Books matching: historical geography
53 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Discovery Of France' by Graham Robb is a captivating exploration of the lesser-known aspects of French social history, shedding light on the provinces outside of Paris. The book delves into how the history of France has been overshadowed by Paris, revealing the unique cultural, historical, and geographical diversity of the country. Through a mix of historical anecdotes, geographical details, and societal insights, Robb paints a vivid picture of France's evolution from a collection of disparate regions to a unified country with a rich and complex heritage.
ONE SUMMER IN THE EARLY 1740s, on the last day of his life, a young man from Paris became the first modern cartographer to see the mountain called Le Gerbier de Jonc. This weird volcanic cone juts out... 'Origins: How Earth's History Shaped Human History' by Lewis Dartnell is a fascinating combination of geology, geography, technology, and history. It explores how plate tectonics have created our world and shaped the development of humans in unexpected ways. Dartnell takes a long view to explain why human development progressed as it did, focusing on the influence of geology over billions of years. delves into topics such as the influence of plate tectonics on civilizations, the impact of unique geography on human evolution, and how geological forces have enabled the flourishing of human societies. Dartnell's writing style is engaging and informative, presenting complex scientific concepts in a readable manner.
The human branch of the evolutionary tree, called the hominins, is part of the wider animal group of the primates. Our closest living relatives are the chimpanzees. Genetics suggest that our divergenc..."Time Song: Searching for Doggerland" by Julia Blackburn is a unique exploration of the lost land of Doggerland, submerged beneath the North Sea. The author takes readers on a personal journey through the history and mysteries of this ancient land, intertwining it with her own reflections and experiences. The writing style combines elements of memoir, historical exploration, and contemplation, offering a deep dive into the connections between past and present.
As I stand here, the water that separates me from the mainland on the other side begins to retreat, as if a plug has been pulled. A vast country emerges: low hills and wide valleys, the twist and turn...- #4
Save:'The Earth: An Intimate History' by Richard Fortey is an informative and engaging book that delves into the world of geology through a mix of scientific exploration and travel writing. Fortey takes readers on a journey around the globe, using specific examples to explain complex geological processes such as plate tectonics, the development of mountain ranges, subduction zones, and the Earth's interior. The book is rich in detail, covering topics like fault lines, volcanoes, supercontinents, minerals, and gems, while also highlighting the impact of geology on human culture and experiences.
Fortey's writing style is described as poetic, colorful, and dramatic, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes. While the book is aimed at intelligent lay readers, it seamlessly combines scientific explanations with storytelling, making it an accessible read for those interested in geology. Despite some technical terms, Fortey's enthusiasm for the subject shines through, making the complex world of geology both fascinating and approachable.
Vesuvius is more of a continuous presence; the ground rises gently towards its brown summit. New buildings cling on to the side of the mountain, even high up among the low trees and broom bushes that ... William Cronon's book, "Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England," delves into the ecological changes that occurred in New England during the colonial period. Cronon explores how the arrival of European settlers led to significant impacts on the environment, detailing the conflicts between Indians and colonists over different systems of property ownership. Through a narrative approach, Cronon illustrates how the changes in land use affected human lives, both indigenous peoples and newcomers, shaping the earliest history of the United States. The book not only provides insights into colonial history but also sheds light on the intersecting factors of ecology, economy, and culture during that period.
Cronon's writing style is praised for its depth and narrative quality, as he weaves together historical facts with engaging storytelling. The book is commended for being a masterful survey of the ecological, economic, and anthropological aspects of the interactions between Indians and colonists in New England. Cronon's analysis of the conflicting ways of life and land use practices between the two groups highlights the fundamental differences in their relationship with the environment, setting the stage for understanding the broader implications of these interactions on early American history.
- #6
Save:'Basin and Range' by John McPhee is a geologic journey that covers various geological epochs, from the present back to the Triassic and Permian periods, exploring the basins and ranges in between. It provides a detailed geological history of the United States, from New York to California, mostly on Route 80, showcasing different land formations. John McPhee's writing style is described as jumpy, pinballing around the geologic calendar, dropping names, and luxuriating on words and descriptions, making highly technical information more understandable and enjoyable for readers.
The poles of the earth have wandered. The equator has apparently moved. The continents, perched on their plates, are thought to have been carried so very far and to be going in so many directions that... - #7
Save:'Why the West Rules? for Now: The Patterns of History, and What They Reveal About the Future' by Ian Morris is an informative book that delves into the comparative development of East and West civilizations throughout history. The author presents the idea that human responses to stimuli are similar across different regions and time periods. Morris explores the impact of geography, social development, and historical events on the rise and fall of civilizations, projecting a potential shift in global leadership from the West to the East by 2103.
The book also discusses the implications of major global events such as the 2008 financial crisis, Trump's presidency, Covid-19, and climate change on the future trajectory of human civilization. Morris uses a quantitative index to measure human development, emphasizing the importance of biology, sociology, and geography in shaping the course of history. The narrative combines historical analysis with insights from archaeology and explores potential scenarios for the future of humanity, from Nightfall to a technological utopia.
“When a man is tired of London,” said Samuel Johnson, “he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” It was 1777, and every current of thought, every bright new invention, was... - #8
Save:"American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America" by Colin Woodard is a comprehensive exploration of the regional cultures that have shaped North America since the 18th century. Woodard divides North America into 11 ethnocultural nations, each with its own unique origins and characteristics, providing a different perspective on American history. The book delves into the historical development of these nations, their alliances, conflicts, and how they have influenced the political landscape of the United States. Woodard's writing style is informative and thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of American history and the ongoing impact of these regional cultures.
History has tended to portray the native peoples of the Americas as mere extras or scenery in a Western drama dominated by actors of European and African descent. Because this book is primarily concer... - #9
Save:'Ancient Egypt on 5 Deben a Day' by Donald P. Ryan is a smart and witty guidebook that explains life in ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramses II. It provides fascinating insights into what it might have been like to visit Egypt in 1250 BCE, offering a unique perspective on the country and its civilization. The author, with hands-on experience excavating in Egypt, brings ancient Egypt alive through a blend of informative content and engaging writing style. covers a wide range of topics, from daily life activities to historical landmarks, presented in a format that is both educational and entertaining.
serves as a perfect read for both academic scholars and enthusiastic amateurs, offering a wealth of information while maintaining readability, engagement, and humor. It is described as a delightful mix of edu-tainment that transports readers to ancient Egypt, providing a comprehensive overview of the culture and lifestyle during that era. Through detailed descriptions and illustrations, the book encourages readers to consider ancient Egyptian culture through the eyes of a traveler from 1250 BC, making it a unique and enjoyable reading experience.
- #10
Save:The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder is a heartwarming tale that intertwines a modern-day mystery with the story of Christmas. The book follows the journey of a young girl who travels back in time from northern Europe to Bethlehem, encountering various characters and learning about history and geography along the way. The story is meant to be read as an Advent calendar, with one chapter to be read each day leading up to Christmas, making it a perfect festive read for families.
Among all these busy people were Papa and Joachim. They had gone into town to buy an Advent calendar, and it was their last chance, because tomorrow would be December 1. . They were sold out at the ne...
