Earth Sciences, Geography & Environment Books
Taylor & Francis Feminism and the Mastery of Nature
Two of the most important political movements of the late twentieth century are those of environmentalism and feminism. In this book, Val Plumwood argues that feminist theory has an important opportunity to make a major contribution to the debates in political ecology and environmental philosophy. Feminism and the Mastery of Nature explains the relation between ecofeminism, or ecological feminism, and other feminist theories including radical green theories such as deep ecology. Val Plumwood provides a philosophically informed account of the relation of women and nature, and shows how relating male domination to the domination of nature is important and yet remains a dilemma for women.
£37.99
WW Norton & Co Uncommon Ground Rethinking the Human Place in
Book SynopsisA controversial, timely reassessment of the environmentalist agenda by outstanding historians, scientists, and critics.Trade Review"An intellectually pathbreaking book." -- Daniel J. Kevles "The best kind of book, one that shocks the reader into entirely fresh ways of thinking." -- Michael Pollan
£18.99
Random House USA Inc Isaacs Storm
Book Synopsis
£12.41
Harvard University Press Samurai Silk Paper
Book SynopsisThis extraordinary family account begins with the author's two illustrious grandfathers: one, a provincial samurai who became a founding father of the Meiji government; the other, a scion of a wealthy and enterprising peasant family who almost single-handedly developed the silk trade with America.Trade ReviewSamurai and Silk is beautifully written, with a sense of intimacy that only firsthand experience and family traditions could confer. It is also a work of broad historical value, since both grandfathers played a major role in reshaping Japan and laying the foundations of its modern economic power. -- John Gross * New York Times *[Haru Reischauer] is a sensitive and skilled biographer and storyteller. Full of charm and insight… Samurai and Silk is at once an autobiography, a double biography, and a family saga covering three generations. It is a treat to read… Samurai and Silk may be the Japan book of the year, and one does not have to be an old Japan hand to savor its pleasures. -- David S. Williams * Los Angeles Times Book Review *What gives Samurai and Silk special value is that it approaches the story of modern Japan through that of Mrs. Reischauer’s own family. This has made possible the use of family records not only to give point and liveliness to much of what she writes, but also, because of the particular strands of lineage that came together in her parents’ generation, to demonstrate some of the central realities of Japanese modernization. -- W. G. Beasley * Times Literary Supplement *The book offers a superb portrait, containing both the broad strokes and the fine details of a crucial era in Japan’s history. -- Alan Moores * Asiaweek *
£29.71
Harvard University Press Times Arrow Times Cycle
Book SynopsisStephen Jay Gould’s subject is nothing less than geology’s signal contribution to human thought—the discovery of “deep time,” the vastness of earth’s history, a history so ancient that we can comprehend it only as metaphor.Trade ReviewThe blasphemous and dwarfing revelation of ‘deep time’ forms the underlying drama of [this book]… In the monthly essays with which Gould has been amusing and edifying the readers of Natural History magazine for some fifteen years, he now and then shows a surprisingly fond acquaintance with the debunked and forgotten theories that litter the history of science: the present book, an expanded version of lectures given at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, considers three early British geologists—Thomas Brunet (1635–1715), James Hutton (1726–1797) and Charles Lyell (1797–1875)—who he feels have been misrepresented in the contemporary textbook version of geology’s progress… Gould’s lucid animated style, rarely slowed by even a touch of the ponderous, leads us deftly through the labyrinth of faded debates and perceptions… Gould, with a passion that approaches the lyrical, argues for a retrospective tolerance in science and against fashions that would make heroes and villains of men equally committed to the cause of truth and equally immersed in the metaphors and presumptions of their culture and time. -- John Updike * New Yorker *This new work arises from Gould’s delivery of the first series of Harvard–Jerusalem lectures presented at Hebrew University in April 1985. It is a highly individualistic document (Gould admits it to be ‘a quest for personal understanding’) and sometimes discursive (the book opens within the works of Sigmund Freud and closes outside the south front of the Cathedral of our Lady of Chartres), but it is always highly readable… Vastly entertaining and stimulating… Gould’s subject here is geological time; he is concerned with aspects of the discovery of what John McPhee has appropriately termed ‘deep time’… Underlying the entire book, however, lurks yet another and still deeper theme which should commend the work to a readership far wider than historians of ideas and of science. Gould both explicitly and implicitly demonstrates that science is a creation of human minds