The Face of the Earth: Natural Landscapes, Science, and Culture by SueEllen Campbell, et al. (review)

The Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev is explored through its natural landscapes and cultural significance in the book The Face of the Earth. The work integrates ecocritical theory with scientific disciplines like geology, climate, and hydrology to illustrate the interconnectedness of natural forces and human cultural evolution. By examining terrestrial environments—such as deserts, grasslands, and forests—the authors demonstrate how these landscapes shape human language, agriculture, art, and spiritual practices. The book employs personal reports from global locations, including the Negev Desert and the Irish Burren, to ground theoretical concepts in lived experience. A notable finding is the role of harvester ants in both ecological processes and Navajo sacred narratives, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between nature and culture. This interdisciplinary approach balances environmental concern with a celebration of human wonder, making it valuable for both academic study and general interest.

(Ed.). (2014). The Face of the Earth: Natural Landscapes, Science, and Culture by SueEllen Campbell, et al. (review). Western American Literature, 49(3), 315–317. https://doi.org/10.1353/wal.2014.0073