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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.
caroparr's review against another edition
4.0
Yet another read (actually, re-read) because of our trip to DV and Hoover Dam. McPhee lets his characters reveal themselves to you through their actions and dialogue, pitting Sierra Club director Brower against various political enemies who turn out to appreciate a stiff drink at the end of a strenuous day outdoors as much as he does. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Floyd Dominy is especially unforgettable. A small masterpiece.
marginaliant's review against another edition
4.0
This is an extremely interesting insight into Brower, I really like how it was written (both because the writing style is beautiful and because the progression made a lot of sense.) I came away not particularly liking Brower, but I imagine someone who agrees with him politically would more so. McPhee does a great job of keeping himself out of the narratives, except for brief glimpses which make his perspective extremely interesting. If you like environmentalism or environmental history, I expect you'll love this book. I certainly did.
alexvincoh's review against another edition
4.0
I actually only finished the first essay on mining - got too distracted and lost momentum for the other two parts. But I still give the book high marks for that portion alone, since it's the first time I've ever come across an ethical argument for why miners mine while illustrating some flaws in the more extreme parts of Brower's view.
kisaly's review against another edition
4.0
I read part of this in college, and finally got around to reading the full book. McPhee takes a useful, balanced, journalistic approach, detailing a series of in-field discussions between a prominent conservationist and 'developers' of different stripes. 4.5 stars