Notes from the Ground: Science, Soil, & Society in the American Countryside

Yale Agrarian Studies Series

by Benjamin R. Cohen

"Notes from the Ground" examines the cultural conditions that brought agriculture and science together in nineteenth-century America. Integrating the history of science, environmental history, and science studies, the book shows how and why agrarian Americans--yeoman farmers, gentleman planters, politicians, and policy makers alike--accepted, resisted, and shaped scientific ways of knowing the land. By detailing the changing perceptions of soil treatment, Benjamin Cohen shows that the credibility of new soil practices grew not from the arrival of professional chemists, but out of an existing ideology of work, knowledge, and citizenship.

Genres: History, Nature

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOC looks promising! Always love a little agararian Americanism.

This was a great little book. Very well-written and engaging for classical ag history. Even had a bit of theory throughout. I wish he had just given himself license to play with the more interesting/side sources that also appear throughout the period about dirt/soil. Very much appreciated him retooling of the American pastoral to include the Georgics. Even-handed, thoughtful, nice work.