Snow in America

Bernard Mergen's Snow in America puts the subject of snow under the microscope. He meticulously analyzes its significance in terms of cultural history -- historical, literary, artistical scientific, political, and recreational usage within the American landscape. This is an extensive piece of scholarship that is well researched with much detail. Mergen suggests that the book was specifically written to tell the story of snow and the responses to it, and how it relates to its importance to other issues. He admits that snow has not invoked a sense of appreciation as water, but with Snow in America, he attempts to define the truth about it (xii). One of the most interesting aspect of the book are the quotes that begin each chapter. They derive from excerpts from well-known poems from literary giants, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Wallace Stevens, which have centered on the subject of snow. Mergen writes of snow's historical significance in the first four chapters of the book, and conveys to the reader the origins of metaphors and symbolism of snow came about. The concluding chapter, "The Modern Minds of Winter," critiques and analyzes snow as it pertains to literature and art. And the amazing part of the book are the many illustrations that document the beauty and picturesque quality of this natural substance. However, Mergen, suprisingly, did not include one picture by Currier and Ives or elaborates on their significance to a snow covered landscape. Snow in America will be a delight to read during the dog days of summer as well as during any season of the year. For the sake of curiosity, it is a welcome to read. In general, the book will also serve as an important reference tool on the subject of snow in any genre.