Nature has played a crucial role in moulding the American character and shaping American culture. Since America's independence in 1776, the era of nation building through the mid-19th century supplied fertile and favourable conditions for the germination and growth of nature writings. Romantic aspirations that arose in New England in the early years of the young nation paved the way for the appreciation of the grandeur witnessed during nationwide waves of the "Going West" movement in the second half of the 19th century. In consequence, splendours of the "Wild West" and the breathtaking majesty of iconic sites such as Yellowstone and Yosemite elevated the importance of wilderness in American culture. While nature writings flourished to become a distinct literary genre, the sublimity of nature also became a prominent theme in paintings, folk songs, and other artistic spheres. Since the mid-20th century, the rise of environmental awareness and ecological science accentuated the need to intensify efforts for wilderness preservation and protection of pristine areas. Without doubt, affinity for nature has taken root in American culture and appreciation of the indispensability of nature is a hallmark of the American character. The American cultural landscape is dotted with gems of nature-related works. This book introduces some of the widely acclaimed American nature writings and artistic masterpieces. Excerpts of 30 time-tested works by 27 renowned authors, poets, painters, and song writers are selected, featuring leading figures including Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Walt Whitman, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Robert Frost, Mark Twain, Henry Beston, Rachel Carson, Berry Wendell, Thomas Moran, and so on. The criteria for selection are popularity, influence, and aesthetics. The book begins with a synopsis of Ralph Waldo Emerson's pathbreaking essays, i.e., "Nature", and "American Scholar", followed by cursory adventures from the rustic countryside to charming coasts, and from the majestic Rockies to the pastoral Champlain valley. The book ends with an overview of Thomas Cole's seminal essay, i.e., "American Scenery", and John Burrough's widely-hailed article titled "Nature near Home", as a reminder that nature is ubiquitous and multi-faceted. The ultimate goal of the book is to present some of the best American literary and artistic works that display and celebrate beauties of nature.



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