The book has been covered in contact and has a neat ownership inscription on the front end paper, else pristine. 251 pages, indexed. ""The idea that humans can effectively manage nature - that we can successfully manipulate and control our environment to meet our needs and satisfy our desires - is almost universally accepted in today's society." "In Unmanaged Landscapes, editor Bill Willers brings together an insightful and thought-provoking selection of writings that challenge that assumption. Written between the mid-nineteenth century and the present day, the pieces range from two paragraphs written in response to an exam question to tightly reasoned philosophical arguments. They offer the thoughts, stories, and analysis of scientists, journalists, philosophers, historians, educators, and others who have considered the effects and implications of resource management, and have found themselves in favor of keeping some landscapes free from human interference."- (back cover)