Between Nature and Culture

A welcome collaborative effort that examines both mainstream and quirky instances of modified natural environments, proposes proper modes of aesthetic appreciation for such sites, and urges an ethical stewardship that foregrounds caring for the natural world we inhabit. -- Stephanie Ross, Professor of Philosophy, University of Missouri, St Louis
Until recently, environmental aesthetics was preoccupied with wild or ‘unmodified’ nature. Since the environments we engage with most – like gardens and farmland – are decisively modified by cultural practices, a book on the aesthetics of such environments is especially welcome. The authors provide clear, informed and closely argued discussions of topics that range from topiary and monocultural farming to landscape restoration and environmental art. Their book will surely help to widen the horizons of environmental aesthetics. -- David E. Cooper, Emeritus Professor, Department of Philosophy, Durham University
Between Nature and Culture: The Aesthetics of Modified Environments is a masterpiece. Clear and well-expressed, the book’s philosophy is optimistic and admirable, and reminds me of the early writings of transcendentalists such as Henry David Thoreau. -- Jai Syvitski, Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
This timely and carefully-argued book addresses the various ways that aesthetic value can be created by working with nature. In so doing, it sheds new light on the aesthetic and ethical significance of a wide range of practices, from topiary to stonewalling and from land art to the restoration of post-industrial landscapes. I highly recommend it. -- Simon Paul James, Reader in Philosophy at Durham University; Member of Durham Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences
In contrast to much of the major work in environmental aesthetics, Between Nature and Culture focuses on the aesthetic potential of modified environments, such as gardens and agricultural landscapes, where the land is intentionally modified to suit human needs and purposes. The book is an excellent introduction to this important area of research as well as a deep discussion of its major themes. It will be an essential source for scholars and a fascinating read for anyone interested in the aesthetic appreciation of the environments in which, as the authors note, most of us spend most of our lives. -- Allen Carlson, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosophy, University of Alberta