which are ever feeling the influence of pressures far removed from those natural phenomena that are laid out before the scientist’s gaze. -- Gordon L. Herries Davies * Nature *In [this book], Gould has turned to the history of geology, a field very close to his main concerns as a paleontologist. He offers a revisionist historical account of the discovery of geological time. If anyone suspects that Gould has at last written a book on a rather dry historical question, I should emphasize that he has hit upon a rich subject and has written a highly perceptive and fascinating book. Furthermore, his latest volume offers his readers a valuable insight into his wider intellectual vision, providing them with a literary blueprint for a number of the basic concerns that unite his many essays and books. To understand Gould one should read his new book. -- Frank J. Sulloway * New York Times Book Review *Gould provides a fascinating, informally written excursion into the ways we conceptualize the past. He explores a central dichotomy between time’s arrow (a unilinear Newtonian succession of unique events) and time’s cycle (the recursive patterns that reappear in a world that remains fundamentally unchanged)… With its accessible style and its range of subjects, the book will be read by the same wide audience that has enjoyed Gould’s earlier collections of essays… [The book] carries an enthusiasm, intelligence, and sense of purpose that render it a worthy follower to Gould’s earlier work. Entertaining, sometimes annoying, highly personal, but never dull, this is the shortest of Gould’s books, but also his most adventurous and experimental. -- J. A. Secord * Times Higher Education Supplement *Gould’s unabashed enthusiasm transforms his material. Every page pulses with his own excitement at seizing a subject so personally satisfying to him… This slim book, so plainly the product of one man’s love for his subject, did not ‘have’ to be written—but leaves us grateful that it was. -- Robert Kanigel * Los Angeles Herald-Examiner *Gould, geologist, paleontologist, and zoologist, is one of those relatively rare men of science who has gained a deep insight into the nature of his science and who has also developed a sense of history that is uncommon among scientists… Time’s Arrow, Time’s Cycle ought to be on the required reading list of every geologist and every student of the science. -- Dwight E. Mayo * American Scientist *Geological time, its enormousness and humankind’s place in it, is the great intellectual contribution of geology. In his latest book, Stephen Jay Gould shows us how its discovery embraced both time’s cycle and time’s arrow, and how, because these metaphors went unrecognized, we misinterpret geologic discoveries. Gould’s style will be familiar to his readers—the historical snippets, the dichotomies, the odd and unusual, the common, the startling, and the contrary are all here. -- Jere H. Lipps * New Scientist *In his painstaking yet engaging manner, Gould examines three central documents in the evolution of our notions about geological time. These works have been connected wrongly, Gould finds, in an arrowlike progression of their own, from religious notions of Earth’s creation as God’s fast work to empirically based theories of slow, steady changes… Gould’s chosen task is significant nonetheless—setting the record of that discovery arrow-straight. He’s done that in his unusual book with his usual charm and erudition. -- Don Lessem * Smithsonian *What you read in textbooks and what your teachers told you is really wrong, Gould expounds. All this is a lot of fun, and there is such history and philosophy to intellectually chew on in this book… As we have come to expect from Gould, this book is interesting and clear. -- Eugenie C. Scott * American Journal of Physical Anthropology *Table of Contents*1. The Discovery of Deep Time * Deep Time * Myths of Deep Time * On Dichotomy * Time's Arrow and Time's Cycle * Caveats *2. Thomas Burnet's Battleground of Time * Burner's Frontispiece * The Burnet of Textbooks * Science versus Religion? * Burnet's Methodology * The Physics of History * Time's Arrow, Time's Cycle: Conflict and Resolution * Burnet and Steno as Intellectual Partners in the Light of Time's Arrow and Time's Cycle *3. James Hutton's Theory of the Earth: A Machine without a History * Picturing the Abyss of Time * Hutton's World Machine and the Provision of Deep Time * The Hutton of Legend * Hutton Disproves His Legend * The Sources of Necessary Cyclicity * Hutton's Paradox: Or, Why the Discoverer of Deep Time Denied History * Borges's Dilemma and Hutton's Motto * Playfair: A Boswell with a Difference * A Word in Conclusion and Prospect *4. Charles Lyell, Historian of Time's Cycle * The Case of Professor Ichthyosaurus * Charles Lyell, Self-Made in Cardboard * Lyell's Rhetorical Triumph: The Miscasting of Catastrophism * Lyell's Defense of Time's Cycle * Lyell, Historian of Time's Cycle * The Partial Unraveling of Lyell's World View * Epilogue *5. Boundaries * Hampton's Throne and Burnet's Frontispiece * The Deeper Themes of Arrows and Cycles * Bibliography * Index
£25.46
Harvard University Press Empires and Encounters
