Study On Donald Worster’s Western Environmental Historiography

American environmental historian Donald Worster, one of leadingfigures in his research field, possess a prestigious reputation for his significantcontribution to the study of environmental history of the American west. Hisrepresentative works on western environmental history include Dust Bowl：TheSouthern Plains in the1930s (1979), Rivers of Empire: Water, Aridity, And theGrowth of the American West,(1985), Under Western Skies：Nature and History inthe American West (1992). Worster’s environmental history theory exerts pioneeringeffects on latter researches. When learning at the Yale University, Worster has beenbitterly derided by classmates for writing a history of bear, which later turns out to bea rigorous exploration of historical details that has been neglected by formerhistorians. Worster’s profound influence as an epochal character in environmentalhistory can never be ignored.Ever since the middle of the nineteenth century, American capitalist economy hasundergone a rapid development. Yet the overexploitation, especially the WestwardMovement has caused severe damage to the environment of American west, whichresults in the environmental movement. It is in this case that Worster has devotedhimself to the study western environmental history. To trace back the origin, FrederickJackson Turner’s Frontier Historiography has cast great influence on Worster. Duringthe process of criticizing Turner’s theory, Worster has gradually formed his owninsight into western history. The Annals School’s observation of the role of the naturalelements in human history also inspires Worster. Besides, ecocentrism, earth ethicsand the tradition of concern for environment in the University of Kansas all deeplyinfluence Worster’s study.Based on his intensive study on western environmental history, Worster hasestablished a new theoretical system. He believes that west has its exact locationinstead of Turner’s floating frontier. In order to authentically recreate history, Westerputs himself in Indian’s position and stands for nature when inspecting changes inwestern area. He also encourages the application of interdisciplinary method inenvironmental history study. The uniqueness of Worster’s study technique lies in his elaborate analysis of agricultural condition in the west over a hundred years, andthrough mode construction and case study to display the real west rather than themythical one as traditional western history has described.Except for innovative perspective, Worster’s western environmental history hasother distinguish features. First of all, it is imbued with intense critical sense. Worsterhas always maintained critical realism during his study of environmental history.Secondly, it is embodied with Worster’s genuine moral appeals. He advocates mutualinterdependent ecological ethics, holding that the study of environmental historyshould impartially unite moral consciousness and scientific verification. Thirdly,Worster’s works are composed with elegant language and exquisite depiction. On thepremise of preservation of basic features of history, Worster deeply impresses readerswith delicate diction. As a historian, Worster also has remarkable literary attainments.His vivid and detailed description arouses readers’ interests, and the cordialhumanistic concern implied between lines manifests Worster’s sincere compassion forvictims of the environmental damage. His works are fulfilled with Worster’s heartylove of earth and genuine concern for toiling masses.Worster’s western environmental history has an important impact on thedevelopment of historical researches. In eighties, there was an upsurge ofenvironmental history studies and western environmental historians, represented byWorster constituted the new western historians, where environmental history has beenheatedly discussed. Environmental history was first introduced to China in nineties,and has led to the atmosphere of studying Worster’s theory. It has stimulated someChinese scholars to reconsider environmental events in American history.