Waterfall
Nature and Culture
Brian HudsonAn exploration of the history and science of waterfalls, as well as their rich cultural background.
From Niagara Falls in North America to Angel Falls in Venezuela, waterfalls provide some of the world’s most spectacular scenes. While waterfalls have often been considered in terms of their picturesque or sublime qualities, their rich cultural background has been neglected. In Waterfall, Brian Hudson portrays these marvels in a new light. He explores the many myths and legends they have inspired in cultures ranging from Native American to Celtic and Indian, and how they have been described by poets and depicted in film and music. Hudson also discusses the ecology of waterfalls and the conflict that arises from their importance as both a source of hydroelectric power and tourist income in many countries.
A superb addition to the library of any nature lover, this beautifully illustrated book is a fascinating look at the history and value of waterfalls.
An exploration of the history and science of waterfalls, as well as their rich cultural background.
From Niagara Falls in North America to Angel Falls in Venezuela, waterfalls provide some of the world’s most spectacular scenes. While waterfalls have often been considered in terms of their picturesque or sublime qualities, their rich cultural background has been neglected. In Waterfall, Brian Hudson portrays these marvels in a new light. He explores the many myths and legends they have inspired in cultures ranging from Native American to Celtic and Indian, and how they have been described by poets and depicted in film and music. Hudson also discusses the ecology of waterfalls and the conflict that arises from their importance as both a source of hydroelectric power and tourist income in many countries.
A superb addition to the library of any nature lover, this beautifully illustrated book is a fascinating look at the history and value of waterfalls.
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Looking at the natural wonders in a new light, the author explores the many myths and legends that tumbling rivers and streams have inspired in cultures . . . A unique addition to any nature-lovers bookshelves, this beautifully illustrated book is a fascinating look at the history and value of waterfalls.
'Yorkshire Ridings magazine
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Waterfall includes wide-ranging chapters on how waterfalls are formed, their ecological importance, their use in landscape and urban design, and their role in water power and as tourist destinations, along with their beauty, allure, and current threats. The humanities perspective provides a fresh look at a remarkable natural phenomenon. Recommended.
'Choice
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An evocative, well-researched, beautifully illustrated and many-layered exploration of one of our planet's most compelling natural wonders.
'Margaret Drabble
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Waterfall is that rare book on nature, learned and beautifully illustrated, encyclopedic in detail and sweeping in historical, aesthetic, and applied coverage, a must not only on the shelf of every nature lover's library, but also – I might add – on his or her coffee table.
'Yi-Fu Tuan, author of Space and Place
Preface
1. Waterfall Lovers and Waterfalling
2. Waterfalls: Birth, Life and Death
3. The Allure of Waterfalls
4. The Beautiful, the Sublime and the Picturesque
5. Waterfalls of Passion, Fountains of Love
6. Paradise and the Hereafter
7. Waterfalls and the Creative Mind: Literature and Art
8. Waterfalls and the Creative Mind: New Directions
9. The Designed Landscape
10. Power and Human Settlements
11. Waterfalls and Tourism
12. Waterfalls Lost, Despoiled and Threatened
Notable Waterfalls
References
Select Bibliography
Associations and Websites
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Brian J. Hudson is Adjunct Professor in the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. His other books include Waterfalls of Jamaica (2001).