34 pages • 1 hour read
Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England
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Book Brief
288
Book • Nonfiction
New England • 17th-18th Century
1983
Adult
18+ years
1390L
Super Short Summary
In Changes in the Land, William Cronon provides a scholarly assessment of the ecological changes in New England from 1620 to 1800 due to European settlers, examining Native American and European land usage, including farming, hunting, and commercial activities, and revealing contrasting land use notions and economic values, ultimately tracing how these interactions brought significant ecological transformations to the region.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
4,238 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
William Cronon's Changes in the Land is widely praised for its insightful analysis of how colonialism transformed New England's ecology. Reviewers commend its interdisciplinary approach and detailed historical research, offering a nuanced perspective on human-environment interactions. Criticisms mainly focus on dense terminology, which may challenge some readers. Overall, a thought-provoking, well-researched work.
Who Should Read Changes in the Land?
A reader who enjoys Changes in the Land by William Cronon is typically interested in environmental history, Native American studies, and colonial American history. This book appeals to those who appreciate the analytical depth of works like Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Charles Mann's 1491.
4,238 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Colonists
The Colonists
Primarily English settlers who introduced European agricultural practices to New England, leading to significant ecological changes and exploitation of natural resources.
The Native Americans
The Native Americans
Indigenous tribes who engaged with European settlers through trade and negotiation but faced severe disadvantages, including disease and territorial displacement.
288
Book • Nonfiction
New England • 17th-18th Century
1983
Adult
18+ years
1390L
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