Cattle Colonialism

“Cattle Colonialism will certainly influence the next generation of scholars interested in more carefully delineating the intersection of ecological forces and local human actions, both of which shape our increasingly globalized history. As Fischer argues, it is not an 'either/or' narrative. Rather, the best environmental histories are 'both.' This is one of them.”—merican Historical Review

“[A] carefully researched book. . . . An information-packed resource.” — CHOICE

“A sophisticated and complex study marked by a solid exposition.” — Journal of Pacific History

“Well-researched, well-written, and extremely readable. . . . Will appeal to those who teach environmental, social, western, agricultural, and American history, as well as anyone who enjoys a book that ties together so many unrelated items in a seamless and apparently effortless manner.” — Southwestern Historical Quarterly

“Aficionados of western history will be drawn to Fischer’s stories of indigenous cowboys as well as his discussion of the hide and tallow trade.” — Western Historical Quarterly

“Breaks new ground. . . . Breath[es] life into the histories of Indigenous craftspeople that underpinned the cattle economy.” — American Historical Review

“An ideal read for those wanting a thorough introduction to Hawaiian and Californian colonial histories, with a strong focus on the two region’s respective environments.” — Journal of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association

“An important study that reveals in substantial detail how ostensibly obscure commodities like beef, hides, and tallow could render such rapid and complete transformations of well-established indigenous economies, societies, and ecologies.” — Environmental History

“Building on a rich body of scholarship, John Ryan Fischer tells a fascinating and nuanced story about the environmental, economic, and cultural impacts of the development of the Pacific cattle market and culture in California and Hawai'i. Cattle Colonialism is an excellent and significant book.” — Virginia DeJohn Anderson, University of Colorado at Boulder

“In this fascinating book, John Ryan Fischer pioneers new ideas in the history of the American West by moving away from the established comparison between California and Hawai'i and toward a particularly impressive transcultural study.” — Andrew Isenberg, Temple University