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Humanities Book Group

The Power of Scenery

"Wild About Nature" reading & discussion series event led by a humanities scholar.

A monthly reading and discussion group focusing on topics in history, culture, and the humanities. The group typically meets first Thursdays at 7 pm and is led by guest scholars. Pick up a copy of each month's book from the front desk. Click here to go to the website for the Brigham City Library's Humanities Book Group.

The Power of Scenery: Fredrick Law Olmsted and the Origin of National Parks by Dennis Drabelle.

Scholar: Susan Matt, PhD, WSU.

Book Description:

Wallace Stegner called national parks “the best idea we ever had.” But where did the idea originate? Before Yellowstone, with nothing to put up against Europe’s cultural pearls―its cathedrals, castles, and museums―Americans came to realize that their plenitude of natural wonders might compensate for the dearth of manmade attractions. That insight guided the great landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted as he organized his thoughts on how to manage the wilderness park centered on Yosemite Valley, at first a state-owned precursor to the national park model of Yellowstone. Haunting his thoughts were the cluttered and carnival-like banks of Niagara Falls, which served as an oft-cited example of what should not happen to a spectacular natural phenomenon.

Series Frequently asked questions:

• I can't make it in person, can I attend via Zoom? Yes. A Zoom link is available by request. Please contact the library, 435-723-5850, at least 24 hours before the event to get a link.
• How do I join the Book Group? Come to an event. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the discussions.
• How do I get a book? A limited number of books are available for group members to borrow at the library's circulation desk. No library card necessary.
• Do I have to read the book in order to come to the discussion? No. Reading the book will certainly enhance your experience in the discussion and prepare you for talking points, but all are welcome no matter how much (or how little) of the book they have read.
• Can I borrow a copy to read after the discussion? Yes. As group members turn in their books, those books may be borrowed by others.

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