This interesting historical overview traces the American conservation movement from its beginnings in 1870, when a group of prominent citizens visited Yellowstone and decided that the federal government should preserve the area, through today, when the major concerns are recycling, oil spills, and nuclear disaster. Numerous quotes add to the book's effectiveness, as do a variety of sepia-tinted photographs. Overall, the book has a crisp, clean, visually attractive appearance that adds to its appeal.