Reseña de Choise

This book is the product of a course about the Hudson River that Strayer (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies) taught at Bard College. He wrote it for the general public and as a possible supplement for high school or university courses. Its coverage extends from Troy to New York Harbor, about half the length of the Hudson River. The recent Environmental History of the Hudson River, edited by Robert Henshaw (CH, Feb'12, 49-3232), appeared too late for Strayer to use, but the overlap in subject matter is small, and the content is more supplementary than duplicative. Further, Strayer's primer is a concise guide, whereas Henshaw's history is a reference work. Strayer draws upon his own scientific research as well as that of other scientists, and all 12 chapters have up-to-date bibliographies. The volume includes numerous charts, diagrams, and a few maps; therefore, it is not a fast read, but Strayer avoids technical terms to make the text accessible to lay readers. The author's goal is to clarify environmental problems and to base river resource management upon sophisticated science. However, he admits that it is almost impossible to eradicate introduced foreign pest species. It is easier to improve the river's environment. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General audiences and undergraduate students. F. N. Egerton emeritus, University of Wisconsin--Parkside