The human-constructed modifications of the environment and landscape examined in the essays collected here have been referred to as everything from piles of junk to the greatest accomplishments of humankind.

*A history of the American Catholic Churchs policy toward rural issues in the past century*

"This study will mark a turning point in the historiography of religion in colonial New York.... a book that every student of that subject must reckon with." -- Patricia Bonomi, New York University "... excellent and significantly revisionist examination... " -- American Studies International "... concise, insightful, and provocative... an important contribution that warrants the attention of all students of American religion." -- Journal of the Early Republic "... an important accomplishment... " -- Journal of American History "... Pointer has written a fine piece of church history that explores the interactions of denominations and politics in eighteenth-century New York. He has filled an important gap in the religious history of colonial America." -- American Historical Review "Pointer's study will be valuabe to those curious about the wonderful religious tapestry of colonial New York." -- Journal of Church and State "Richard Pointer should be commended for both his scholarship and his courage.... Pointer has written the most complete analysis we have of the impact and development of evangelical Protestantism in the province and state before 1800." -- New York History "... this is really an engaging piece of scholarship intended for the student of early America, but certainly useful to anyone having an interest in the origins of American pluralism and its impact on religious equality and toleration." -- History "A major new study in colonial American religious history... " -- Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society