Book SynopsisBetween 1350 and 1750 the world reached a tipping point of global connectedness. In this volume of the acclaimed series A History of the World, noted international scholars examine five critical geographical areas where exploration and empire building led to expanding interaction—early signals on every continent of a shrinking globe.Trade ReviewA solid introduction to the period from a global perspective. -- M. E. Wiesner * Choice *
£34.81
Harvard University Press Ecology without Nature
Book SynopsisMorton argues that the chief stumbling block to environmental thinking is the image of nature most writers promote: they propose a new world view, but their very zeal to preserve the natural world leads them away from the “nature” they revere. To have a properly ecological view, Morton suggests, we must relinquish, once and for all, the idea of nature.Trade ReviewRigorous and unsettling, Timothy Morton's book is a vividly realized critique of the political and ethical meanings of "place" and "space." Steeped in philosophical and literary history, Ecology without Nature is a profoundly convinced and convincing intervention, calling as it does for a more intellectually robust and politically supple environmentalism, one much better suited to the realities of twenty-first-century life. A more thoughtful reflection on the future of dwelling together in a vulnerable world would be hard to find. -- David L. Clark, Professor of English and Cultural Studies, McMaster UniversityMorton demonstrates that because most ecocriticism assumes nature/environment as a concept, most ecocritics perpetuate the assumptions of the literature that they purport to critique. He argues that nature is an arbitrary rhetorical concept whose modern origins can be traced to Romantics writing during the Industrial Revolution--essentially, that ecocriticism fetishizes "nature." He contends that a "really deep ecology" would let go of the idea of nature because it marks the difference between "us" and "it." Drawing on writers from Adorno to Zizek, and considering literature and art from the 18th century to the present, Morton offers a complex, important, and often playful argument that lays the groundwork for new directions in ecocriticism. -- G. D. MacDonald * Choice *We’re in the sh**. We have to face it and learn to live with it. That’s a basic idea in dark ecology, which Timothy Morton outlines in his book Ecology Without Nature...Dark ecology has a realistic take on the human state without resorting to false optimism or fatalistic tones of apocalypse. It also requires people to take control, and not lay down in the mud with blind faith of staying above the surface without ever drowning. When we realise our connection to the rest of the world, we understand that our actions reflect all life on the planet...Dark ecology has the potential to be the punk rock or experimental pop of ecological thinking. Or even the death metal, since it shares a goth sensibility that focuses on the dark. * Kasino A4 *Ecology Without Nature offers original and important critiques of ecocritical theory, in particular through its analysis of the legacy of Romanticism and the paradox of dualism that pervades much ecological writing. Its occasionally irreverent style and embrace of kitsch make it an enjoyable read, even when the associationist organization and technical terminology require the reader to slow down. However, this slowing down is exactly what Morton recommends for ecocritics as we enter the twenty-first century and the increasingly urgent demands of “this poisoned ground” where Morton calls us to stand. -- Janet Fiskio * Environmental Philosophy *Table of Contents* Introduction: Toward a Theory of Ecological Criticism * The Art of Environmental Language: "I Can't Believe It Isn't Nature!" * Romanticism and the Environmental Subject * Imagining Ecology without Nature * Notes * Index
£24.26
Notting Hill Editions Questions of Travel: William Morris in Iceland
Book SynopsisMorris's intimate journals, written for a friend, unconsciously explore questions of travel, noting his reaction to the idea of leaving or arriving, to hurry and delay, what it means to dread a place you've never been to or to encounter the actuality of a long-held vision. Poet Lavinia Greenlaw draws out these questions as she follows in the footprints of Morris's prose, responding to its surfaces and undercurrents, extending its horizons. The result is a new and composite work, which brilliantly explores our conflicted reasons for not staying at home.Trade ReviewMorris's journals... are precious and unique because they are so simply and beautifully written with the informed sense of wonder of a deeply learned and sophisticated man. No one except Ruskin has ever put the case for beauty with such vehemence and clarity. Ian McQueen, The Guardian; At a time of endless half-truths and moral shilly-shallying, Morris's eccentric integrity shines out. Fiona MacCarthy; Greenlaw has brilliantly found a new form for writing about Morris, and for this we can only be grateful. Tony Pinkney in William Morris Unbound; The best book of travel written by an English poet is William Morris's Icelandic Journal. Geoffrey Grigson
£9.49
Harvard University Press The Taming of the Samurai Honorific
