Richard Judd

Richard Judd is an environmental historian and professor emeritus at the University of Maine, specializing in New England's environmental history and the relationship between humans and natural landscapes. His influential works include "Common Lands, Common People: The Origins of Conservation in Northern New England" (1997) and "Second Nature: An Environmental History of New England" (2014). These books examine how rural communities in New England managed their natural resources and developed environmental awareness over time. Judd served as editor of the journal Environmental History Review and later Environmental History, helping to shape the field of environmental history scholarship. His research focuses particularly on Maine's environmental past, forest management practices, and the evolution of conservation movements. Throughout his career at the University of Maine, Judd contributed significantly to the understanding of rural life and resource use in northern New England. His work bridges the gap between agricultural, social, and environmental history, providing detailed analysis of how communities have interacted with their natural surroundings.

Readers appreciate Judd's detailed research and thorough documentation of New England's environmental history. Academic reviewers highlight his ability to connect social history with environmental changes. Several reviews note his accessible writing style makes complex historical concepts understandable for general readers. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of how communities managed natural resources - Integration of social and environmental perspectives - Well-researched with extensive primary sources - Focus on everyday people's relationship with the land What readers disliked: - Some sections can be dense with academic detail - Limited coverage of urban environmental issues - Focus primarily on northern New England rather than entire region Ratings: - Goodreads: "Second Nature" - 4.0/5 (32 ratings) - Amazon: "Common Lands, Common People" - 4.5/5 (6 reviews) One academic reviewer wrote: "Judd excels at showing how ordinary farmers and workers shaped conservation practices." A student reviewer noted: "The writing is clear but the academic depth can be overwhelming for casual readers."

Common Lands, Common People: The Origins of Conservation in Northern New England Examines the evolution of conservation practices and environmental awareness in northern New England from colonial times through the early twentieth century.

Natural States: The Environmental Imagination in Maine, Oregon, and the Nation Analyzes how environmental thought and policy developed differently in Maine and Oregon despite similar geographical features and natural resources.

Second Nature: An Environmental History of New England Chronicles the environmental changes in New England from pre-colonial times to the present, focusing on human impact and ecological transformations.

The Untilled Garden: Natural History and the Spirit of Conservation in America Traces the development of American natural history writing and its influence on conservation movements from the 18th to early 20th centuries.

Rural Republic: Creating a Rural State Identity in Northern New England, 1790-1860 Details how northern New England developed its rural identity and agricultural economy during the early republic period.

Socialist Cities: Municipal Politics and the Grass Roots of American Socialism Explores the history of socialist municipal governments in the United States during the early twentieth century.

New England Environmental History: The Region, Its People, and Its Landscapes Provides a comprehensive overview of human-environment relationships in New England from prehistoric times to contemporary environmental challenges.

William Cronon examines environmental history and human relationships with nature in North America. His works focus on the transformation of landscapes and wilderness through settlement and economic development.

Donald Worster writes about the American West and ecological changes over time. His research centers on water resources, agricultural development, and environmental movements.

Carolyn Merchant explores connections between environmental history, science, and gender. She investigates how scientific and cultural shifts have influenced human interactions with nature.

Alfred Crosby studies the biological and ecological impacts of European expansion. His work covers the exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.

Brian Donahue analyzes New England's environmental history and agricultural practices. His research documents land use changes and farming methods from colonial times to present.