Delta Primer: A Field Guide to the California Delta

by Jane Wolff

Growing worldwide interest in water systems makes this provocative examination of Northern California's Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta far more important than its regional focus suggests. As author Wolff presents the story of the land and water through images, historical data and an intricate mapping system, Delta Primer frames public discussion about the transformation of the American landscape.

Genres: Landscape Architecture

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[John]

“The Delta is full of the romance of decay: roads warp, the ground falls away from buildings, renegade sunflowers grow through cracks in pavement”

[S Zander]

This book was not what I was expecting -- in a good way. It was an impulse buy at the CLUI bookstore. But it took me a while to get around to cracking it open. The title and cover made me think it would be a dense text book ok the Delta. Instead, it is a delightful and thoroughly informative dive into the complexity that is the Delta, with a side of art. I agree, I wish the maps were bigger. But that's my only complaint. The writing, the graphics (other than size), the layout, is all spot on. And the material holds, even almost two decades later.

[Pat]

Earlier this year, we went on a day long boat tour of the Sacramento River delta. After spending that time on the delta and experiencing myself, I read Jane Wolff's book. Her portrait of the delta is comprehensive and informative. She has explored all aspects of the river from the politics of water to the wildlife and river form.

I came to understand the delta form and the forces that shaped it and continue to shape it. The delta is fraught with complicated issues that continue today and are crucial to California's water supply and farming industry.

Jane's analysis is mostly graphic and succinct. The only issue I have with it is that everything is too small. I could not read the maps even with a magnifying glass. If I had not been on that river tour, it would not have had understood it. It would greatly benefit from a different format.

But for those who get out more than I do, I truly recommend this picture of the delta from a landscape architect's point of view.