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The Retreat Of The Elephants

This landmark book–the first environmental history of China–is based on a wealth of literary, political aesthetic, scientific, and religious sources that reveal the views of the Chinese people toward their environment and landscape. “Masterly and engaging. . . . Essential for those who want to understand the long sweep of Chinese history, and it will enhance the perspective of those who think they already understand it. A scholarly tour de force.”–J. R. McNeill, “Wilson Quarterly (Note to DMB: check print review–also in Science?)” “Elvin combines an illuminating account of the 4,000 year-long collision of humans and nature with delightful tidbits about everything under the Chinese sun. . . . A magisterial work.”–Nicholas D. Kristof, “Scientific American”