Title: The organic machine
First published: 1995
Description: In The Organic Machine, Richard White, a distinguished historian and leading scholar of the American West, explores the intimate relationship between nature and mankind along the Columbia River. Working on the cutting edge of environmental and social history, White demonstrates how, over the centuries, both native peoples and settlers have continually remade the river, treating it as a machine designed to churn out energy and sustenance.

He assesses the impact on the Northwest ecology of enterprises that have marked the river's history, from salmon fishing to the Hanford Energy Works nuclear plant, and eloquently reveals the insights and illusions of those who work with the river.
Subjects: Effect of environment on, Human beings, History, Effect of human beings on, Nature, Columbia river and valley, Human beings--effect of environment on, Human beings--effect of environment on--columbia river, Human beings--effect of environment on--columbia river region, Nature--effect of human beings on, Nature--effect of human beings on--columbia river, Nature--effect of human beings on--columbia river region, F853 .w675 1995, 979.7, Human ecology, Nature, effect of human beings on
Places: Columbia River, Columbia River Region