me to investigate higher education possibilities - and it has made me extremely grateful for scientists!

Thanks! ... Read more

Product Description
Dharma Gaia explores the ground where Buddhism and ecology meet, with writings by over twenty-five Buddhists and ecologists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A wide range of views for not just Buddhists
Badiner, ed., Dharma Gaia: A Harvest of Essays in Buddhism and Ecology, Berkeley, Parallax Press, 1990.
265 pages, $18.00
ISBN: 0938077309

More a collection of meditations or prose poems than essays, this book contains a wide range of short pieces from prominent writers and practitioners in the fields of Buddhism (Thich Nhat Hanh and Robert Aitken, for example), East Asian philosophy and religion (Padmasiri De Silva and Joanna Macy), and the environmental and ecology movements (Bill Devall and John Seed). There are even selections from the Beat poets who introduced Buddhist ideas into the pop culture of the mid-twentieth century, Gary Snyder and Allen Ginsberg.

Some titles of a few essays will provide a good indication of the nature of the contents: "Orphism: the Ancient Roots of Green Buddhism;" "The Perceptual Implications of Gaia;" "Rock Body Tree Limb;" "Animal Dharma;" "Women and Ecocentricity;" "Earth Gathas;" "Haiku & the Ecotastrophe."

As a whole the collection is a little dated only in that one might wonder how recent developments such as acts of global terrorism and the now confirmed understanding of the dire effects of human activity on climate are viewed in the Buddhist ecological context. Otherwise, all the readings are superlative. Care of the earth is a long-established precept among Buddhists; Dharma Gaia offers enlightenment not just to Buddhists but also to anyone of any faith interested in the spiritual ground for environmental awareness. Suzanne Head, one of the contributors, prays that "other human beings of this planet would also find the confidence, courage and integrity to honor inner Nature and outer Nature.... Realizing the sacredness of the Earth that supports us and the sky that inspires us,...we would find ways to live that could be sustained by the biosphere. Instead of poisoning and plundering the Earth until all life expires, we could fulfill our Nature by being warriors for the Earth."

for every thinking person and those who wish to be
Everyone I've recommended this book to has loved it.It will either be an introduction of new ideas that are pleasant to think about or a conformation of thoughts the reader already has worded in a way that makes them more accessable.The list of writers contains many sparkling souls.Anyone can read this without being offended, and everyone should read it at least once.

Fabulous, it will expand your mind
The book's premise is that buddhism is the perfect religion for an eco-centric based society & culture. It does very well in proving the compatibility and similarities between buddhism & ecology. The sectionon shifting views of perception is highly enlightening. The variety in thisbook is amazing, there are over 30 contributors. Books like this one, inwhich the book is merely a collection of essays on the same topic are greatbecause you can read it in one sitting, or read an essay at a time. As youfinish the last essay of the book, you will never see Smokey the Bear inthe same light again, now there's a teaser!. But seriously folks, this bookis great.

Well written, insightful, thought provoking
Dharma Gaia is a collection of essays offering different perspectives on human/Gaia interaction. These perspectives tie in with Buddhist philosophies to offer readers a sane and well reasoned spiritual approachto ecology. Short introduction by the Dalai Lama, essays and some poetry.

An excellent and original read
Overall, this is an easy read which addresses some complex issues.By the end of the book I developed a greater understanding of both environmental conservation and buddhism.Too many books jump on the"buddha-chic" or "eco-cool" bandwagon, but offer littlemore than a rehash of general facts - this isn't one of them. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

A better way is possible
"Ecology and Socialism" by Chris Williams convincingly makes the argument that fundamental socio-economic change is necessary to avert an impending environmental and social catastrophe. Mr. Williams is a professor of physics and chemistry who has been active in the environmental struggle for decades. Understanding both the science and politics of the key environmental issues of our time, Mr. Williams' important message deserves all the attention it can get.

