Recovering Susan Fenimore Cooper’s Environmentalism

What does the work of a mid-nineteenth-century nature writer say to us today, in our era of climate change? This presentation by Rochelle L. Johnson discusses naturalist, author, and artist Susan Fenimore Cooper, daughter of James Fenimore Cooper, whose 1850 book Rural Hours was the first major work of environmental nonfiction written by a woman. Dr. Rochelle will discuss Susan Cooper’s early contributions to environmental thought, her devotion to Cooperstown, and her sensitive warnings about a nation that was damaging its very foundation: its landscapes.

Rochelle L. Johnson is a leading scholar of Susan Fenimore Cooper and, with her co-editor, has made Cooper’s environmental writings available to today’s readers. The current president of the Thoreau Society and a past president of the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment, her work has been supported by grants from several organizations, including the National Endowment for the Humanities. She is professor of American literature and environmental humanities, and director of the honors program, at the College of Idaho. Her lecture is from a book in progress. Learn more at: https://www.rochelleljohnson.com.

This Zoom lecture is co-sponsored by Otsego Outdoors, a collaborative project by Otsego 2000, Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), and Otsego Land Trust. More info can be found at www.otsegooutdoors.org.

This is a live Zoom lecture. A question and answer session will follow. Zoom is required to view the lecture. A link will be provided to all registrants via the email used to sign up for the program, a day before the lecture. Registration is free of charge with a recommended donation of $10.00.