Customer Reviews

The Hudson: America's River

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What a book! Frances Dunwell places us in the cockpit of a river which has shaped American history for centuries. Heroes and traitors, pirates and builders, the robber barons who made the Hudson home, and the (sometimes converted super rich) conservation-minded, the modern threats to its grandeur, and under it all, the ever present mysteries and goblins discovered and so publicized by Washington Irving, in the many Sleepy Hollows still along the Hudson.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Frances Dunwell's "The Hudson: America's River." It's a lively account of the river's role in the history of New York City and State, and America as well. A good deal of research and visual support inform and detail an engaging, well-written narrative. Dunwell helps us see why the Hudson is not just a 300+ mile body of moving water. She shows us its importance, its historical role, is the myriad ways it stimulated our imaginations: commercial, political, scientific/technological, aesthetic, spiritual. It's a very good book.

In addition to being one of best informed environmentalists living and working in the Hudson River valley, Fran Dunwell brings her deep knowledge of history, art, and ecology to illuminate the importance of what she calls "America's River." Filled with colorful illustrations, and a sweeping view of the history, if you are going to buy one book to deepen your knowledge of this important region, this would be the one. There are other books that focus on the art, and others that are long on text and footnotes, but this book has it all. A must read for long time residents or newcomers to one of the most beautiful regions of the United States. Charles P. Henderson, Executive Editor, CrossCurrents

Frances Dunwell really captures the many facets of Hudson River history. The art, transportation, industries, history - the book has it all. The history takes us through the Depression and beyond, unlike other books. Many dozens of photos and drawings add to the text. The color paintings in the middle of the book are beautiful.

I read this book for a book club. My first impression was, "Wow, this book is Heavy!" But it sure is readable, informative and enlightening. I recommend this book even if you don't live near the Hudson as you will learn so much about the effects of polution and how lucky we are to be able to reverse some of its damages, not to mention all the fascinating historical information. It seems even Pete Seger learned a lot from this book!

Frances Dunwell's new book on The Hudson River is a reminder to the reader as to what is so American and unique about this place we call the Hudson Valley.

Frances Dunwell's view of the Hudson is pure poetry and reminded me of why I love the Hudson and its environs.

For anyone who likes, history, boating or the environment this is a must read.

I highly recomend The Hudson America's River.

I often know after the first chapter if a book is five-star material. This book is no exception to that. I have been living 20 years in Westchester County, NY and was largely unaware of the amazing and influential 400 year history of this river. For example, I didn't know that where the Bear Mountain bridge is now crossing the river is the spot where 300 years ago patriotic forces drew a chain across the river in an attempt to stop English war ships from penetrating into upstate New York.

The book has greatly inspired me to hike more in the Highlands and explore many of the historic sites which used to be the private residences of American millionaires of the 1800s such as the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers. When I get to Storm King Mountain on the west shore and Break Neck Mountain on the east shore side I will know that I am walking over the part of the Catskill Aqueduct where it crosses the river underneath the water in a syphon-like tunnel drilled into the solid bedrock. Starting near Cornwall at 418 feet elevation the tunnel drops down vertically to a depth of 1100 feet, crosses the river, and emerges back up vertically on the east side to an elevation of 395 feet. At the time it was built in 1907 and 1916 it was one of the greatest engineering feats in human history.