Mr. Williams compares and contrasts the capitalist and socialist modes of production with respect to the promise of living on a sustainable planet. On the one hand, Mr. Williams contends that capitalism is inherently hostile to the environment inasmuch as natural and human resources are sacrificed in order to satisfy the few at the top (see also How the Rich Are Destroying the Earth). On the other hand, Mr. Williams draws on recent scholarship by John Bellamy Foster and Paul Burkett to prove that the integration of human needs with the environment was critically important to Marx, who articulated a vision of a sustainable human social system living in harmony with the earth.

Putting theory to practice, Mr. Williams discusses substitutes for the corporate-controlled industries that are currently running roughshod over the planet. Through Mr. Williams' reasoned argument, we come to learn that we would be far better served by powering our homes with wind and solar power (not nuclear); by consuming locally-grown, tasty and healthy organic foods (not the poisonous kibble from inhumane CAFOs and corporate mega farms); by enforcing commonsense rules to eliminate wasteful packaging at the point of design and manufacturing (not disposal); and so on. However, implementing these changes will require us to organize and insist on a better system that puts people and the environment before profit.

With the debacle of the 2008 financial meltdown and government bailout putting the lie of capitalism in plain view, Mr. Williams' book couldn't be more timely. As the author makes abundantly clear, austerity is not inevitable; to the contrary, an eminently better way of life is within our reach.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Finally someone genuinely concerned.
Even though I have just began the book I saw Chris Williams speakyesterday and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.He is well researched and does speak on the issue from a realistic point of view.This has been the first time I have read/heard something environmentally related that I felt offered a sensible solution. I strongly encourage anyone to read this book because if you are already concerned you will treasue his view point and strongly question how capitalism has in fact corrupted the planet that we live on and if you are a sceptic this book will in fact prove to you there is a real problem.

Justice for the planet
Action through networks, and not adhering to advice from government or corporate leaders, is what "Ecology and Socialism: Solutions to Capitalist Ecological Crisis" advocates as a way of saving the planet.

Author Chris Williams sees a dire future for the Earth and its inhabitants if we don't change our thinking, starting with how we consume energy.The solution, he writes, requires society-wide efforts, not just individual ones, to head off a global disaster.

This is a wide-ranging book, incorporating analysis of Marx, nuclear power plants, lightbulbs, airline workers, coal, natural time and a lot more. His main conclusion is that by shifting away from capitalism, humans will stop wasting energy and materiel on producing stuff we don't need and refocus our efforts on what we do need.

You may not agree precisely with the author's politics underlying the book but most of the environmental arguments are pretty well accepted by leading scientists these days. His solutions are drastic compared to, say, building a compost heap or lowering the thermostat a degree or two, and force us to look at exactly what we are willing to accept for ourselves and future generations. ... Read more

Product Description
6X9 In, 266 Pp, Bibliography, Footnotes, < Appendices < Practicing Is Simple. Nothing Forced, < Nothing Violent, Just Settling Into Our < Place. Deep Ecology, A Term Originated < In1972 By Norwegian Philosopher Arne < Naess, Is Emerging As A Way To Develop < Harmony Between Individuals, Communities < and Nature. Deep Ecology--The Term and < The Book--Unfolds The Path To Living < Simple, Rich Life and Shows How To < Participate In Major Environmental < Issues In A Positive ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent resource for the already converted.
As a long time environmental activist and graduate student in philosophy I found the book wonderfully comprehensive in its analysis and explanation of deep ecology.The book delves nicely into the sources of deep ecology and its response to other perspectives on environmental issues.I found it a quick read (I read it at the gym, but then, I read Heidegger for fun) and well put together.

It will not, however, make someone who is coming from a perspective far from deep ecology change their mind.For that I would recommend Muir or Jeffers or better yet, spend some time in the real wilderness yourself.What it does is provide extensive background material and elucidation of the philosophy to someone who already believes in the importance of wilderness preservation.

