Earth Then and Now is a unique pictorial geography book showing dramatic changes to the earth’s surface all over the world. Consisting mostly of before and after photographs and some other before and after depictions of human impact on the earth in a particular country or region.

One of the most dramatic photos is a single photograph (not two before and after photographs) that shows the edge of the Gifford Pinchon National Forest where land owned by timber giant Weyerhauser has been clear cut to a straight line reflecting the boundary of the National Forest. I’ve been to the Gifford Pinchon forest and it is a magnificent special place. And this is just one of over 100 comparisons.

An abandoned open pit mine in Cornwall, England that has been transformed into a lush garden and a biosphere ecology exhibit is one of many comparisons that highlight a positive outcome. The spectacular reconstructed cathedral on the site of the Brandenberg Gate in the now unified Berlin, Germany is another strikingly positive comparison. The site of the former twin towers of the World Trade Center and a photograph of New Orleans on sunny day in March 2005 and flooded out following Katrina are among the more somber before and afters.

This one is definitely worth checking out to spend some time perusing and contemplating these very striking images. Recommended.