Sequoia FROM THE PUBLISHER
When Americans first saw the California Sequoias in 1852, they viewed the trees as not just spectacular wonders of nature, but symbols for the nation--strong, mighty, and thriving. They seemed to give the young nation its own ancient history, and were compared to the cathedrals of Europe, the pyramids of Egypt, and the sacred groves of Greece. Rather than having an ancient history, Americans had the landscape.
In Sequoia, Lori Vermaas constructs a brilliant, wide-ranging analysis of how Americans have seen nature as an inspiration, natural resource, and national treasure. Through the microism of the sequoia, Vermass expands her view to illuminate how Americans have changed their perceptions of nature over time and what landscape paintings, stereographs, tourist photographs, advertisements, and art photography can reveal about this transformation. This is a very timely perspective on both the environment and American culture, offering a new understanding of the contentious battles over the environment today.
Art & Photography
Book Info
