Ecospatiality: A Place-Based Approach to American Literature

Ecospatiality explores how authors like William Least Heat-Moon, Willa Cather, Richard Wright, and Leslie Marmon Silko represent and reimagine real places in the world and the human-environment relationships therein, building on the work of scholars in geography, sociology, ecocriticism, and geocriticism. It argues that place is not a neutral site for social interaction but underpins and intertwines with human experience, and that literature can help us think through how place operates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: University of Iowa Press

Ecospatiality delves into the realm of modern and contemporary American prose literature, shedding light on the profound connection between place and the human experience. Through the insightful lens of place, authors such as William Least Heat-Moon, Willa Cather, Richard Wright, and Leslie Marmon Silko have skillfully represented and reimagined the diverse landscapes and intricate human-environment relationships across the globe. This captivating book builds upon the pioneering work of scholars in geography, sociology, ecocriticism, and geocriticism, presenting a groundbreaking theory of ecospatiality. Ecospatiality encapsulates the idea that place is not merely a physical space but a dynamic entity that encompasses spatial dimensions, ecological significance, and historical context.

In our rapidly changing world, where ecological collapse and social disorder loom large, the human relationship with our environments has become an urgent concern. Whether we label this era as the climate change era or the Anthropocene, the undeniable fact remains that the places we inhabit are undergoing rapid transformations driven by economic and environmental pressures. It is time to shift our perspective and recognize that place is not merely a backdrop for social interactions but an integral part of our human experience.

Fortunately, literature offers a valuable avenue for exploring the complexities of place. Lowell Wyse argues that texts can be interpreted as works of literary cartography, emphasizing the role of realistic literary geography in shaping narratives. Ecospatiality takes us on a journey through a selection of nonfiction and fiction works, primarily set in North America, showcasing how these narratives harness the power of realistic geographic details to evoke and retell significant aspects of environmental history within specific communities and bioregions.

Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful interpretation, Ecospatiality unveils the intricate ways in which place influences and shapes human lives. It explores the emotional connections individuals forge with their surroundings, the ecological implications of human actions, and the historical legacies that shape our understanding of the world. By delving into the literary representations of place, this book offers a profound exploration of the human-environment relationship, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face in our rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, Ecospatiality is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the profound connection between place and the human experience. By exploring the works of influential authors and delving into the theory of ecospatiality, this book offers a fresh perspective on literature and environmental studies. It encourages us to reimagine our relationship with the places we inhabit, recognizing their ecological, historical, and emotional significance. As we navigate the complexities of our changing world, Ecospatiality serves as a valuable guide, illuminating the ways in which literature can help us understand and appreciate the world around us.

Weight: 435g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781609387747