Sightseeking: Clues to the Landscape History of New England.

Lenney, C.J. (2003).  Sightseeking: Clues to the landscape history of New England.   Lebanon, NH: University Press of New England.

Scope: Lenney explores the place names, boundaries and townplans, roads, houses and gravestones.  New England is rich in history and the geography and topography of the area have helped define the history and development of this region. It is also greatly influenced by the British settlers and by the Native Americans who originally inhabited this land.  This book does not capture the entire richness of the area’s geography and focuses greatly on the Massachusetts area. Lenney addresses the history of the region and the role that the settlers and technology have played in shaping the local topography. It addresses how changes in technology can change the region, such as the development of the train and car and how the geography could be reorganized to accommodate the new technology.  This is a fascinating approach to geography and one that I had not considered before.  He also addresses the influence of the settlers in naming cities and towns in the region.  As the name New England would suggest, the English settlers have greatly influenced the area.

And while he addresses the invention of the train and cars and their effects on roads he does not address how such industries as the textile industry defined Southeastern Massachusetts or the whaling industry.  It does not address the influence of farming or the lumber industry in Northern New England. And while he briefly touches upon the coastal communities, it is a brief assessment.  The ocean, the beaches and the effects of the weather, tourism, and the industries surrounding the ocean affect so many coastal communities, it is surprising that these aspects did not take a greater role in this book.  Lenney does not address current developments in the region, such as the biomedical corridor near Boston, where many corporations and innovative companies have settled and not only have restructured the area north of Boston but have also restructured business in the region and helped develop the economy. 

The history presented is more pre-industrial and industrial age than post industrial or modern.  However, this book cannot be dismissed because of the omissions.  The aspects addressed within Sightseeking are quite fascinating.  It provides an interesting, if not limited history of New England geography.

Audience:  The title would suggest that this book is written for those who want to travel to New England and explore the geography and history of the region.  Yet, this book is written for those who already possess knowledge of history and geography.  I would recommend this book for both those studying history and geography.  It may be a tougher read for lower level undergraduates but it is not out of reach.

Timeliness: As a historical resource, it is still relevant ten years later.  It would be interesting to read additional books addressing other areas of impact on the geography of the region.

Authority:  Christopher J. Lenney is a lifelong New England resident and has worked for twenty years at the Harvard College library.  The Harvard Library website lists him as a Reserves assistant.  I was unable to find much information regarding Lenney’s background but with a long history within the Harvard College library and a familiarity with the region, he speaks with authority of the local history and geography.

Documentation:  As one would expect with a book written by a Harvard library staff member, there is an extensive bibliography, nineteen pages total.

Relevance:  This resource is relevant to both history, anthropology and geography majors. 

References:

Harvard University.  (2013, November 16).  HCL staff directory- Lamont Library- Harvard College Library. Retrieved from  http://www.hcl.harvard.edu/staff_directory/browse.cfm?ld_id=8