This clearly written, well-argued, and deeply researched book goes well beyond 'smokestacks and progressives' in helping us understand the important environmental issues embedded in the history of the American city. -- Martin Melosi Journal of American History Smokestacks and Progressives should change the way scholars understand the history of environmental activism. -- Adam Rome Environmental History A clearly written and well-documented account. -- Bernard Mergen American Studies International Stradling's... prose is pleasurable to read, his research broadens our grasp of the nation of cities, and the book provides a fascinating study of this neglected corner of urban Progressive reform. -- Barbara Hahn Ohio Valley History