A ponderous classic of the environmental movement.
This classic text of the environmental movememt has influenced groups as diverse as The Nature Conservancy, Greenpeace, and Earth First!Devall and Sessions explore the emotional and spiritual underpinnings of hamanity'sties to the earth in this deeply philosophical work.They link a plethoraof sources in their exploration of Deep Ecology, including numerousreligions, the words of such notables as David Brower, Aldo Leopold, andEdward Abbey, and the perspectives of many cultures.Despite all of this,though, I found it somewhat lacking.Not present is the graceful beauty ofAldo Leopold, nor the raw passion of John Muir.Perhaps this book mightgrow dog-eared with use in the library of a Philosophy Professor or acareer activist, but I suspect that most people, like me, will find thisbook a bit dull.Call me simpleminded, but I was more deeply moved byLeopold's heartfelt musings on the chickadee in "A Sand CountyAlmanac" than by Devall and Sessions' philosophical ruminations. ... Read more

Product Description
This textbook presents introductory ecology in an accessible, state-of-the-art format designed to cultivate the novice student's understanding of, and fascination with, the natural world. In a concise, engaging style, this text outlines the essential principles of ecology from the theoretical fundamentals to their practical applications. Full color artwork, simple pedagogical features, and a wide range of carefully-chosen examples make this book an ideal introduction to ecology for students at all levels.

The third edition of this successful text is much more than a simple update, reflecting the vibrancy of the field. With hundreds of new examples, it contains for the first time a separate chapter on evolutionary ecology, with all other chapters, especially those on applied aspects, having been extensively revised and re-written. The new edition also features new artwork and an enhanced design, making this book as attractive as it is up-to-date and relevant.

Outstanding features of the third edition of Essentials of Ecology include:

• Dedicated website - available at www.blackwellpublishing.com/townsend, featuring study resources and web research questions
• Key Concepts - summarized at the beginning of each chapter
• History boxes outlining key landmarks in the development of ecology
• Quantitative boxes - allowing mathematical aspects of ecology to be explained clearly without interrupting the flow of the text
• Topical ECOncerns boxes - highlighting ethical, social and political questions in ecology
• Review questions - included at the end of each chapter

Customer Reviews (3)

Warning: step away from this book!


The book shrouds various tatters of the subject matter in dense, poorly worded compound sentences, dressed with excessive full color graphs and charts. It was full of limitless qualifications, redundancies, and undefined terminology (there was no glossary).

If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself in a position of having to actually have to wade through this, (for a class, for example), expect to find flatly unexplained contradictions in fact. (EG, the chapter on population sates that the rate of human population increase is steadily increasing, but then go on to repeatedly quotes Joel Cohen who states that it had slowed down in the 1970's).

Trying to study from it was a big enough ordeal to put most people off the subject for life. This textbook's abdication of explanatory rigor is probably one of the reasons the environmental movement has not gotten the popular traction it deserves.

Truly this textbook is a case study in obfuscatory humbug.

Could be better
The content of the book was usually clear. However, there is no glossary at all, and the index is horrible. As a textbook, this is unacceptable. Trying to study from it was a nightmare.

A very good beginning in Ecology
With this book, the writers adapted there previous release ("Ecology : Individuals, Populations and Communities", third edition) for easily understanding of the matter. But they don't just adapted it, they rewroteit. They focused, for example, on problems that are still unresolved. Ithas been written for students in ecology but also for everyone who wants tolearn more about populations, evolution and ecosystems. I hope it will leadto a better understanding of ecology... ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description

Provides simple explanations of the important concepts in population and community ecology.

Provides R code throughout, to illustrate model development and analysis, as well as appendix introducing the R language.

Interweaves ecological content and code so that either stands alone.

Supplemental web site for additional code.

