Since 1996 The Hudson: An Illustrated Guide to the Living River has been an essential guide to the full sweep of this great river’s natural history and human heritage. In this third edition, the authors - with over 70 years of combined experience teaching about the Hudson - have updated and improved their clearly written and engaging volume, covering the Hudson’s diversity of plants and wildlife, the geological forces that created the river, the people who explored and settled its banks, the river’s enduring place in American history and art, and the battles waged over its environmental preservation. Many of the book’s abundant illustrations are now printed in color, bringing special vibrancy to the prints and paintings included in the history chapters. Accounts of such signature species as the American shad, Atlantic sturgeon, bald eagle, the herons of New York Harbor, and the invasive zebra mussel have been informed by recent research. The text reviews the latest developments in long-running controversies over power plants on the river and toxic PCB contamination, describes newly-recognized pollution issues, and adds a chapter on the impacts of climate change. The outlook is not all doom and gloom: The Hudson celebrates notable progress made in cleaning up the river, while outlining the challenges that must be met to complete the task. A notable addition to this edition are examples of actions and research projects in which individuals can participate to advance the river’s rebirth and build understanding of its nature. By approaching its subject from both the scientific and historical perspectives, the book promotes broad-based understanding of why the Hudson and its valley possess such a unique and fascinating identity, and of how this special ecosystem and landscape have played a defining role in the evolution of the environmental movement. Royalties from the sale of this book will support the continue restoration of the river’s ecological well-being through the programs of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., a non-profit education and advocacy organization based in Beacon, New York.
