Merchant, Carolyn : University of California-Berkeley
Carolyn Merchant is professor of environmental history, philosophy, and ethics at the University of California,
Berkeley. She is author of numerous books including The Death of Nature and Earthcare.
Summary
While the state of California remains one of the most striking and varied landscapes in the world, it has experienced
monumental changes since European settlers first set foot there. The past two centuries have witnessed an ongoing
struggle between environment and economy, nature and humanity that has left an indelible mark on the region.
Green Versus Gold provides a compelling look at California's environmental history from its Native American past
to conflicts and movements of recent decades. Acclaimed environmental historian Carolyn Merchant has brought together
a vast storehouse of primary sources and interpretive essays to create a comprehensive picture of the history of
ecological and human interactions in one of the nation's most diverse and resource-rich states.
For each chapter, Merchant has selected original documents that give readers an eyewitness account of specific
environments and periods, along with essays from leading historians, geographers, scientists, and other experts
that provide context and analysis for the documents. In addition, she presents a list of further readings of both
primary and secondary sources. Among other topics, chapters examine:
California's natural environment and Native American lands
the Spanish and Russian frontiers
environmental impacts of the gold rush
the transformation of forests and rangelands
agriculture and irrigation
cities and urban issues
the rise of environmental science and contemporary environmental movements
Merchant's informed and well-chosen selections present a unique view of decades of environmental change and
controversy. Historians, educators, environmentalists, writers, students, scientists, policy makers, and others
will find the book an enlightening and important contribution to the debate over our nation's environmental history.
