34 pages • 1 hour read
William CrononChanges in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1983A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1390L