"The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi" by Boyce Upholt is a captivating exploration of the river's history and human interventions that have shaped American society over centuries. Upholt skillfully navigates the awe and respect Indigenous peoples held for the river, contrasted with European settlers' views of it as a conquerable force. From Jefferson's expansionist ambitions to modern environmental concerns, Upholt chronicles ambitious engineering projects—levees, jetties, dams—that aimed to control the river, often with damaging consequences for ecosystems.

Upholt's narrative weaves history, geography, engineering, and environmental science with elegance and clarity. Through meticulous research, he reveals the consequences of attempts to tame nature and explores ongoing efforts to restore what has been lost. "The Great River" offers a comprehensive and fast-paced read for those interested in the Mississippi's complexities and its impact on American society.

Overall, it's an essential exploration of how humans have shaped the land and been shaped by it, providing valuable insights into the past, present, and future of the mighty Mississippi.

Thank you to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for the advanced copy.