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent guide to simulation and theory in ecology
This primer provides an excellent, upper-level, introduction to theoretical and simulation ecology.Working through the presented R code and exercises provides a deeper understanding of the thinking of many of the most famous theoretical ecologists, while also introducing the methods by which students can examine ecological questions through simulation. ... Read more

Product Description
This revised and reorganized text is designed for a standard forest ecology course for undergraduates in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, environmental ecology, and field ecology programs. Provides an eminently current perspective on the material by emphasizing forest ecosystems using a landscape-ecosystem or geo-ecosystem approach. Written by both field teachers and researchers of forest ecology and practitioners of forest ecology in both public and private arenas. Treats traditional plant ecology topics of community, succession, biota from a landscape ecosystem perspective, also emphasizes earth science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Dislike
I was required to purchase this text for a class. I am highly unimpressed and have suggested the teacher look for new material in coming semesters. Good luck if you have to read this.

Excellent Forest Ecology Text
This book was required text for a 400+ level undergrad (Junior/Senior) and graduate course at the University of Maine. I thought the text was very engaging, and adequately and thoroughly covered the major themes in Forest Ecology. This text continues to serve as a reference for me as I used this text for comprehensive examination review and in writing my dissertation. I have not reviewed other Forest Ecology books, however can say that this text is outstanding in the presentation of material and in its readability for those who have an understanding of general ecology.

Not a good book for students of forest ecology
This book is the required text for a class on trees and forests that I am currently taking at UC Davis.It is an imposing text and reads much like a journal of ecology.It is far from a good study aid for undergrads and grad students in forest ecology.However, given its copious literature citations, it could easily serve as a reference text for an advanced undergraduate course or graduate seminar.

The book comes full of graphs, charts and pictures, but much of it is superfluous.Key terms and concepts are not fully explained for initiates, a glossary of terms is non-existent for quick reference, and brief, detailed summaries of each chapter are not provided at the end of each chapter for time-pressed students.The book also contains numerous photographs of forest stands, maps, diagrams, and charts; however, because none of these are in color, they lose much of their visual impact, detail and valuable utility.Furthermore, there are no study questions at the end of each chapter for exam preparation.As such, initiates to forestry or landscape ecology looking for a good introduction to the field are pretty much out of luck.

Although the book has gone through four editions, it is still quite far from being a good textbook.In addition to the above mentioned comments, the writing style needs to be tighter.However, negatives aside, teachers and educators looking for examples of many of the concepts in forest ecology for use in class discussions will find this an invaluable text. ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents a comprehensive overview of all aspects of ecology, including evolution, ecosystems theory, practical applications, plants, animals, biogeochemical cycles, and global change. This balanced approach has made Ecology and Field Biology, Sixth Edition the best-selling ecology book on the market. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great book for class, but...
The text itself is fine and wonderful for class but unfortunately as soon as I opened the book half the table of contents and preface can apart from the spine and the rest are just as easy to pull out.

Ecology Text
Textbook in great condition.Was here in a timely manner.Needed for a college course and will come in handy.

A Very Useful Book
For a book that attempts to survey such a vast field, this does a good job. I find myself picking it up for reference purposes at least once every few months. Clear, concise explanations of ecological concepts and plentiful illustrations make this a useful volume.

If you are actually interested in ecology (rather than just getting a textbook for a required course), this is one of those textbooks that you will probably end up keeping on the bookshelf rather than selling at the end of the semester.

Did not receive it, but got money back
I did not receive my book because it was out of stock.Some weeks later, I got my money back.

