
The River Returns
An Environmental History of the Bow
McGill-Queen's University Press
Will be published approx. on 2. March 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
506 pages
978-0-7735-3870-2 (ISBN)
Description
Alberta's iconic river has been dammed and plumbed, made to spin hydro-electric turbines, and used to cleanse Calgary. Artificial lakes in the mountains rearrange its flow; downstream weirs and ditches divert it to irrigate the parched prairie. Far from being wild, the Bow is now very much a human product: its fish are as manufactured as its altered flow, changed water quality, and newly stabilized and forested banks. The River Returns brings the story of the Bow River's transformation full circle through an exploration of the recent revolution in environmental thinking and regulation that has led to new limits on what might be done with and to the river. Rivers have been studied from many perspectives, but too often the relationship between nature and people, between rivers and the cultures that have grown up beside them, have been separated. The River Returns illuminates the ways in which humans, both inadvertently and consciously, have interacted with nature to make the Bow.
Reviews / Votes
"The River Returns is a fascinating and detailed story by three eminent scholars, one that breaks new ground while adhering to the rigours demanded by historical research and inquiry. The scholarship is nothing short of outstanding and should be brought to both public and academic attention." Max Foran, University of Calgary "Well written, illustrated, and referenced, this volume is a powerful addition to understanding humanity's ecological footprints. Summing Up: Highly recommended." Choice MagazineMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Montreal
Canada
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
52 b&w photos
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
898 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7735-3870-2 (9780773538702)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
CA