Book SynopsisModern Japan offers us a view of a highly developed society with its own internal logic. Eiko Ikegami makes this logic accessible to us through a sweeping investigation into the roots of Japanese organizational structures.Trade ReviewEiko Ikegami examines the nature and historical development of the samurai ethos, specifically concepts of honour, in the belief that the ideas which evolved among samurai in that context in pre-modern Japan do much to explain the paradox that a society almost universally regarded as conformist has undergone changes in the past 100 years that have been radical, even revolutionary, and owed much of their character to individual initiative. It is a very large subject… Professor Ikegami has produced a book of major importance for the understanding of Japan. * Times Literary Supplement *This book has already been widely praised by prominent American political scientists and historians for answering how the Japanese achieved modernity without traveling the route taken by Western countries. At once a remarkable historical study of the samurai warrior class from its ancient origins to its transformation under the Tokugawa regime and a comparative study that makes Japan available for analysis alongside other great instances of state formation… Beautifully written. It will undoubtedly become standard reading in universities around the world. * Foreign Affairs *[Ikegami’s] analysis…constitute[s] a very important contribution combining historical, sociological, and anthropological approaches to the analysis of Japanese society and history… Full of very important insights. -- S. N. Eisenstadt * American Journal of Sociology *Eiko Ikegami’s study of the samurai during Japan’s feudal period is a book of considerable intellectual sophistication. The analysis is rigorous and elegant, and in the course of time will no doubt be regarded as the definitive statement on this subject… This is a superb book. -- T. L. Richardson * Asian Affairs *Ikegami’s mastery of the sources, not only for the Tokugawa Period but going all the way back to the beginning of Japanese history, is most impressive… One can learn a great deal about premodern Japanese society from this book. -- Robert N. Bellah * Contemporary Sociology *Ikegami offers persuasive, well-documented answers in this remarkable book. Two interwoven and recurring themes are central to her thesis. The first is the samurai ethos of what she labels ‘honorific individualism’ marked by an obsession with personal dignity, self-esteem, and reputation… The second is the unresolvable and dramatic conflict between autonomy and heteronomy—between the violence-based honor of the samurai elite and the need to control them under a collective political order. Ikegami explores the historical sites and paths of these themes, painstakingly tracing their origins, development, transformation, and recurrence. The final product is a historical sociology of Japan on a grand scale… The book deserves the attention of anyone interested in historical and comparative sociology or ethnography, cultural psychology, and enduring issues of individual freedom versus social order… Non-academic readers will find an educational and entertaining story in this elegantly written book. -- Takie Sugiyama Lebra * Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies *Ikegami’s multidimensional approach fuses historical and political processes with an examination of four aspects of samurai life: the system of vassalage; the emergence of the ie, or house, as a social unit among the landed military elite; the military role of the samurai and the nature of warfare; and the relationship of the samurai class to other social classes… In addition to explaining the cultural origins of contemporary forms of social organization in Japan, The Taming of the Samurai makes a major contribution to the cross-cultural study of individuality and identity. -- Janet Goff * Japan Quarterly *An important contribution to Japanese sociology and history. -- Carl Steenstrup * Journal of Japanese Studies *The story of how the forty-seven loyal retainers took revenge for their lord’s death in 1703 is the most retold tale in Japanese literature and history, but Ikegami brings to it a fresh perspective based on her historical analysis of what honor meant in samurai society… Packed with ideas, this book is certain to be debated long and hard in Japanese history circles. it is to be hoped that it will have a similar impact on scholars trying to understand the ingredients of state formation in societies around the world. -- Anne Walthall * Journal of Social History *This book is a must for those who wish to know why Japan succeeded in its industrialization effort and how the otherwise paradoxical sense of collectivism versus individualism exists in Japan. General readers; upper-division undergraduates and above. -- M. Y. Rynn * Choice *Ikegami analyzes the Japanese state so sure-handedly that old prejudices fall away and the Japanese path of change, in all its distinctness, becomes available for comparison with other great experiences of state formation. Japanese traits that once seemed peculiarities of an inscrutable culture become, in her deft treatment, understandable consequences of a vast political transformation. -- Charles Tilly, Center for Studies of Social Change, The New School for Social ResearchTable of ContentsI. A Sociological Approach Introduction 1. Honor, State Formation, and Social Theories II. Origins in Violence 2. The Coming of the Samurai: Violence and Culture in the Ancient World 3. Vassalage and Honor 4. The Rite of Honorable Death: Warfare and the Samurai Sensibility III. Disintegration and Reorganization 5. Social Reorganization in the Late Medieval Period 6. A Society Organized for War IV. The Paradoxical Nature of Tokugawa