Great Deal
Fast delivery.Book was in great shape for a great price.Thanx! ... Read more

Product Description

Praise for Harnessing America's Wasted Talent

"President Obama offered America and the world renewed hope for a better tomorrow. With decades of experience in alternative forms of higher education, Peter Smith grabs that optimistic spirit and seizes the moment to reveal to us the exciting age of Web-based teaching and learning, which is opening access to untold numbers of learners while harnessing the previously wasted talents of millions of people in America and billions around the world. Those seeking insights, a vision of the future, and a chance to join this educational revolution should look forward to Harnessing America's Wasted Talent."
—Curtis J. Bonk, professor, Indiana University, and author, The World Is Open: How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education

"Anyone who wants to understand where American higher education is headed should read Harnessing America's Wasted Talent. Peter Smith's vision of the future of higher education is based on several decades of experience—at the national, state, and international levels. He brings a rare perspective that will interest students, educators, politicians, and those American business leaders who are worried about the future of our workforce and the health of our democracy."
—Charles Kolb, president, The Committee for Economic Development

"Harnessing America's Wasted Talent is a must-read for those of us concerned about the increasing economic and education gaps in our country. Peter Smith takes on an important American disconnect: the need for an educated workforce and the fact that most working Americans lack a college degree. Drawing upon his experience in higher education and politics, Smith dissects the problem and presents a contemporary, practical plan to enhance the learning capacity of our country."
—Joseph B. Moore, president, Lesley University ... Read more

Product Description
This is a new edition of the classic examination of major philosophical, ethical, scientific and economic roots of environmental problems which examines the ways that radical ecologists can transform science and society in order to sustain life on this planet. It features a new Introduction from the author, a thorough updating of chapters, and two entirely new chapters on recent Global Movements and Globalization and the Environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good intro to environmentalism
Radical Ecology is an overview of the environmental movement and the social and economic forces that gave rise to it.The book is divided into three parts.The first deals with the nature of the global ecological crisis. In the second part, the author focuses on three schools of thought in the environmental movement: Deep Ecology, Spiritual Ecology, and Social Ecology.Lastly is discussed the movements that have grown out of these schools of thought, namely, Green politics, Ecofeminism and Sustainable Development.

While Radical Ecology is not lacking in information and insight, it really is little more than an overview and therefore does not discuss in depth any of the issues covered.It is therefore a work best suited for those who simply want an introduction to environmentalism.

Handy overview
Merchant has written a handy introduction to ecological problems and issues from a radical perspective. A medium-sized book, 240 pages, the author nonetheless manages to encompass major topics of concern, such as deep ecology, social ecology, spiritual ecology, science and world views, ecofeminism, and others, all of which are presented in clear and understandable language. Of course, in-depth discussion should not be expected from a work of this size and scope. Still, each chapter includes a helpful bibliography for those interested in further research.

Radical ecology is explained in the introduction as "... the cutting edge of social ecology...(pushing) social and ecological systems toward new patterns of production, reproduction, and consciousness that will improve the quality of human life and the natural environment." Clearly, Merchant does not believe that mere adjustments to the present global system can remedy centuries of growth-driven industrialization. Fresh ideas are needed as new realities emerge - fresh ways of living with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. In short, new frameworks for sustaining life on the planet have become unavoidable. The book's aim is to provide the reader with a strong sense of those conceptual frameworks currently available. Whatever your persuasion, Merchant's volume is a lively and provocative introduction to what may well be the onset of a new age. ... Read more

Product Description
The book that launched environmental history now updated.

Winner of the Francis Parkman Prize

In this landmark work of environmental history, William Cronon offers an original and profound explanation of the effects European colonists' sense of property and their pursuit of capitalism had upon the ecosystems of New England.Reissued here with an updated afterword by the author and a new preface by the distinguished colonialist John Demos, Changes in the Land, provides a brilliant inter-disciplinary interpretation of how land and people influence one another. With its chilling closing line, "The people of plenty were a people of waste," Cronon's enduring and thought-provoking book is ethno-ecological history at its best.
Amazon.com Review
Much historical writing is far more concerned with the players than thestage: narratives of kings and cabbage-merchants, although acted outin fields and forests, typically include nature only as a convenient prop toprovide the occasional splash of color. InChanges in the Land, Cronon treats the land of New England withthe same sensitivity and attention to detail as the lives of theAmerican natives and the colonists--he depicts the effects of changingland-use patterns on the texture of the New England landscape, andgives voice to the changing communities of trees, rock walls, and rivers. The chapter on theeffects of changing notions of "property" on the ecology ofNew England are especially strong.

