For Book Review:
1. read the book (I will attach downloads of each chapter)
2. Refer to this webpage on how to organize, structure, and write review: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/book-reviews/
3. Must be 1500 words
4. Answer the questions: What is the thesis? What exactly is the subject of the book? How does the author support their argument? how does the author structure their argument? How does the book help you understand the subject better?
5. Structure the review with an intro, summary of the context of the book, analysis and evaluaion of the book, and a conclusion
Downloads:
Intro-
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.6.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Furthermore, the document discusses the challenges in understanding the perspectives of rural folk who contested conservation measures, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their alternative visions of nature and their role in shaping society’s relationship with the natural world. It addresses the difficulty in accessing the voices of rural folk due to the clandestine nature of their actions and the lack of written records. The text also explores the larger context of conservation, including its ties to the American West, its transnational roots in Europe, and the social implications of conservation policies. It highlights the profound impact of conservation on the organization of human and natural communities and its role in heralding the rise of the modern administrative state.
Moreover, the document outlines the author’s approach to the narrative, which focuses on local actors and certain key issues such as poaching, arson, and squatting. It presents a less tidy but more honest narrative, reflecting the vastness and complexity of a world that has remained obscured. The document concludes by introducing three geographically bounded locales – the Adirondack Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Canyon – as case studies to weave the narrative of conservation, providing a chronological span from the post-Civil War era into the twentieth century. This approach aims to produce a more comprehensive and truthful account of the conservation movement in the United States.
Chapter 1
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.7.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary- The document, “The Re-creation of Nature” from the book “Crimes against Nature” by Karl Jacoby, delves into the historical transformation of the Adirondack Mountains in the mid-19th century. It starts by recounting the minister Joel Headley’s visit to the Adirondacks for rejuvenation, highlighting the region’s pristine environment. The narrative delves into the 19th-century intellectual ferment surrounding nature, touching on transcendentalism, landscape art, the rise of natural history, and the eugenics movement, emphasizing nature’s centrality to American culture during this period. It then introduces George Perkins Marsh’s influential work “Man and Nature,” which warned of the environmental consequences of deforestation and advocated for state-led conservation. The document illustrates how New York’s response to Marsh’s warnings led to the establishment of the Adirondack Park, a pioneering experiment in conservation that set the pace for the national conservation movement. It details the tensions between conservationists and Adirondack residents, highlighting the clash between modern and anti-modern impulses, and the impact of conservation on the local population.
The text offers a comprehensive view of the Adirondacks’ historical, ecological, and socio-economic transformation. It outlines the complexity of rural life in the Adirondacks, where diverse populations, including Native Americans, French Canadians, and Yankees, engaged in a variety of activities such as farming, hunting, and gathering. The emergence of the timber industry, accompanied by the growth of tourism, brought about significant changes, impacting the region’s ecology, economy, and social dynamics. The document also sheds light on the tensions arising from the growing demands for natural resources driven by the influx of tourists and the complexities of property rights and land use in the region. The narrative provides a nuanced understanding of the interconnected factors shaping the Adirondacks’ evolution during this transformative era, capturing the intersection of environmental conservation, economic development, and social dynamics in the region.
Chapter 2
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.8.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary- The Forest Commission embarked on “state simplification,” aiming to standardize and rationalize local practices to make them more comprehensible and controllable by government agencies. The commission faced challenges in differentiating between state and private lands, as well as in locating and managing its holdings due to the lack of standardized grid of lot lines and the absence of clear boundaries. Private parks, on the other hand, became a dominant feature of the landscape, with wealthy individuals and associations creating exclusive hunting preserves, leading to the privatization of once publicly accessible areas and sparking resentment and resistance from the local community.
The tension between private park owners and local inhabitants culminated in confrontations, vandalism, and court cases, exemplified by the protracted legal battle between William Rockefeller and the residents of the town of Brandon. The case raised crucial questions about property rights, public access to pathways, and the ownership of wildlife, highlighting the broader debate about the control and ownership of natural resources in the Adirondacks. The chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the intricacies and conflicts surrounding conservation and private land ownership in the region, offering valuable insights into the historical complexities of environmental governance and social dynamics.
