A Brief History of Forestry.: In Europe, the United States and Other Countries

"A Brief History of Forestry" by B. E. Fernow is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of forestry practices and policies across various regions, including Europe and the United States. It likely examines how historical, political, and economic factors have influenced forest management and conservation efforts throughout time. The opening of the text introduces the author’s motivation for compiling this information based on a series of lectures given at Yale University. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of forestry, as this enables readers to analyze the development of current practices and avoid past mistakes. Fernow highlights how forestry as a discipline has evolved, often dictated by necessity and the pressures of human expansion on natural resources. He sets the stage for a discussion that will span ancient practices to modern conservation measures, revealing how deeply intertwined forestry is with civilization's growth and industrial progress.