Changes in the Land is almost the equal of Cronon's masterpiece, Nature'sMetropolis, a monumental study of the ecological effects ofChicago on the entire central portion of the United States in the1800s. Highly Recommended to specialists and general readers alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Very Satisfied
Received my order much sooner than expected, in 5 days with Standard Shipping and in the condition specified. Great transaction and fully satisfied.

Indians! Indians! and More WAMPUM!!!
This book is a good book if you want to learn about how colonists changed the lands of Americans east coast when they invaded in the 1700's. Obviously, it is called "changes in the land", hence the land changing. The author repeats himself a lot in this book, but he does this to the point of where it is stuck in your head rather than just being idiotically repeated, which is a good thing. Definitely pick this up if you have a project due on early colonial arrivals in America for a school class. Looking inside the book for the first time, the text is sooo tiny, but reading the page goes by surprisingly fast...its almost voodoo or something!

4/5

Changes in the Land

This is a fascinating look at how early New England colonists and Indians differed in their notions of land rights and use, and in notions of an object's or animal's value; of how trade relations between Indians and both colonists and European traders affected the Indian's notions of use and value, and thus of lifestyle and need; and of how in consequence over the course of time, the intercultural effects of these trade relations and the Indians' altered values and lifestyles that arose from them, along with the colonists' own values and lifestyles, and those of distant Europe too, radically changed the ecology of New England.

Great Book
Cronon writes a good book, but he is too indecisive. I agree it is not a writers job to judge the actions of others. But the evidence he provides gives the picture, white's clearly did more damage directly and indirectly to the Eastern portion of America than Natives did.

A New Portal into History
Cronon turns classic historical discussion about people and events and puts it under the lens of ecology.This was a groundbreaking book that changed the way historians can look at history - they even have a name for it: Environmental History.

I took Cronon's class at the University of Wisconsin, so was, of course, forced to read this book.But it was fascinating.And it's the book that launched a hundred other books that looked at history in ways that had not been considered before. ... Read more

Product Description
Freshwater algae are among the most diverse and ubiquitous organisms on earth.They occupy an enormous range of ecological conditions from lakes and rivers to acidic peat swamps, inland saline lakes, snow and ice, damp soils, wetlands, desert soils, wastewater treatment plants, and are symbionts in and on many plants, fungi, and animals.In North America, the variety of freshwater habitats colonized by algae is very rich, and offers an enormous and fascinating range of environments for their study.They form the base of most aquatic food webs and are critical to studies of ecosystem health.Algal ecologists and taxonomists play an important role in the understanding of aquatic ecosystems: their biodiversity, productivity, interactions with other organisms, and water quality.This book provides in one volume a practical and comprehensive guide to the genera of freshwater algae known from North America.The format combines the necessary ecological, taxonomic and methodological information for all scientists working in aquatic environments, whether their specialty is in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment, biological composition, ecology, evolution, or molecular biology.

Key Features
* The first complete accounting of North America's freshwater algal genera in more than 50 years
* Includes a guide to the current literature on species identification in each group of algae
* High-quality photographs and drawings of more than 770 genera
* A clear, easy-to-use introductory key to the diagnostic chapters
* Synthetic chapters on freshwater habitats, use of algae in environmental assessment, and control of nuisance algae
* Contributions from 27 experts in all areas of freshwater algae
* Extensive literature citations
* Companion volume of Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates 2nd edition, edited by Throp and Covich ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A FUNDAMENTAL CONTRIBUTION
THIS PUBLICATION IS OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE FOR THOSE WORKING IN AQUATIC BIOLOGY. IN THIS BOOK IS EASY TO FIND INFORMATION ON ECOLOGY AND AND SYSTEMATICS OF FRESHWATER ALGAE. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT COLOR PAGES ARE NOT PRESENT PARTICULARLY OF MICROSCOPIC ALGAE FOR IDENTIFICATION ANALYSES. HOWEVER, THE PUBLICATION IS VERY HELPFUL IN PRELIMINARY IDENTIFICATION.