£28.01
Harvard University Press The First Vietnam War Colonial Conflict and Cold
Book SynopsisHow did the conflict between Vietnamese nationalists and French colonial rulers erupt into a major Cold War struggle between communism and Western liberalism? In this work, leading scholars examine various dimensions of the struggle between France and Vietnamese revolutionaries that began in 1945 and reached its climax at Dien Bien Phu.Trade ReviewOffers a well-written, important step toward a refocus on the international context of an important Cold War conflict. -- Douglas Porch * Journal of Military History *Few Americans realize that the U.S. war in Vietnam was preceded by an equally destructive war waged by French troops attempting to reestablish French colonial domination over the country after Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnamese independence in Hanoi in 1945. Even fewer Americans are aware of the extent of U.S. involvement in the French war, and are equally ignorant of the astonishing extent to which Americans began their war in Vietnam from the same mistaken assumptions as the French, repeating many of the same errors of judgment as the French. This new collection will do much to dispel that ignorance. -- C. L. Yates * Choice *A fresh collection of stimulating and impressive essays on the First Vietnam War. Lawrence and Logevall have brought together the leading scholars of the period in what will be essential reading for anyone interested in colonialism and the early Cold War. -- Robert K. Brigham, Vassar CollegeThe most important contribution in decades to the international history of the First Vietnam War. These essays by leading specialists show how the Indochina War connected key participants and historical forces in the making of the post-1945 international system. This book belongs in the library of anyone interested in the Cold War, decolonization, Asian history, Vietnamese studies, and international history. -- Christopher Goscha, Université du Québec à MontréalA splendid collection of essays based on sources from across the world and covering a wide range of topics. An indispensable addition to the literature on the First Vietnam War. -- George C. Herring, University of KentuckyThe First Vietnam War beautifully illustrates the complex interplay between the emerging Cold War, the disintegrating colonial order, and the vibrant social, political, and cultural forces inside Indochina. The volume confirms the promise of the new international history—multi-archival, multi-national, and multi-causal. -- Melvyn P. Leffler, University of VirginiaIn this important book an impressive international group of historians sheds fresh light on the First Indochina War. The years 1945 to 1954 are not just a crucial, formative period for the Vietnamese–American relationship, but also a significant chapter in the international history of the twentieth century. This work will prove most welcome to scholars and general readers alike. -- Robert J. McMahon, The Ohio State UniversityTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Introduction Mark Atwood Lawrence and Fredrik Logevall Part I. The First Vietnam War in History 2. Making Sense of the French War: The Postcolonial Moment and the First Vietnam War, 1945-1954 Mark Philip Bradley 3. Vietnamese Historians and the First Indochina War Lien-Hang T. Nguyen Part II. From One War to Another 4. Franklin Roosevelt, Trusteeship, and Indochina: A Reassessment Stein Tonnesson 5. Creating Defense Capacity in Vietnam, 1945-1947 David G. Marr 6. Forging the "Great Combination": Britain and the Indochina Problem, 1945-1950 Mark Atwood Lawrence 7. French Imperial Reconstruction and the Development of the Indochina War, 1945-1950 Martin Thomas Part III. Colonialism and Cold War 8. Ho Chi Minh and the Strategy of People's War William J. Duiker 9. The Declining Value of Indochina: France and the Economics of Empire, 1950-1955 Laurent Cesari 10. France, the United States, and Indochina Marilyn B. Young Part IV. The End of the French War and the Coming of the Americans 11. Assessing Dien Bien Phu John Prados 12. China and the Indochina Settlement at the Geneva Conference of 1954 Chen Jian 13. After Geneva: The French Presence in Vietnam, 1954-1963 Kathryn C. Statler 14. Chronicle of a War Foretold: The United States and Vietnam, 1945-1954 Andrew J. Rotter Notes Contributors Index
£28.01
Harvard University Press Trauma and Transcendence in Early Qing Literature
Book SynopsisThe collapse of the Ming dynasty and the Manchu conquest of China were traumatic experiences for Chinese intellectuals. The 12 chapters in this volume and the introductory essays on early Qing poetry, prose, and drama understand the writings of this era wholly or in part as attempts to recover from or transcend the trauma of the transition years.