Chapter 3
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.9.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary-
The document “Working-Class Wilderness” from the book “Crimes against Nature” by Karl Jacoby explores the complexities of conservation and human-nature interactions in the Adirondack Park in the late 19th century. Conservationists initially viewed the region as a stable ecosystem but were surprised by the resistance from local inhabitants who engaged in activities like timber stealing and game poaching. The document delves into the tensions between the conservationists and the local population, shedding light on the ethical, cultural, and economic dimensions of their interactions. It highlights the clash between the conservation laws and the locals’ rights to subsistence, as well as the different perspectives on hunting and resource use, revealing the inherent complexities and conflicts within conservation efforts.
The text emphasizes the misunderstandings and conflicts arising from the conservation efforts in the Adirondacks. It points out the conservationists’ perception of the locals as lawless and environmentally destructive, while the locals justify their actions based on their rights to subsistence and their ethical framework. The document illustrates the challenges faced by conservationists in enforcing the laws and the resistance they encountered from the local population. It also highlights the discrepancies in applying the laws, as locals often overlooked violations within their community, showcasing the intricate dynamics of power, ethics, and community norms in conservation efforts.
Furthermore, the document provides insights into the socio-political context of the time, revealing the deep-rooted beliefs of the local population regarding their rights to natural resources and the clash with state laws. It elucidates the intricacies of human-nature interactions and the complexities of implementing conservation measures in a diverse and culturally rich environment. Overall, the document offers a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and conflicts inherent in conservation efforts, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of human-environment relationships and the ethical considerations surrounding resource use and conservation in the late 19th century Adirondacks.
Chapter 4
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.11.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary-
The document titled “Nature and Nation” from the book “Crimes against Nature” by Karl Jacoby, published by the University of California Press, delves into the historical account of Yellowstone National Park and the complex interactions between Native American tribes, settlers, and park authorities in the late 19th century. The chapter vividly depicts the encounters between tourists and Nez Perce Indians in Yellowstone, shedding light on the clash of cultures and the conflicting perspectives on land use and conservation. It highlights the intricate web of Indian trails, the significance of Native American presence in the region, and their traditional practices such as hunting and use of fire. The document also points out the challenges faced by park authorities in enforcing regulations, particularly in the absence of a robust enforcement mechanism, leading to issues with poaching and lawlessness, exacerbated by the burgeoning local population, notably the town of Gardiner, Montana, on the park’s border.
The chapter vividly portrays the clash of cultures and interests in Yellowstone, encompassing the encounters between tourists and Nez Perce Indians in the late 19th century. It provides a detailed account of the Nez Perce’s unexpected arrival in Yellowstone, shedding light on their traditional practices, such as hunting and use of fire, which clashed with the conservation efforts of the park. This conflict raises questions about the coexistence and management of different land uses within the park, highlighting the complexities of balancing conservation with traditional practices of indigenous communities.
Furthermore, the document delves into the challenges faced by park authorities in enforcing regulations, particularly in the absence of a robust enforcement mechanism. It emphasizes the issues of poaching, lawlessness, and the burgeoning local population, notably the town of Gardiner, Montana, on the park’s border. The chapter underscores the struggles of park managers in dealing with poaching, the absence of legal authority to detain wrongdoers, and the inadequacy of punitive measures, reflecting the complexities and limitations of early conservation efforts in Yellowstone.
Overall, the document offers a rich historical narrative, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between Native American traditions, conservation efforts, and the challenges of governance and enforcement in Yellowstone National Park during the late 19th century. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of managing competing interests in conservation areas and the historical context of land use and preservation efforts in the United States.
chapter 5
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.12.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary-
The document titled “Fort Yellowstone” is a chapter from the book “Crimes against Nature” by Karl Jacoby, published by the University of California Press. The chapter discusses the military’s role in the management and protection of Yellowstone National Park in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights the contrasting views of conservationists and local residents regarding the military’s presence in the park.