UNA EXCELENTE RECOPILACIÓN
Magnífico estudio de los diferentes grupos de algas de agua dulce presentes en el N del continente americano. Contiene claves, descripciones, y gran cantidad de documentos gráficos. Muy útil para quienes estén interesados en el conocimiento de estos organismos y no sólo de Norteamérica, también de Europa.

algae reference
This book is a must for the reference library or for the laboratory of pesons who study algae or microscopic aquatic organisms. While it does not substitute for the collective contributions of other scientists over time, it is a great first stop for those who are interested in these organisms. For many there will be no need to search further.
The book is organized in a conventional manner with major groups treated in separate chapters. It is easy to use and well-illustrated. It will find a home with scientists, students, and interested lay persons alike.

A Much Needed Updating of Smith
It has been over 50 years since the last edition (1950) of Smith's "Freshwater Algae of the United States" and much has changed in our knowledge of the classification of the "Algae".These are now known to contain several quite different organisms from Euglena to Chara and from diatoms to desmids and Spirogyra.The flora is huge and often poorly known.Thus it was with some enthusiasm that I welcomed the publication of this massive tome.A much-needed updating of Smith's classic book and more, it contains numerous black and white photos and drawings, plus extensive bibliographies for each chapter. I also much appreciate the keys, having been involved in writing several for spider genera. The only down side is the rather high price, which is quite a bit more than its companion volume on freshwater invertebrates.

I don't fault this book for lack of color because that might have easily made it even more expensive.If you want to see color photos of algae, and indeed very good ones, try "Freshwater Algae: Their Microscopic World Explored" by Hilda Canter-Lund and her husband J. W. Lund.

Despite the cost, I recommend this book as essential for anyone trying to understand the North American freshwater algal flora.

Review
One thing I look for in a book are color photos from "the wild". I didn't see any of that, but there's plenty of information to go through and lots of references for further study. ... Read more

Product Description
Reyner Banham examined the built environment of Los Angeles in a way no architectural historian before him had done, looking with fresh eyes at its manifestations of popular taste and industrial ingenuity, as well as its more traditional modes of residential and commercial building. His construct of "four ecologies" examined the ways Angelenos relate to the beach, the freeways, the flatlands, and the foothills. Banham delighted in this mobile city and identified it as an exemplar of the posturban future. In a spectacular new foreword, architect and scholar Joe Day explores how the structure of Los Angeles, the concept of "ecology," and the relevance of Banham's ideas have changed over the past thirty-five years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

When the Going Was Good
Los Angeles. There were a few years there when Los Angles was the center of the world. 1965-1985, give or take a few years. Oh yes, even the Brits were raving. David Hockney had declared LA the best place to paint ("Splash") and Reyner Banham declared LA the city of tomorrow. Things were cooking and I was there. Then things started to go wrong. Spielberg and the boys from USC took over Hollywood and turned the city from a culture center into an amusement park. The pollution started to get too dangerous to laugh at. The gangs took over much of the fringe. There was Rodney King, O.J., riots, earthquakes, fires, gang warfare. All in all, the city was destroyed. Who knows what Banham might make of the place now. This is a great little book.

Los Angeles:The Architecture of Four Ecologies
The book was exactly what I wanted for a Christmas present and at a good price.

LA Re-visited
Even though Banham's book was written in the early '70's, it remains a cogent view of a metropolis that has changed yet remained the same.It is a place, yes a real place, that is defined by geography and the various cultures of its inhabitants to a unique degree.Architecture is but a backdrop to Banham's larger point about the inter-relationship of people to the natural and built environments.The perspective of 35 years only sharpens the observations made by the insightful author.