£43.31
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Principles and Practice of Soil Science
Book Synopsis* Fully revised and updated to provide a comprehensive introduction to soil science. * Covers all aspects of soil science including soil habitat, processes in the soil environment and soil management. * Emphasizes the applications of soil science to the solution of practical problems in soil and land management.Trade Review"Has the edge on other introductory general soil science texts because it is up to date, comprehensive, isn't too long, has a wide geographic appeal, and most of all, is based on soil, well understood and well-explained science." Geoderma "Principles and Practice of Soil Science provides a current and comprehensive introduction to soil science for students in the fields of environmental and agricultural science, ecology, soil and land management, natural resource management and environmental engineering." Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment "This clearly presented fourth edition, liberally illustrated with figures, graphs, tables and colour photographs is well suited to educate a wide audience about soil." Experimental Agriculture Third edition: "The strongest competition is in the introductory textbook area, and as an example of this genre this comprehensive up-to-date text is probably the best around" Alex McBratney - European Journal of Soil Science - Sept 1998 "...the author deserves to be congratulated on the production of the third edition of a well respected and useful book which I am pleased to have on my shelf." Tom Batey - EJSS - 1998 Second Edition "The book is an excellent compilation of soil science concepts and principles, skilfully accomplished in 244 page, including a very generous use of figures, graphs and tables within each chapter." Leon J Johnson - Soil Science Sept 1988 "I will be happy to recommend this new edition, just as I recommended the first, as the preferred text for students taking introductory courses in soil science." K. A. Smith - New Phytologist - 1987 First Edition "This clearly written and attractive publication on basic concepts of the properties and behaviour of soils is written for students in soil science as well as for those whose main interest lies in agriculture, forestry, ecology or geography" Bulletin of International Society of Soil Science - 1980 "In short, it would be difficult to conceive of any initial course of instruction on soils which would not benefit from use of this original and refreshing presentation." R. T. Smith - Teaching Geography - 1980 "A most useful book for first or second year soil courses in Geography" D. J. Briggs - Earth Surface Processes - 1981 "In general the choice of material is excellent, covering all major areas of interest" P.B. Tinker - New Phytologist 1981 "It is very well written and produced with excellent and copious illustrations and suggestions for further reading ... It is an important addition to the literature at this level." D. Payne - Journal of Biological Education - 1980 "For those teachers, for whom White's Principles and Practice of Soil Science has been and remains their choice of textbook, this new edition will be most welcome...it is now more international in appeal and teachers anywhere in the world are likely to find it valuable. If you are thinking of changing your teaching text, then I suggest that you give this new edition a close look, it has much to commend it." European Journal of Soil Science, April 2006Table of ContentsPreface. Part 1: The Soil Habitat. 1 Introduction to the Soil. 2 The Mineral Component of the Soil. 3 Soil Organisms and Organic Matter. 4 Peds and Pores. Part 2: Processes in the Soil Environment. 5 Soil Formation. 6 Hydrology, Soil Water and Temperature. 7 Reactions at Surfaces. 8 Soil Aeration. 9 Processes in Profile Development. 10 Nutrient Cycling. Part 3: Soil Management. 11 Maintenance of Soil Productivity. 12 Fertilizers and Pesticides. 13 Problem Soils. 14 Soil Information Systems. Index
£49.46
John Wiley and Sons Ltd The Problem of Nature
Book SynopsisThis book considers how nature - in both its biological and environmental manifestations - has been invoked as a dynamic force in human history. It shows how historians, philosophers, geographers, anthropologists and scientists have used ideas of nature to explain the evolution of cultures, to understand cultural difference, and to justify or condemn colonization, slavery and racial superiority. It examines the central part that ideas of environmental and biological determinism have played in theory, and describes how these ideas have served in different ways at different times as instruments of authority, identity and defiance. The book shows how powerful and problematic the invocation of nature can be.Table of ContentsForeword. 1. Introduction. 2. The Place of Nature. 3. Reappraising Nature. 4. Environment as Catastrophe. 5. Crossing Biological Boundaries. 6. The Ecological Frontier. 7. The Environmental Revolution. 8. Inventing Tropicality. 9. Colonizing Nature. Conclusion. Guide to Further Reading. Index.
