An eminent ecologist shows how an iconic New England island has been shaped by nature and human history; and how its beloved landscape can be protected Full of surprises; bedecked with gorgeous photographs and maps; and supported by unprecedented historical and ecological research; this book awakens a new perspective on the renowned New England island Martha’s Vineyard. David Foster explores the powerful natural and cultural forces that have shaped the storied island to arrive at a new interpretation of the land today and a well-informed guide to its conservation in the future. Two decades of research by Foster and his colleagues at the Harvard Forest encompass the native people and prehistory of the Vineyard; climate change and coastal dynamics; colonial farming and modern tourism; as well as land planning and conservation efforts. Each of these has helped shape the island of today; and each also illuminates possibilities for future caretakers of the island’s ecology. Foster affirms that Martha’s Vineyard is far more than just a haven for celebrities; presidents; and moguls; it is a special place with a remarkable history and a population with a proud legacy of caring for the land and its future.
#168343 in Books imusti 2014-11-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 1.12 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 0300204566336 pagesYale University Press
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Carr produces a tour de force -- the best book on the Bible that I've ever readBy orell fitzsimmonsThis new book by David Carr is a must-read for anyone trying to understand the beginnings of Judaism and Christianity. Being raised in a Southern Baptist church in Texas in the 1950's and 1960's; my Church education very rarely ventured into the Old Testament. And certainly not from this perspective. Carr produces a tour de force -- the best book on the Bible that I've ever read. He deftly conveys the traumatic forces that helped both religions become what they are today though the filter of the disasters they overcame. As I continue to try to understand the attraction of religion to the vast majority of humankind; this book has helped me get one step closer to that realization. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in how religion is shaped over time; whether or not you adhere to Judaism or Christianity.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read this ...By straight talkA truly outstanding book on "evolution of Old Testament" that is a "must read" for a dedicated Christian. Unlike many theology books written by theology professors being very difficult to read (due to their rambling; disorganization;etc. etc.); this book is one of those rare masterpiece that reads flawlessly; and describes the old testament evolution in clear; readable manner. A reader would benefit greatly if one has significant background in "History of Christianity"; "Systematic Theology"; and "History of Churches". The author claims to be a "Quaker"; and shows no bias toward Judaism; Protestantism; Catholicism; nor any other- the book seems to me truly objective; and very informative describing how "Torah" came out to be; how "Old Testament evolved from King David days to ~ 200 CE when the Hebrew Bible compilation had been completed".It starts with a birth of scripture in old Israel; birth of Monotheism; Judah's survival history prophets; especially Hosea's influence on Monotheism; Jerusalem's destruction its traumatic effect on Israeli people; story of Abraham Moses; Torah formation its oral history; traumatic crystallization of Scripture; Christianity movement its traumatic origin; Gospel as we read today.Overall "theme" is that "trauma" experienced by Jewish Christianity movement had an everlasting effect on its longevity as a "surviving religion" today. One cannot disagree with the author's view about trauma; and his writings. Being a student of history systematic theology; I did not find anything that I would disagree with the author's views.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read this book with an "open curious mind".0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very useful for clergy and laypeople alikeBy Outreach at Heavenly RestVery useful for clergy and laypeople alike. Offers readers a new and meaningful way to engage with biblical texts. Dr. Carr is a clear; thoughtful writer who skillfully uses scholarship and personal experience to tell the story of how the Bible came into being...and how the Bible's traumatic origins can help us understand (and apply) it better today.
