Do Glaciers Listen?
Do Glaciers Listen?: Local Knowledge, Colonial Encounters, And Social Imagination
In "Do Glaciers Listen?", Julie Cruikshank embarks on an exploratory journey through time, weaving together the rich tapestry of indigenous oral traditions, early explorers' narratives, and the meticulous research of geophysical scientists to delve into the multifaceted relationship between humans and glaciers in America's far northwest. This compelling work not only scrutinizes the physical movements of the glaciers, likened to serpents stalking their prey, but also examines the profound connections and discordant perceptions that have evolved over three centuries. Cruikshank offers an illuminating discourse on how these icy behemoths are far more than mere subjects of scientific inquiry; they are central figures in a complex story of environmental transformation, cultural encounters, and the ongoing struggle to define nature. With a backdrop set during the tumultuous periods of the Little Ice Age, "Do Glaciers Listen?" artfully navigates the intricate interplay between significant geophysical shifts and dramatic societal changes within the Saint Elias Mountains. The narrative contrasts the European view of glaciers as sublime objects of scientific investigation with the indigenous perspective that sees glaciers as sentient and responsive entities. Through her meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Cruikshank challenges the reader to reconsider how knowledge is formed at the nexus of colonial encounters and natural phenomena. As the book traverses through historical accounts and contemporary debates surrounding conservation and World Heritage sites, it becomes a profound meditation on how glaciers—those enigmatic giants—might indeed listen, speak, and significantly influence human understanding of the natural world.
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