£35.06
Watkins Media Limited How Soon is Now?: The Handbook for Global Change
Book Synopsis"How Soon is Now? will challenge most conventionally held assumptions about the global environment" MobyThe World Needs to ChangeWe have unleashed a mega-crisis threatening the future of life on Earth. The actions we take over the next decade are critical. They will determine the destiny of our descendants and the fate of our world.Is It Too Late?How Soon is Now? presents a compelling manifesto for personal and planetary change. It proposes a new narrative for a unified social movement. Through global cooperation, we can face this collective threat- ecologically, socially, politically, and spiritually. We can launch a new operating system for human society based on regenerative principles.The Choice Is OursAccepting this crisis as our initiation, we can choose to evolve to the next level of consciousness as a species. We can do more than survive: we can thrive."A blueprint for the future" Russell BrandTrade Review'It speaks to something I often say our culture sorely lacks: Rites of passage.' - Neil Strauss 'How Soon is Now? gives us the context we need to understand the chaos and turbulence of our times.' - Sting 'A blueprint for the future' - Russell Brand 'Daniel Pinchbeck's HOW SOON IS NOW? is a powerful exploration of our need for a massive upgrade of collective consciousness if we are to address the inconsistencies and pathologies that afflict the modern world. While we have seen massive progress, we have also seen moral failures... and our unwillingness to question preexisting dogma might cost us dearly. Daniel's book offers a startling call to action!' - Jason Silva, artist, filmmaker and futurist 'Here we are, humanity, caught in the moment between devolution and conscious evolution by choice, not chance. Daniel Pinchbeck's new book takes us to this exact inflection point and reveals in remarkable clarity and brilliance, We Do Know What To Do, in almost every field from spiritual to social to environmental innovations arising everywhere.' - Barbara Marx Hubbard, author, Conscious Evolution 'Daniel Pinchbeck has emerged as a rational and clear voice of hope for a new post-capitalist future, offering alternatives to hack democracy for a better society.' - Jefferson Hack, CEO and Founder, Dazed & Confused 'I recommend this book to anyone who is trying to make sense of climate change within a bigger picture that includes the evolution of civilization and consciousness.' - Charles Eisenstein, author, Sacred Economics 'How Soon Is Now offers a spiritually driven approach to global economic and ecological crisis... With dangerous and admirable honesty, Pinchbeck tests his deepest held assumptions and judges his life choices in a crucible of self-doubt. It's at once an initiation for himself, and an invitation for us to ask these same sorts of questions of ourselves as individuals and a society.' - Doug Rushkoff, author, Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus 'Provides deep insight into the essential issues of our time ... could spark the revolution of consciousness that is the revolution not just of thinking, but of acting.' - Ervin Laszlo, Bestselling Author and Philosopher 'Daniel Pinchbeck's life is the hero's journey. Like Homer's Odyssey, How Soon Is Now is a song of redemption for a world torn apart by the monsters of our own creation. We've dreamed a world that is consuming itself into extinction. Pinchbeck offers us a new dream and in doing so takes us on a powerful, magical voyage into balance and sanity.' - John Perkins, New York Times Bestselling Author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman 'With his new work Daniel Pinchbeck is proposing systemic solutions to the ecological crisis looming over us, requiring a drastic shift in lifestyle and new levels of global cooperation. Whether or not you agree with all of his conclusions, How Soon Is Now? will challenge most conventionally held assumptions about the global environment.' - Moby
£9.49
RIBA Publishing Guide to JCT Standard Building Contract 2016
Book SynopsisGuide to JCT Standard Building Contract, the new edition of Sarah Lupton’s ever popular Guide to SBC11, is a practical guide to the operation and administration of the JCT Standard Contract suite 2016 (SBC/Q, SBC/AQ and SBC/XQ).All of the contract’s provisions, procedures and conditions are organised and explained by subject, clearly distinguishing the different obligations due to various parties and the contractual issues arising during the course of a job – all backed up by the latest legislation and case law.Changes to this new edition include: thorough explanation and analysis of the new JCT Standard Contract Suite 2016 comprehensive update on legislative changes since 2011, such as the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and CDM Regulations 2015 coverage of key case law developments, on issues such as the meaning residential occupier, choice of contract, access to site, concurrent delay, inspection, practical completion, certification, payment, termination and mediation objective commentary and comparison with relevant features of the new RIBA Building Contracts brand new content to improve coverage and overall value to the reader fresh new design. Not only is this an indispensable reference for the hard-pressed practitioner, but, assuming no prior knowledge of JCT contracts or the law, it is also ideal for architecture and other construction students on the threshold of undertaking their professional exams.Table of ContentsGuide to JCT Standard Building Contract 2016
£46.80
Random House USA Inc The Wood for the Trees
Book SynopsisAward-winning scientist Richard Fortey, upon his retirement, purchased four acres of ancient woodland in the Chiltern Hills of Oxfordshire, England. The Wood for the Trees is the joyful, lyrical portrait of what he found there. Fortey leads us through the seasons over the course of a year, as he fells trees in winter, admires bluebells in spring, and hunts moths in June and mushrooms in September. Along the way he reconstructs the geology and history of the area, tracing the rich variety of plants, animals, and people who have shaped it, from Neolithic hunters to Tudor gentry to present-day Russian oligarchs. The result is evocative and illuminating: an exuberant biography of a small patch of land and the miraculous web of life that it sustains.
