For more than three decades, British Columbia's old growth forests have been a major source of political conflict. In Talk and Log, Jeremy Wilson presents a comprehensive account of the rise of the wilderness movement, examines the forest industry's political strategies, and analyzes the inner workings of the policy process. He illuminates the forces behind controveries that have divided British Columbians, preoccupied the provincial government, and drawn the attention of people across Canada and the world. By discussing the patterns and trends underlying the past three decades of wilderness politics, Wilson identifies the currents likely to dominate B.C. wilderness debates in decades to come.

Jeremy Wilson's profile page

• Short-listed, Donner Prize, Donner Foundation

Jeremy Wilson teaches in the Department of Political Science at the University of Victoria, and has written extensively on forest and environmental politics.

Wilson's book is epic in covering the events, strategies, and personalities that formed the basis of wilderness politics ... This historical account allows us all to see where we fought in the battle, what armour we put on, and how we acted out our parts ... This is a compelling read for anyone who was there. For anyone who missed it but wants to enter the debate, it is the definitive history.

BC Studies

A comprehensive and readable history of the rise of the wilderness movement in BC, the counterattacks by industry and response by government. Anyone who has been involved over the last three decades in any forestry issues from the Stein to Clayoquot will find this book of value as it throws some light on the back room deals and minds of the policy makers and politicians ... The text should be required reading for all senior politicians to catch up on the rhetoric their predecessors were spouting 20 and 30 years ago ... This is a great read and will catch you up on the last 30 years if you weren’t there for all of it.

The Log

[Wilson] has written an impressive study of the development of forest policy in British Columbia ... While the book will be of most immediate interest to students of Canadian politics, its rich analysis of the interplay of industry, environmentalists, and government makes a significant contribution to the environmental policy literature.

Choice