Gilbert F. White is the preeminent geographer of natural resources, hazards, and the human environment. During fifty years of professional work as civil servant, scientist, and educator, he authored numerous books and papers. This volume is the first collection of White's work, spanning his interests and career from 1934 to 1984. Individual introductions by the editors place each selection in historical perspective and assay its significance. With the companion volume, Theme from the Work of Gilbert F. White, White's writings, and the work that he inspired, are now readily accessible to all who share his concern for the stewardship of the earth.

Relying on the results of a large survey research project in western New York State, the author compares the environmental planning beliefs of public officials and citizens. His major finding is that, although leaders involved in water quality planning projects and the public share similar views on environmental issues, these leaders are by far the worst predictors of citizens' views. Professor Kamieniecki's systematic probing of the determinants that make some officials more adept than others at accurate calculation of public preference uncovers imbalanced public representation due to several factors. He concludes with an evaluation of citizen participatory mechanisms and consequent recommendations designed to elicit a wide range of public opinion, a prerequisite for acceptable environmental planning.