Benton Mackaye: Conservationist, Planner, and Creator of the Appalachian Trail - Paperback

by Larry Anderson (Author)

Planner and originator of the Appalachian Trail and a cofounder of the Wilderness Society, Benton MacKaye (1879-1975) was a pioneer in linking the concepts of preservation and recreation. Spanning three-quarters of a century, his long and productive career had a major impact on emerging movements in conservation, environmentalism, and regional planning. MacKaye's seminal ideas on outdoor recreation, wilderness protection, land-use planning, community development, and transportation have inspired generations of activists, professionals, and adventurers seeking to strike a harmonious balance between human need and the natural environment.

This pathbreaking biography provides the first complete portrait of this significant and unique figure in American environmental, intellectual, and cultural history. Drawing on extensive research, Larry Anderson traces MacKaye's extensive career, examines his many published works, and describes the importance of MacKaye's relationships with such influential figures as Lewis Mumford, Aldo Leopold, and Walter Lippmann. This book will appeal to students, scholars, and professionals in preservation, conservation, recreation, planning, and American studies, as well as general readers interested in these subjects.

Front Jacket

Planner and originator of the Appalachian Trail and a cofounder of the Wilderness Society, Benton MacKaye (1879-1975) was a pioneer in linking the concepts of preservation, recreation, and regional planning. This pathbreaking biography provides the first complete portrait of this significant and unique figure in American environmental, intellectual, and cultural history.

A superb and much-anticipated biography of Benton MacKaye. Rich in detail (a sign of Anderson's diligent research) and smart in its analysis (an indication of his supple intellect), the book brings the often-quirky MacKaye to life . . . A remarkable achievement.--Journal of Forestry

A first-rate biography of a unique American thinker.--Journal of American History

Anderson does an impressive job of bringing an enigmatic figure into sharper focus and shedding light on the long list of important contributions MacKaye made to the American environmental movement . . . A readable, engrossing biography.--Appalachia

Anderson's lucid, well-researched, and sensitive story provides an illuminating on-the-ground snapshot of the inner workings of the intellectual networks, social relationships, governmental and business institutions, particular projects, and downright good and bad luck that constitute the fabric of historical movements such as conservation and regional planning.--Environmental History

This first detailed biography of MacKaye should become the standard account of his life and work.--APA Journal

Larry Anderson is a freelance writer and independent scholar.

Back Jacket

Planner and originator of the Appalachian Trail and a cofounder of the Wilderness Society, Benton MacKaye (1879-1975) was a pioneer in linking the concepts of preservation, recreation, and regional planning. This pathbreaking biography provides the first complete portrait of this significant and unique figure in American environmental, intellectual, and cultural history.

"A superb and much-anticipated biography of Benton MacKaye. Rich in detail (a sign of Anderson's diligent research) and smart in its analysis (an indication of his supple intellect), the book brings the often-quirky MacKaye to life . . . A remarkable achievement."--Journal of Forestry

"A first-rate biography of a unique American thinker."--Journal of American History

"Anderson does an impressive job of bringing an enigmatic figure into sharper focus and shedding light on the long list of important contributions MacKaye made to the American environmental movement . . . A readable, engrossing biography."--Appalachia

"Anderson's lucid, well-researched, and sensitive story provides an illuminating on-the-ground snapshot of the inner workings of the intellectual networks, social relationships, governmental and business institutions, particular projects, and downright good and bad luck that constitute the fabric of historical movements such as conservation and regional planning."--Environmental History

"This first detailed biography of MacKaye should become the standard account of his life and work."--APA Journal

Larry Anderson is a freelance writer and independent scholar.

Author Biography

Larry Anderson is a freelance writer and independent scholar.