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papidoc's review against another edition
5.0
In Encounters With The Archdruid
1. A resort developer (Charles Fraser) bent on converting a lonely and beautiful stretch of South Carolina shoreline into a resort for the wealthy and famous (that area is now protected as a National Seashore);
2. A geologist who wants to extract valuable minerals from the land he travels; and,
3. A famous dam builder (Floyd Dominy), traveling the lonely and beautiful land that would soon lie under the controversial and hard fought Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
Though I love the beauty of the land God created, I am sympathetic with the needs of the human race, and not the militant conservationist that David Brower was. Either way, this book is a compelling read, and one that highlights some of the most important issues of their day, issues which are ongoing in principle to this day.
1. A resort developer (Charles Fraser) bent on converting a lonely and beautiful stretch of South Carolina shoreline into a resort for the wealthy and famous (that area is now protected as a National Seashore);
2. A geologist who wants to extract valuable minerals from the land he travels; and,
3. A famous dam builder (Floyd Dominy), traveling the lonely and beautiful land that would soon lie under the controversial and hard fought Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
Though I love the beauty of the land God created, I am sympathetic with the needs of the human race, and not the militant conservationist that David Brower was. Either way, this book is a compelling read, and one that highlights some of the most important issues of their day, issues which are ongoing in principle to this day.
vmwierz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
luisasm's review against another edition
4.0
A very easy read that also is very educational. It reads like fiction but packs in a lot of information. Mostly I admired the ability of McPhee to write in clear, concise terms but not simplifying the issue. Instead we get vivid pictures of complex and individual men, and we're left to make our own judgments. It's also a witty journalistic read, so you get education and entertainment.
beatniksafari's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book for my upcoming Environmental Science course in Colorado. I have long been an admirer of John McPhee's work. He combines a clear, incisive writing style with an ability to express multiple perspectives on an issue.
In this book, McPhee explores the conflict between making use of natural resources (metal, coastal land, and water) and preserving natural environments. He pits David Brower, former head of the Sierra Club and environmental advocate (the archdruid of the title) against a geologist working for a mining company, a real estate developer, and the head of the Department of Reclamation in a series of encounters in natural places. Rather than setting up the encounters as good guy versus bad guys, McPhee allows the people to speak for themselves, and presents the facts of the situation without added judgments. As a result, the reader comes to appreciate the complexities of the issues faced.
Although first published nearly forty years, this book has relevance today as the debates rage on (the crisis in the Gulf of Mexico illustrating one recent example).
In this book, McPhee explores the conflict between making use of natural resources (metal, coastal land, and water) and preserving natural environments. He pits David Brower, former head of the Sierra Club and environmental advocate (the archdruid of the title) against a geologist working for a mining company, a real estate developer, and the head of the Department of Reclamation in a series of encounters in natural places. Rather than setting up the encounters as good guy versus bad guys, McPhee allows the people to speak for themselves, and presents the facts of the situation without added judgments. As a result, the reader comes to appreciate the complexities of the issues faced.
Although first published nearly forty years, this book has relevance today as the debates rage on (the crisis in the Gulf of Mexico illustrating one recent example).
hofmerin's review against another edition
5.0
I have no idea how I had no idea this book existed. An excellent read for any student or professional of the environment.
jmercury's review against another edition
4.0
McPhee is always a great read, and this was no exception. This book contrasts famous conservationist (the Archdruid himself) David Brower with three other major public figures, at ideological odds: an exploration geologist, an ethical developer, and a master of dams. In his characteristic long-form, austere style, McPhee explores the personalities of his subjects without offering judgment. There are no easy answers in these debates, but plenty of food for thought.
mattbeatty's review against another edition
5.0
My first encounter with John McPhee, and a memorable one. I will definitely be reading more of him. He has a great, objective, journalistic style, where most of the storytelling is done through summary and dialogue. This book serves as a good introduction into David Brower and his conservation tactics, his reason and stubborness, as he competes verbally with men of a different mind than his: a mineralogist, a developer, a dam erector. The interplay between passion and character is fascinating, as all the men are reasonable and driven and opinionated, but also able to interact with each other respectfully.
I am currently also reading Cadillac Desert, and wanted to read this first as the third section (with Floyd Dominy) was great preparation. The politics of conservation and reclamation fascinate me.
A recommended read, especially for conservationists or those opposing them. Even given that it was written in the early 70s, it is still timely and applicable.
I am currently also reading Cadillac Desert, and wanted to read this first as the third section (with Floyd Dominy) was great preparation. The politics of conservation and reclamation fascinate me.
A recommended read, especially for conservationists or those opposing them. Even given that it was written in the early 70s, it is still timely and applicable.
eldiente's review against another edition
3.0
I have enjoyed all of John McPhee's books but my favorites are his geology of the United States series and Uncommon Carriers. What I really enjoy is the mixing of factual information with stories about real people and real circumstances. This particular book features some interesting people, but I felt very familiar with the themes of conversation with development and struggled to finish.