Empires in the Forest
Empires in the Forest: Jamestown and the Making of America was "a new genre of art book" in the same vein as Robert Llewellyn's Albemarle: A Story of Landscape and American Identity (2003). Published through The University of Virginia Press in 2006 — again with Llewellyn's images (115) and Avery Chenoweth's words, but this time with an introduction by former governor of Virginia, Mark Warner — this collaboration detailed the story of our nation's birth through its forest growth.
"The draw of Virginia is deep. It’s a force that Avery Chenoweth and Robert Llewellyn capture with eloquence and beauty." — Mark Warner, former Virginia governor
This distinctive work of photography and prose traces the ways in which American culture grew out of the conflict that characterized the first contact between Native Americans and Europeans. Expanding on their unique treatment of Albemarle County, the artists use photographs from our time to suggest both the ancient and recent pasts, creating a virtual experience from the Colonial era into modern times.
Telling this extensive story in modern terms by dusting off the history to reveal the main players as fresh and alive today as they were then, Jamestown and the Making of America beautifully depicts a landscape synonymous with American history, from its tumultuous beginning through today.
Press
"[An] exciting, readable work . . Chenoweth’s final chapter, “Forever and Ever Your Countryman,” an epilogue permeated by much wisdom . . should be read and pondered by every Virginian." — The Virginian-Pilot
"A gem for any history buff. . . The rich words and texture of the images make readers feel as if they, too, are part of the fabric of history." — Southern Living (picked as Read Of The Month)
"[R]evelatory . . essential . . Empires in the Forest is a wonderful find. It is that rare combination of literature and art that compels one to grab friends by the shoulders, shake them and yell, 'Buy this book!'" — Bill Glose, Virginia Living
"If you buy only one book this year, let it be this one." — Delmarva Quarterly
Details
Title: Empires in the Forest: Jamestown and the Making of America
Introduction: Mark Warner (former Virginia governor)
Photographs: Robert Llewellyn
Words: Avery Chenoweth
Publisher: Rivanna Foundation
Distributor: The University of Virginia Press
Year: 2006
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 208
Images: 115
Dimensions: 12.3" x 10.3" x 1"
ISBN-10: 0974270717
ISBN-13: 978-0974270715
Availability
Empires in the Forest is available directly via the publisher, The University of Virginia Press, or through Amazon.