Outstanding older book
Outstanding book about Los Angeles, a must-read for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture.It reads like poetry.

Getting to know LA from the ground up
Reyner Banham's writing is intelligent and entertaining.He has taken LA to heart and reveals how its "four ecologies" have affected its contemporary appearance and character.You'll not only learn how LA's architecture came to be as it is, but learn a great deal about the history and personality of the city as well.I read this book to get to know LA better.I couldn't have picked a better one. ... Read more

Product Description

This groundbreaking work is an attempt at providing a conceptual framework to synthesize urban and ecological dynamics into a common framework. The greatest challenge for urban ecologists in the next few decades is to understand the role humans play in urban ecosystems. The development of an integrated urban ecological approach is crucial to advance ecological research and to help planners and managers solve complex urban environmental issues. This book is a major step forward.

Product Description
Assembled here for the first time in one volume are forty classic papers that have laid the foundations of modern ecology.Whether by posing new problems, demonstrating important effects, or stimulating new research, these papers have made substantial contributions to an understanding of ecological processes, and they continue to influence the field today.

The papers span nearly nine decades of ecological research, from 1887 on, and are organized in six sections: foundational papers, theoretical advances, synthetic statements, methodological developments, field studies, and ecological experiments.Selections range from Connell's elegant account of experiments with barnacles to Watt's encyclopedic natural history, from a visionary exposition by Grinnell of the concept of niche to a seminal essay by Hutchinson on diversity.

Six original essays by contemporary ecologists and a historian of ecology place the selections in context and discuss their continued relevance to current research.This combination of classic papers and fresh commentaries makes Foundations of Ecology both a convenient reference to papers often cited today and an essential guide to the intellectual and conceptual roots of the field.

Published with the Ecological Society of America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A vluable resource book
A book with a wealth of information If a book like this had been availablewhen I was a student it would have saved huddreds of hours of library research, and I wouldn't have found half the information available in one book.

Foundations of Ecology
Excellent compendium of seminal articles in the field of ecology.It has very nicely complemented the textbook for the course I am now taking, Introduction to Ecology, which mentions many of the articles reprinted in this fine collection.

Some very hard to find papers included
This is a great collection of papers. Some of the papers included in this volume are not easily available online in the PDF format, nor are they available in too many libraries for loan, making this, in my opinion, a must-have for the serious ecology/evolution academic.

You get a pretty good idea of the evolution [sic] of ecological thought thanks to the way the papers have been organized, where you can literally see concepts grow, develop, gain momentum, and then either get worshiped or completely rubbished.

And the book really is well-organized. It is divided into several sections, peppered with insightful commentary that enhances the whole experience. What really makes this book such a pleasure to read, personally, is the emphasis in the first section of the book on old, descriptive ecological papers, which is a type of publication that (for better or for worse) seems to be completely missing from modern ecological discourse.

I recommend this book to academic and armchair ecologists alike.

A must have for an ecologist
A nice compilation of papers that historically leads you through Ecology as a scientific discipline. The commentaries are useful and educational. It is timeless and a fundamental instrument for any ecologist, particularly at the early post-graduate level. The only drawback is that it could be more comprehensive (the editors state that they had to define criteria to cut out some papers from their initial selection), but the information in it can be complemented with good Ecology textbooks.

Must have for any ecologist
This book is a great compilation of some of the most fundamental papers in ecology.Every ecologist should own a copy.As a student, it provides a well-rounded insight into the history of ecological though.I highly recommend! ... Read more

Product Description

The Ecology of Building Materials explores key questions surrounding sustainability of building materials. It provides technical data to enable design and building professionals to choose the most appropriate materials for a project: those that are least polluting, most energy efficient, and from sustainable sources. The book also gives information and guidance on a wide range of issues such as recycling, detailing for increased durability and Life Cycle Analysis.