Douglas M. Knudson, Ted T. Cable & Larry Beck. (1995). Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources.

Abstract

Douglas M. Knudson, Ted T. Cable & Larry Beck. (1995). Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources. State College, PA: Venture Publishing, Inc. ISBN 0-910251-703 $35.95 hardcover, 509 pages. Occasionally a book, designed as a text, provides such a wealth of information that it crosses boundaries to become an invaluable resource outside of the academic community. Interpretation of cultural and natural resources is such a book. In his foreword, former Director of the National Park Service, James Ridenour focused on the potential audience as students, practicing interpreters and administrators. He concluded rightly, Reading book is a wise investment of time. The authors, Douglas Knudson, Ted Cable and Larry Beck assert that this book concerns the principles, philosophies, and practices that are the essence of the rapidly growing profession of Relatively few choices of appropriate and contemporary texts for preparation in interpretive services have been available. Interpretation of cultural and natural resources fills the gap left by the dated work of Grant Sharpe, Interpreting the environment, and exceeds the practical focus of the Interpreter's handbook series (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point). Knudson et al. have built upon the foundation of John Muir, Enos Mills, Freeman Tilden, and Barry Lopez, and connected to the work of Van Matre, Dustin, McAvoy, Kohlberg, Maslow, Ford, Ham and many more. The authors, each currently holding academic rank in state universities, have prior personal experience as interpreters. This experience in direct contact with the public is apparent in the personal style employed in writing and describing processes and principles in interpretation. The academic interests of the authors are shown in the grounding of interpretive principles in learning theory, motivation and behavior, and evaluation. Their experience as managers is shown in development of concepts in planning, business principles, and financial concerns. The book is divided into four major sections and further defined within twenty chapters. Each section is introduced with a statement of purpose that accurately describes the upcoming chapters. Each chapter is sub-divided into sections, organized under bold-faced headings which define the content of that sub-section. The chapters conclude with a summary and citation of literature that serve as an excellent resource for those wanting further information beyond the text. The text is complemented by photographs (most of which are attributed to the authors) that provide enrichment by example. Figures, tables and further enrich the text, providing connection for the reader to something in his or her experience. The figures and tables tend to be exemplars for theories, applications, data, and argumentation. An unusual touch is provided by the which offer personal connections for issues raised in the text. These boxes may include short case studies, tips on techniques for specific settings, or personal anecdotes from the authors connecting concept to practice. …