The chapter presents the perspective of conservationists who welcomed the military’s involvement, viewing it as an effective means of protecting the park from poaching and other illegal activities. In contrast, local residents expressed discontent and resistance towards what they perceived as an imposition of martial law. The document outlines the conflict between the military’s efforts to enforce conservation regulations and the resistance from settlers who viewed conservation as interfering with their preexisting rights to the natural resources.
Additionally, the chapter delves into the challenges faced by the military in enforcing conservation regulations. It discusses the decentralized nature of law enforcement, the use of scouts and undercover operations, and the difficulties in apprehending wrongdoers. The document also highlights the tactics employed by poachers to evade surveillance and the occasional violent confrontations between scouts and wrongdoers.
Overall, the chapter provides a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding conservation efforts in Yellowstone National Park during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shedding light on the conflicting perspectives of conservationists, local residents, and the military’s challenges in enforcing regulations and combating illegal activities within the park.
Chapter 6
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.13.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary-
The document “Modes of Poaching and Production” from the book “Crimes against Nature” by Karl Jacoby delves into the complex dynamics of poaching in Yellowstone National Park during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The chapter provides a detailed account of the various forms of poaching prevalent in the park, the motivations behind the illegal hunting activities, and the challenges faced by park authorities in curbing poaching. The narrative highlights the clash between conservation efforts and the local population’s reliance on poaching for sustenance, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of poaching and the socio-economic factors influencing it.
The chapter begins by illustrating the persistent issue of poaching in Yellowstone, as documented through the superintendent’s frustrations with the encroachment of poachers and the challenges of enforcing conservation laws. It delves into the diverse modes of poaching, ranging from individuals hunting for subsistence to organized groups engaging in large-scale poaching for commercial gains. The text emphasizes the multidimensional nature of poaching, encompassing various factors such as the frontier tradition of “killing for the table,” economic hardships driving individuals to poach, and the intertwining of poaching with notions of masculinity and independence.
Furthermore, the document explores the emergence of new poaching practices, such as “tusking,” where individuals targeted elk solely for their teeth, driven by the lucrative market for elk tusks. It underscores the economic significance of poaching for the working class, often serving as a supplement during periods of unemployment or economic downturns. The narrative reveals the tensions between the local community’s reliance on poaching for survival and the conservation goals of the park authorities, leading to a complex interplay of socio-economic factors shaping poaching activities.
Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive insight into the intricate web of motivations, practices, and societal implications surrounding poaching in Yellowstone National Park. It presents a nuanced portrayal of poaching as a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by economic hardships, traditional customs, and the pursuit of self-sufficiency, underscoring the challenges of conservation efforts in the face of deeply rooted socio-economic dynamics.
Chapter 7
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.14.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary-
The document titled “The Havasupai Problem” from the book “Crimes against Nature” by Karl Jacoby delves into the challenges faced by the Havasupai tribe in northern Arizona in the context of American conservation efforts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It paints a vivid picture of the tribe’s struggle to maintain its traditional way of life in the face of encroaching conservation measures, the establishment of national forest reserves, and the influx of settlers. The narrative highlights the Havasupai’s displacement from their hunting and gathering grounds, the disruption of their seasonal cycles, and the impact of federal policies on their livelihoods.
The chapter begins by recounting Captain Jim’s urgent plea to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1915, expressing the tribe’s plight and the disruption of their traditional hunting practices due to conservation measures. It illustrates the narrative of loss, deprivation of resources, and conflicts with game wardens, shedding light on the challenges faced by the Havasupai in adapting to a new system of state controls. The document further underscores the broader repercussions of conservation on Native American communities, depicting the protests and violent confrontations that arose due to the imposition of game laws and forest reserves.
Moreover, the narrative explores the Havasupai’s historical lifestyle, emphasizing their seasonal cycle divided between intensive agriculture in Havasu Canyon and extensive hunting and gathering on the plateau. It reveals the tribe’s struggle against the displacement from their traditional lands and the impact of external factors such as the arrival of settlers, miners, and tourists on their subsistence practices. The document also reflects the Havasupai’s resistance to becoming solely reliant on agriculture as proposed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, highlighting their attempts to maintain their traditional ways of life despite external pressures.
Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive insight into the Havasupai tribe’s challenges, resilience, and adaptation strategies in the face of conservation efforts and societal changes. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between Native American communities, federal policies, and the broader transformations brought about by conservation in the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Chapter 8
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1525/j.ctt5vjzwv.15.pdf?refreqid=fastly-default%3A43e8ffcb38ae55c65bf9c5f38383b4de&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
Summary-
In the chapter “Farewell Song” from the book “Crimes against Nature: Squatters, Poachers, Thieves, and the Hidden History of American Conservation” by Karl Jacoby, the author delves into the impact of conservation policies on the Havasupai tribe’s traditional way of life at the Grand Canyon. The chapter explores how the establishment of the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve and, later, the Grand Canyon National Park, significantly disrupted the Havasupai’s customary practices of hunting, gathering, and land use. The author highlights the conflict between the conservation policies and the Havasupai’s longstanding cultural and subsistence practices, shedding light on the implications of these policies on the tribe’s identity and livelihood.
The chapter begins by depicting the Havasupai’s gradual awareness of the forest reserve’s creation and the subsequent restrictions imposed on their traditional activities. It delves into the challenges faced by the federal government in enforcing the regulations within the forest reserve due to the limited resources and conflicts with local interests. The narrative illustrates the Havasupai’s resistance to the conservation policies, including their continued hunting and gathering activities, despite the regulations prohibiting such practices.
Furthermore, the chapter highlights the profound impact of the conservation policies on the Havasupai’s cultural and spiritual connections to the land. It emphasizes how the restrictions on hunting, gathering, and land use disrupted the tribe’s fundamental practices and identity. The Havasupai’s deep-rooted traditions, rituals, and subsistence methods were intricately tied to the natural environment, and the conservation policies posed a significant threat to these cultural elements.
Overall, “Farewell Song” sheds light on the complex dynamics between conservation efforts and indigenous communities, showcasing the profound implications of conservation policies on traditional cultural practices and the intricate relationship between indigenous peoples and their natural surroundings. The chapter provides a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by the Havasupai tribe in navigating the intersection of conservation policies and their cultural heritage.
The epilogue “Landscapes of Memory and Myth” from the book “Crimes against Nature: Squatters, Poachers, Thieves, and the Hidden History of American Conservation” by Karl Jacoby, explores the myths surrounding American conservation and its impact on rural communities. The author delves into the notion of memory, highlighting how historical events and the formation of conservation policies are intertwined. Jacoby challenges the myth that rural folk, prior to the conservation movement, had no understanding of the importance of preserving the natural world. He emphasizes that rural communities had their own informal rules and customs to safeguard their ecological base, challenging the romanticized idea of a chaotic, unstructured pre-conservation era. The author also discusses the shift from local, informal systems of resource management to a formal code of law administered by the bureaucratic state, which redefined the relationship between rural communities and the environment. Furthermore, Jacoby debunks the myth of conservation acting upon a pure, self-regulating nature, emphasizing the significant transformation of the American countryside due to unprecedented state interventions and the imposition of new laws and regulations.
Epilouge
The epilogue also explores the myth of conservationists portraying the areas affected by their policies as uniquely natural spaces. Jacoby argues that the conservation movement played a significant role in transforming the American countryside, leading to a modernized landscape where market relationships and wage labor predominated. He challenges the romanticized notion of wilderness as a primeval character of nature, revealing it as an artifact of modernity employed by conservationists to naturalize the transformations taking place in rural America. The author also critiques the authoritarian stance of early conservationists towards rural communities, highlighting how their actions left behind a troubling legacy and often pursued environmental quality at the expense of social justice. Jacoby concludes by questioning the compatibility of environmental quality and social justice and their role in shaping a truly democratic society.
In summary, Karl Jacoby’s epilogue provides a thought-provoking analysis of the myths surrounding American conservation, challenging romanticized notions and shedding light on the complex interactions between conservation policies, rural communities, and the natural environment. The epilogue encourages critical reflection on the historical narratives of conservation and their implications for social and environmental justice in American society.