Overview

In the First Country of Places explores how people's personal philosophies of nature shape their childhood memories and self-identities. Drawing upon written work and original interviews, the book describes uses of memory through the perspectives of five American Poets who represent different contemporary beliefs: William Bronk, David Ignatow, Audre Lorde, Marie Ponsot, and Henry Weinfield. These authors present their relationships with nature and childhood in the context of major Western traditions of philosophy and religion. Each poet confronts the modern scientific image of an alien nature within which histories of individuals are insignificant; and three poets elaborate alternative versions of connection with nature and their own past. This work opens new directions in the psychology of memory, developmental and environmental psychology, environmental studies, and the study of American poetry.

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9780791420744

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Reviews

I have a great respect for the way in which Dr. Chawla has been able to address and integrate a diverse set of literatures-environmental psychology, developmental psychology, phenomenology, literature and literary criticism, nature studies, and feminist theory. I am not surprised at the breadth of her insights because she has been so clear about her hermeneutic and phenomenological approach to the questions about childhood memories, nature, and developmental psychology-only that she does it so well. - Lynda H. Schneekloth, State University of New York at Buffalo It is more than an academic book. Because of its topic, and approach, it is a book which will have personal as well as academic appeal. - Kenneth Olwig, Odense University, Denmark The author's discussion of the gender differences between poets is important. Her advocacy of poetry as a source of understanding is cogent and exciting. - Tom Greeves, Cultural Environmentalist

Author Information

Louise Chawla is Associate Professor at Whitney Young College, an interdisciplinary honors college at Kentucky State University. She has written numerous book chapters and articles on environmental autobiography and children's environmental experience.

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