
A master of natural history writing, W. H. Hudson forms an important link between nineteenth-century Romanticism and the twentieth-century ecological movement. First published in 1904, Green Mansions is a poignant meditation on the loss of wilderness, the dream of a return to nature, and the bitter reality of the encounter between savage and civilized man. This is the only critical edition available of this engrossing ecological fable.
A political exile seeking refuge in the South American wilderness encounters a mysterious, ethereal woman who challenges his understanding of the natural world. Mr. Abel, a man fleeing political turmoil, ventures into the dense forests of Guiana, where he discovers a secluded paradise inhabited by Rima, a girl who possesses an uncanny connection to the flora and fauna. As Abel attempts to bridge the gap between his civilized background and Rima's wild existence, he faces the hostility of local tribes who view her as a supernatural threat. The narrative unfolds through a reflective, first-person perspective that emphasizes the tension between human desire and the untamed environment.
Readers frequently highlight the lyrical quality of the prose, which captures the lush atmosphere of the South American rainforest with precision. Discussion often centers on the symbolic nature of Rima and what her character represents regarding the intersection of humanity and the environment. Critics note that the pacing is deliberate, favoring internal reflection and descriptive world-building over rapid plot progression. Many readers appreciate the work for its early contribution to ecological literature and its critique of colonial expansion. The book remains a subject of interest for those examining the transition from Romanticism to modern environmental consciousness.
Page Count:
240
Publication Date:
1998-11-19
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192832883
ISBN-13:
9780192832887
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