📖 Overview
Matthew Evenden is a Professor of Geography at the University of British Columbia and a leading environmental historian focused on Canadian water resources and environmental change. His research examines the intersection of natural resources, technology, and environmental politics in Canada during the 20th century.
Evenden is best known for his book "Fish versus Power: An Environmental History of the Fraser River" (2004), which explores the complex relationship between salmon conservation and hydroelectric development in British Columbia. This work received the Clio Prize from the Canadian Historical Association.
His other significant publications include "Allied Power: Mobilizing Hydro-Electricity During Canada's Second World War" (2015) and "The River Returns: An Environmental History of the Bow" (2009, co-authored). These works examine the environmental and social impacts of hydroelectric development and water management in Canada.
Evenden serves as a general editor for the Nature|History|Society series at UBC Press and has contributed extensively to environmental policy discussions in Canada. His research continues to influence contemporary debates about resource management, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Evenden's detailed research and ability to present complex environmental history in an accessible way. Reviews note his balanced treatment of competing interests between industry, government, and environmental concerns.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanation of technical concepts without oversimplification
- Integration of historical documents and data
- Balanced perspective on environmental conflicts
- Strong focus on Canadian water resource history
What readers disliked:
- Academic writing style can be dense
- Some sections heavy on policy details
- Limited coverage of Indigenous perspectives
- High textbook prices
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: Fish versus Power - 4.0/5 (12 ratings)
Allied Power - 4.5/5 (6 ratings)
The River Returns - 3.8/5 (5 ratings)
Amazon: Averages 4.0/5 across titles but very few reviews
One academic reviewer noted: "Evenden excels at showing how technological choices shaped environmental outcomes." Another commented: "The research depth is impressive but the writing could be more engaging for non-specialist readers."
📚 Books by Matthew Evenden
Fish versus Power: An Environmental History of the Fraser River (2004)
Examines the conflict between hydroelectric development and salmon fisheries on British Columbia's Fraser River during the 20th century.
Allied Power: Mobilizing Hydro-electricity during Canada's Second World War (2015) Documents how Canada expanded its hydroelectric infrastructure to support wartime industrial production and the lasting impacts of these developments.
Urban Rivers: Remaking Rivers, Cities, and Space in Europe and North America (2012) Co-edited collection analyzing how urban rivers have been modified, managed, and reimagined in various cities across Europe and North America.
The Natural History of Canadian Cities (2019) Explores the environmental history of Canadian urban development and its relationship with natural systems and resources.
War and Waterways: Military Environmental Change in Canada during the Second World War (2020) Investigates the environmental changes and impacts caused by military activities in Canada during World War II.
Allied Power: Mobilizing Hydro-electricity during Canada's Second World War (2015) Documents how Canada expanded its hydroelectric infrastructure to support wartime industrial production and the lasting impacts of these developments.
Urban Rivers: Remaking Rivers, Cities, and Space in Europe and North America (2012) Co-edited collection analyzing how urban rivers have been modified, managed, and reimagined in various cities across Europe and North America.
The Natural History of Canadian Cities (2019) Explores the environmental history of Canadian urban development and its relationship with natural systems and resources.
War and Waterways: Military Environmental Change in Canada during the Second World War (2020) Investigates the environmental changes and impacts caused by military activities in Canada during World War II.
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Nancy Langston writes about forest management, water systems, and toxic legacies in environmental history. Her research explores the intersection of industrial development and ecological change in the Great Lakes region.
Mark Fiege examines irrigation networks and agricultural transformation in western North America. His book "Irrigated Eden" analyzes human modification of river systems for farming.
Sara Pritchard studies the technological and environmental history of river systems in Europe. Her work examines how hydropower development shaped landscapes and communities in twentieth-century France.
Christopher Armstrong investigates resource industries and environmental change in Canadian history. His research covers forestry, mining, and water management in Ontario and British Columbia.