Cultivating Nature

Sarah R. Hamilton is associate professor of history at Auburn University.

"This volume is a welcome addition to environmental collections given the conspicuous dearth of quality environmental histories of Spain. . . . Hamilton presents an approachable, well-researched account of how the Albufera was the nexus of environmentalists' efforts for conservation through "rewilding" both before and after the Franco dictatorship and his regime's pointed effort to develop the tourism industry on what would become an extremely sensitive and biodiverse site of European environmental importance. . . . Highly recommended."(Choice) "Understands the specificities of a space (La Albulfera de Valencia) that cannot be understood without human intervention in its more than six centuries of history; a space shaped by farmers, hunters, citizens of Valencia, politicians, and officials in a changing and often conflictive relationship, who display opposing interests and conflicting conceptions of conservation."(Environmental History) "[A] remarkable monograph, which demonstrates its author's clear commitment to in-depth research in telling this fascinating and complex story."(Environment and History) "Cultivating Nature is a work written in a clear, engaging language, which is not only excellently suited for academic introductory courses on the agricultural and conservation history of Spain in the twentieth century, but also provides a good introduction for a readership outside the academic world that is generally interested in nature conservation."(Agricultural History) "Hamilton captures the inherent complexity of environmental issues very well."(Technology and Culture) "An excellent reference for environmental history in Spain, consolidating existing research and opening new lines of reflection toward the future."(H-Net)