The Wilderness from Chamberlain Farm: A Story Of Hope For The American Wild
A remote piece of land located in the Allagash Wilderness  Waterway in northwestern Maine, Chamberlain Farm has undergone  many changes since it served as a camping place for indigenous  peoples. In this study of the various economic, political, and  cultural forces that have profoundly affected this land, Bennett  (environmental education, emeritus, Univ. of Maine, Farmington;  Allagash) shows how these forces "reflected society's evolving  beliefs and attitudes regarding nature and wilderness." In the  mid-1800s, for example, the site attracted lumber barons who  valued wealth and dominance over nature, whereas in the late  20th century it attracted urbanites who wanted playgrounds for  their motorized boats and bikes. The desire to preserve the  integrity of wilderness areas has become more important to  Americans as the number of pristine places has dwindled. Bennett  argues that only constant vigilance against private interests  can protect unique places like the Chamberlain Farm. Written  with an abundance of historical details and a sincere affection  for the Maine forests and rivers, this book is recommended for  environmental, natural history, and local Maine collections in  academic and public libraries. Ilse Heidmann, San Marcos, TXCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.