Focusing on the evolving significance of regional identities, the book explores three regions that have historically shaped America's national narrative. It delves into their past prominence and considers their potential resurgence in contemporary discourse, highlighting the dynamic interplay between local and national narratives in the American experience.
The history of fire in the American Northeast is explored through the lens of its surprising leadership in national fire developments. Renowned fire expert Stephen Pyne delves into how fire is re-emerging in this region, challenging conventional perceptions of its role in America's fire narrative. This installment of the To the Last Smoke series offers insightful analysis and historical context, highlighting the complexities of fire's relationship with the environment and society in the Northeast.
Over vast expanses of time, fire and humanity have interacted to expand the domain of each, transforming the earth and what it means to be human. In this concise yet wide-ranging book, Stephen J. Pyne--named by Science magazine as "the world's leading authority on the history of fire"--explores the surprising dynamics of fire before humans, fire and human origins, aboriginal economies of hunting and foraging, agricultural and pastoral uses of fire, fire ceremonies, fire as an idea and a technology, and industrial fire. In this revised and expanded edition, Pyne looks to the future of fire as a constant, defining presence on Earth. A new chapter explores the importance of fire in the twenty-first century, with special attention to its role in the Anthropocene, or what he posits might equally be called the Pyrocene.
California's fire management is distinguished by its integration of diverse biomes into a unified suppression system. Stephen J. Pyne highlights the unique character and scale of wildfires in the state, reflecting its vastness and power. The book delves into the historical and ecological contexts that shape California's approach to fire, setting it apart from other regions in the U.S.
Fire is a defining element in Canadian land and life. With few exceptions, Canada's forests and prairies have evolved with fire; its peoples have exploited fire and sought to protect themselves from its excesses; and since Confederation, the country has devised institutions to connect fire and society. This book narrates the history of this saga.
"A deep dive into how human curiosity and ingenuity fueled three great phases of exploration-from water, to land, to space-hallmarks of Western civilization"-- Provided by publisher
Stephen Pyne's overwhelming fascination with Antarctica is the compelling force behind this major book on this stark and largely unknown continent. It combines a geophysical examination of the ice with an inspirational survey of how one of the most alien landscapes of our planet has shaped and affected man's life on earth throughout the centuries. The sheer immensity of the ice sheet is staggering. Its weight is sufficient to deform the globe. Interleaved with each scientific examination are historical surveys dealing with man's assimilation of Antarctica. Pyne reveals how Cook's voyages to Antarctica not only affected the history of science, but inspired such works as MOBY DICK and THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER.
Prologue : between three fires -- Fire planet : fire slow, fire fast, fire deep -- The pleistocene -- Fire creature : living landscapes -- Fire creature : lithic landscapes -- The pyrocene -- Epilogue : sixth sun.
Focusing on the art of nonfiction writing, Stephen J. Pyne provides insights on using literary techniques to enhance factual narratives. Drawing from his extensive experience teaching graduate students, he offers practical advice for crafting compelling nonfiction suitable for both academic and general audiences. This guide encourages writers to elevate their work beyond mere information delivery, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in nonfiction.
Presents a brief geological, political, cultural, and economic history of the Grand Canyon.
