Fen, Bog and Swamp: A Short History of Peatland Destruction and its Role in the Climate Crisis

Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx's Fen, Bog and Swamp is a revelatory history and an urgent plea for wetland reclamation. It explores the vital role of fens, bogs, and swamps in preserving the environment and their systemic destruction in the pursuit of profit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Fen, Bog, and Swamp: A History and an Urgent Plea for Wetland Reclamation


By Annie Proulx


Review:

"Fen, Bog, and Swamp" is a remarkable book that has been hailed as a "compact classic" by Bill McKibben, the author of "All the Light We Cannot See." In this captivating work, Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx delves into the vital role of fens, bogs, swamps, and marine estuaries as the Earth's most desirable and dependable resources. Through her witness and extensive research, Proulx sheds light on the systematic destruction of these precious ecosystems in pursuit of profit.


Travelling from the fens of sixteenth-century England to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in the United States, "Fen, Bog, and Swamp" offers a revelatory history of these wetland environments. Proulx vividly describes the ecological significance of these areas, highlighting their ability to filter water, prevent soil erosion, and support a diverse range of plant and animal species. However, she also exposes the devastating consequences of their destruction, such as the loss of biodiversity, increased flooding, and the release of harmful pollutants.


What sets "Fen, Bog, and Swamp" apart is its urgent plea for wetland reclamation. Proulx passionately argues that these ecosystems are not only valuable but also essential for the survival of our planet. She highlights the devastating impact of human activities on these environments, such as deforestation, pollution, and overdevelopment. Proulx calls for a concerted effort to restore and protect these wetlands, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and the importance of preserving these natural treasures for future generations.


"Fen, Bog, and Swamp" is not only a captivating read but also a powerful call to action. Proulx's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of these wetlands and making them feel the urgency of their conservation. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the environment, nature, and the future of our planet. It serves as a reminder of the incredible value of these ecosystems and the devastating consequences of their destruction.


In conclusion, "Fen, Bog, and Swamp" is a remarkable book that offers a comprehensive exploration of the ecological significance of fens, bogs, swamps, and marine estuaries. Through her witness and research, Annie Proulx sheds light on the systematic destruction of these ecosystems and presents an urgent plea for wetland reclamation. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the environment, nature, and the future of our planet.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008534431