BAA book reviews · Jan–Feb 1991

The End of Nature

by Bill McKibben (1989)

Like a cold slap in the face, McKibben claims that we have begun “the end of nature.” It is not clear and does not matter whether the beginning of the end of nature started at the invention of the first tool, the planting of the first crop, or the development of the nuclear age. McKibben describes in a somewhat cynical tone how humankind has taken the earth to a potentially catastrophic state where virtually nothing is untouched by human intervention. McKibben best illustrates the extent of our meddling with his discussion of genetic engineering. Overall, The End of Nature presents a harsh and critical picture as it examines our modern day values.

The Man Who Planted Trees

by Jean Giono (1985)

The Man Who Planted Trees is an enchanting tale about how Elzeard Bouffier radically changed his harsh, barren countryside into a lush green utopia over a lifetime by simply planting trees. Each day Elzeard headed off with a bag full of acorns and his digging stick. He planted trees on public land claiming that he probably cared more about the land than the owners did. It is a charming story about how humans can not only live harmoniously with nature but also have a positive effect on their environment.

The Earth Speaks

by Steve Van Metre & Bill Weiler (1984)

Steve Van Matre and Bill Weiler proclaim The Earth Speaks to be an acclimatization journal. The book is composed of a series of images and impressions from poets, naturalists, philosophers and scientists who have spent much of their lives in patient, careful observation of the natural world. Although some of the excerpts are only a paragraph in length, each is thought provoking in its own way. The Earth Speaks is also sprinkled with simple yet refreshing block print illustrations which help to make the book entertaining reading.

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Published in Action vol 2, no 1 · Jan–Feb 1991