Waterfall
Nature and Culture
Published on 1. May 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
248 pages
978-1-86189-918-7 (ISBN)
Description
From Niagara Falls in North America to Angel Falls in Venezuela, waterfalls provide some of the world's most spectacular scenes. While waterfalls have often been considered in terms of their picturesque or sublime qualities, their rich cultural background has been neglected. In Waterfall, Brian Hudson portrays these marvels in a new light. He explores the many myths and legends they have inspired in cultures ranging from Native American to Celtic and Indian, and how they have been described by poets and depicted in film and music. Hudson also discusses the ecology of waterfalls and the conflict that arises from their importance as both a source of hydroelectric power and tourist income in many countries.
A superb addition to the library of any nature lover, this beautifully illustrated book is a fascinating look at the history and value of waterfalls.
A superb addition to the library of any nature lover, this beautifully illustrated book is a fascinating look at the history and value of waterfalls.
Reviews / Votes
Looking at the natural wonders in a new light, the author explores the many myths and legends that tumbling rivers and streams have inspired in cultures . . . A unique addition to any nature-lovers bookshelves, this beautifully illustrated book is a fascinating look at the history and value of waterfalls. * <i>Yorkshire Ridings magazine</i> * Waterfall includes wide-ranging chapters on how waterfalls are formed, their ecological importance, their use in landscape and urban design, and their role in water power and as tourist destinations, along with their beauty, allure, and current threats. The humanities perspective provides a fresh look at a remarkable natural phenomenon. Recommended. * <i>Choice</i> * An evocative, well-researched, beautifully illustrated and many-layered exploration of one of our planet's most compelling natural wonders. * Margaret Drabble * Waterfall is that rare book on nature, learned and beautifully illustrated, encyclopedic in detail and sweeping in historical, aesthetic, and applied coverage, a must not only on the shelf of every nature lover's library, but also - I might add - on his or her coffee table. * Yi-Fu Tuan, author of <i>Space and Place</i> *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
117 illustrations, 93 in colour
Dimensions
Height: 148 mm
Width: 210 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-86189-918-7 (9781861899187)
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
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2013
1st Edition
Reaktion Books
€18.99
Available for download
Person
Brian J. Hudson is Adjunct Professor in the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. His other books include Waterfalls of Jamaica (2001).