Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains

“[An] instructive story of both ecological change and the impact of human activity on the natural environment. . . . [Silver’s] interweaving of his personal journal of visits to the mountains adds a surprisingly spiritual dimension to the scholarly narrative. This book is politically, culturally, philosophically, biologically, and — for its author and its readers — personally engaging.” — Mountain Research and Development

“An excellent case-study in environmental history. The emphasis on the role of human decisions in the composition and workings of contemporary ecosystems coupled with the recognition that 'nature' is also an active player makes the book worthwhile reading for geographers as well as ecologists, for students and educators as well as the general public.” — Historical Geography

“Silver acts as both nature guide and interpreter of history in his book. . . . As a naturalist he is skilled, thoughtful, and engaging. . . . This is matched by equal competency as a historian, including the ability to labor productively in multiple fields.” — Journal of American History

“Like the natural world that is his subject, Timothy Silver’s new environmental history of Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains is complex and compelling. . . . Gracefully written and well-organized. . . . Silver’s work is one of only a handful of studies that consider the natural world as an active agent in the Appalachian history and, as such, is an important contribution to the field.” — H-Appalachia

“The environmental history of the Appalachian Mountain region is a field that recently has seen the publication of several very good books, of which Timothy Silver’s Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains is one. . . . A very worthwhile book.” — H-Environment

“[A] passionate . . . [and] accessible work that will satisfy both the professional historian and the inquisitive citizen.” — American Historical Review

“An absorbing and readable book that will appeal to general readers and scholars alike.” — Appalachian Heritage

“A wonderfully informative and enjoyable journey through time and across the space of an extraordinary Appalachian landscape. . . . His knowledge and love of the region shine through every page. . . . Profusely illustrated with photographs and informative maps, this volume will delight and inform readers seeking a sense of place.” — Appalachian Journal

“This absorbing, beautifully crafted book tells a powerful story about one of western North Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations: Mount Mitchell and the surrounding Black Mountains. . . . No one is better qualified than Tim Silver to interpret the complex transformations of this landscape.” — North Carolina Historical Review

“This is a fine book and a good read. . . . Tim Silver has given us a benchmark of environmental history for a fascinating part of North America.” — Environmental History