Customer Reviews

The Man from Clear Lake: Earth Day Founder Senator Gaylord Nelson

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Gaylord Nelson had a great politican career, as a text book
liberal governor and later senator who was the prime mover behind Earth Day. Nelson's greatest achievement may have been
working with Bill Christofferson on this book, which reads more like a novel, that you can not put down, than a standard politican bio. Christofferson has a magnificent way of drawing the reader into the most seemingly boring aspects of state and local government. Nelson was one of the best liked senators of the last century, even Lyndon Johnson, who Nelson strongly opposed on Vietnam, made a private contribute to his senate reelection campaign in 1968. Nelson's life was very straight forward, with little drama or tension. It would be interesting to see what Christofferson could do with senators from the same period who had longer careers and more national fame, such as William Fulbright (Arkansas senator who had to deal with civil rights issues in Washington and back home and battles with LBJ over Vietnam) or Margaret Chase Smith (first woman senator and also first senator to denounce Joe McCarthy, but later became a hawk on Vietnam and lost touch with Maine voters). It is a blessing that Gaylord Nelson is still around to know that this book about his career will keep his memory alive for many years to come.

Christofferson tells us so vividly about the life of Gaylord Nelson. His prose has such flow that you don't really realize you're reading a biography until you have finished reading the book! The life of Nelson is truly an incredible one, and Christofferson does a magnificent job of relaying that life and the history of Earth Day to the reader. This is a "must" book, not just for the nature lover or the environmentalist, but also for those who want to learn about the real, behind-the-scenes heros of our great country. A book to read, indeed!

A finely written biography that will appeal to virtually anyone with an interest in the history of the environmental movement, Wisconsin history, or great individuals who had a profound impact on this country. Christofferson writes an insightful, yet easy to read novel that keeps the reader coming back for more.

Finally, a talented writer and historian has told the compelling story of the founder of Earth Day, and indeed the modern environmental movement, Gaylord Nelson. This book is a must read for anyone who supports the environment, has taken part in Earth Day, or just wants to read about an entertaining politician. Christofferson's light and witty pen keeps the story moving. You won't be able to set it down.

MR. ENVIRONMENT

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans (then 10 percent of the population) from diverse backgrounds took to the streets with the common mission of protecting the environment. Earth Day marked the naissance of an era of environmental activism and legislation, and co-founder Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) was the catalyst. In The Man From Clear Lake (University of Wisconsin Press, $30), author Bill Christofferson takes his readers from Nelson's home base in rural Wisconsin to the U.S. Senate, while exploring what spurred him on-a love of nature. This beautifully written biography reveals a man of great diligence, who possessed the ability to mobilize citizens, senators and Presidents to make a stand for "an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all living creatures."

-K.H. in Sept/Oct 2004 issue of E.