Northern New Jersey is one of the most densely populated places in the nation, but it is constantly defined by its relationship to New York City. In this insightful study, longtime North Jersey resident James Marcum asks why, looking well past the false stereotypes to a distinct regional culture and fascinating history. How did North Jersey become what it is today, and even more fundamentally, can we define its boundaries? Is it essentially suburban? What characterizes the region and its people? Join Marcum as he explores these and other issues to come to a better understanding of one of the most intriguing and diverse corners of the Garden State.

New Jersey is one of the smallest and most densely populated states, yet the remarkable diversity of its birdlife surpasses that of many larger states. Well over 400 species of birds have been recorded in New Jersey and an active birder can hope to see more than 300 species in a year. William J. Boyle has updated his classic guide to birding in New Jersey, featuring all new maps and ten new illustrations. The book is an invaluable companion for every birder - novice or experienced, New Jerseyan or visitor. A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey features: * More than 130 top birding spots described in detail * Clear maps, travel directions, species lists, and notes on birding * An annotated list of the frequency and abundance of the state's birds, including waterbirds, pelagic birds, raptors, migrating birds, and northern and southern birds at the edge of their usual ranges * A comprehensive bibliography and index The guide also includes helpful information on: * Birding in New Jersey by season * Telephone and Internet rare bird alerts * Pelagic birding * Hawk watching * Bird and nature clubs in the state

Everything you've ever wanted to know about the Garden State can now be found in one place. This encyclopaedia contains a wealth of information from New Jersey's prehistory to the present covering architecture, arts, biographies, commerce, arts, municipalities and much more.

After thirty years, two American Studies professors from Rutgers University are still looking for America on the New Jersey Turnpike-- that "ugly icon, '' America's "widest and most traveled'' road--that has found its way into the minds, if not the hearts, of artists and drivers alike. From the gray-flannel-suit diligence that built it, to the mixture of necessity, practicality and venality that maintains it, the New Jersey Turnpike endures as an enthralling though unlikely subject.

Long regarded as folklife classics, Henry Charlton Beck's books are vivid recreations of the back roads, small towns, and legends that give New Jersey its special character. Rutgers University Press is pleased to make these important books available again in newly designed editions.

Identify New Jersey birds with this easy-to-use field guide, organized by color and featuring full-color photographs and helpful information. Make bird-watching in New Jersey even more enjoyable. With Stan Tekiela’s famous bird guide, field identification is simple and informative. There’s no need to look through dozens of photos of birds that don’t live in your area. This handy book features 128 species of New Jersey birds organized by color for ease of use. Full-page photographs present the species as you’ll see them in nature, and a “compare” feature helps you to decide between look-alikes. Inside you’ll find: 128 species: Only New Jersey birds! Simple color guide: See a yellow bird? Go to the yellow section Stan’s Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images This second edition includes new species, updated photographs and range maps, expanded information, and even more of Stan’s expert insights. So grab the Birds of New Jersey Field Guide for your next birding adventure—to help ensure that you positively identify the birds that you see.

New Jersey: A History of the Garden State presents a fresh, comprehensive overview of New Jersey’s history from the prehistoric era to the present. The findings of archaeologists, political, social, and economic historians provide a new look at how the Garden State has evolved. The state has a rich Native American heritage and complex colonial history. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, early industrialization, and technological developments in transportation, including turnpikes, canals, and railroads. The nineteenth century saw major debates over slavery. While no Civil War battles were fought in New Jersey, most residents supported it while questioning the policies of the federal government. Next, the contributors turn to industry, urbanization, and the growth of shore communities. A destination for immigrants, New Jersey continued to be one of the most diverse states in the nation. Many of these changes created a host of social problems that reformers tried to minimize during the Progressive Era. Settlement houses were established, educational institutions grew, and utopian communities were founded. Most notably, women gained the right to vote in 1920. In the decades leading up to World War II, New Jersey benefited from back-to-work projects, but the rise of the local Ku Klux Klan and the German American Bund were sad episodes during this period. The story then moves to the rise of suburbs, the concomitant decline of the state’s cities, growing population density, and changing patterns of wealth. Deep-seated racial inequities led to urban unrest as well as political change, including such landmark legislation as the Mount Laurel decision. Today, immigration continues to shape the state, as does the tension between the needs of the suburbs, cities, and modest amounts of remaining farmland. Well-known personalities, such as Jonathan Edwards, George Washington, Woodrow Wilson, Dorothea Dix, Thomas Edison, Frank Hague, and Albert Einstein appear in the narrative. Contributors also mine new and existing sources to incorporate fully scholarship on women, minorities, and immigrants. All chapters are set in the context of the history of the United States as a whole, illustrating how New Jersey is often a bellwether for the nation..