This work aims to show how the fundamental function of these parks is economic and political. It intends to provide an insight into United States labour, cultural and environmental history and to contribute to the understanding of American Parks and the meaning of American public space.

This work aims to demonstrate how the fundamental function of these parks is economic and political - in the service of maintaining a consensus regarding national identity. The author puts forward his opinion that the organization and control of "natural" space is inseparable from its function as a capitalist instrument. This instrumentalism served not only to define, constitute, and segregate social groups, but also to promote racial and ethnic identifications above those based on class interest. The book intends to provide an insight into United States labour, cultural and environmental history and to contribute to the understanding of American Parks and the meaning of American public space.