£15.30
Acres U.S.A., Inc In the Shadow of Green Man: My Journey from
Book Synopsis
£14.20
Princeton University Press Ecological Niches and Geographic Distributions
Book SynopsisFocuses on correlative approaches known as ecological niche modeling, species distribution modeling, or habitat suitability modeling, which use associations between known occurrences of species and environmental variables to identify environmental conditions under which populations can be maintained.Trade Review"[Ecological Niches and Geographic Distributions] would serve as an excellent and authoritative textbook or resource for an upper-level undergraduate or graduate-level class on ecological modeling."--Choice "This book is an impressively well written exposition of the conceptual foundation, practical implementation, and potential applications of niche modeling... Overall, this book is an instant classic and a critical read for anyone interested in this fast-moving field of ecological niche modeling. I have already assigned it as required reading to graduate students in my lab."--Alycia Stigall, Priscum "I found this book very useful. Its theoretical rigor will please those already involved with niche modeling, and its numerous and interesting examples make it accessible to a broad readership."--Ian S. Pearce, Quarterly Review of Biology "Ecological Niches And Geographic Distributions concisely summarizes the conceptual framework and current major issues in a diverse and rapidly expanding literature. The numerous illustrations help to clarify key concepts and case studies, and the writing is clear throughout. Although the book sometimes forgoes depth in favor of clarity, ultimately I feel that this approach is for the best; many of the chapters in Parts 2 and 3 could be expanded to fill entire books of their own, but doing so would necessarily sacrifice much of the 'big picture' that is the focus of this volume. Ecological niches and geographic distributions would be a worthy addition to the library of any investigator using ENM/SDM methods in their research, and would be an excellent resource for students and investigators who are encountering the field for the first time."--Dan L. Warren, Ecology "With a real exploration of key concepts, this book will be an essential guide for students and researchers, providing a theoretical framework with which to support future progress in the field. This book is highly recommended."--Evelyne Bremond-Hoslet, National d'Histoire Naturelle "The seven authors have merged their ideas seamlessly."--Janet Sprent, Bulletin of the British Ecology SocietyTable of Contents*FrontMatter, pg. i*Table of Contents, pg. v*Acknowledgments, pg. ix*Chapter One. Introduction, pg. 1*Chapter Two. Concepts Of Niches, pg. 7*Chapter Three. Niches And Geographic Distributions, pg. 23*Chapter Four. Niches And Distributions In Practice: Overview, pg. 51*Chapter Five. Species' Occurrence Data, pg. 62*Chapter Six. Environmental Data, pg. 82*Chapter Seven. Modeling Ecological Niches, pg. 97*Chapter Eight. From Niches To Distributions, pg. 138*Chapter Nine. Evaluating Model Performance And Signifi Cance, pg. 150*Chapter Ten. Introduction To Applications, pg. 185*Chapter Eleven. Discovering Biodiversity, pg. 189*Chapter Twelve. Conservation Planning And Climate Change Effects, pg. 200*Chapter Thirteen. Species' Invasions, pg. 215*Chapter Fourteen. The Geography Of Disease Transmission, pg. 226*Chapter Fifteen. Linking Niches With Evolutionary Processes, pg. 238*Appendix A. Glossary Of Symbols Used, pg. 261*Appendix B. Set Theory For G- And E-Space, pg. 266*Glossary, pg. 269*Bibliography, pg. 281
£49.30
Princeton University Press Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West
Book SynopsisDragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the first fully illustrated field guide to all 348 species of dragonflies and damselflies in western North America. Dragonflies and damselflies are large, stunningly beautiful insects, as readily observable as birds and butterflies. This unique guide makes identifying them easy--its compact size and user-friendly design make it the only guide you need in the field. Every species is generously illustrated with full-color photographs and a distribution map, and structural features are illustrated where they aid in-hand identification. Detailed species accounts include information on size, distribution, flight season, similar species, habitat, and natural history. Dennis Paulson''s introduction provides an essential primer on the biology, natural history, and conservation of these important and fascinating insects, along with helpful tips on how to observe and photograph them. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the field guide naturalists, conservationists, and dragonfly enthusiasts have been waiting for. Covers all 348 western species in detail Features a wealth of color photographs Provides a color distribution map for every species Includes helpful identification tips Serves as an essential introduction to dragonflies and their natural history Trade ReviewHonorable Mention for the 2009 National Outdoor Book Award in Nature Guidebooks "Who knew that there were 348 species of dragonflies and damselflies in the Western United States? That fact alone should make nature lovers who enjoy traveling to wild places want to check out Dennis Paulson's new book, Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West, published by Princeton University Press... This guide includes information on flight seasons, habitat and natural history in the description of each insect as well as helpful tips on how to observe and photograph them."--Salt Lake Tribune "Bird watching has been a common hobby for centuries, and butterfly watching has become popular in the last few decades. Odonate watching is the newest pastime. Here, Paulson offers a comprehensive guide to Odonata of western North America... This well-written, informative guide is a 'must have' for any person, amateur or scholar, interested in these insects."--Choice "[T]hese volumes are obviously authoritative, comprehensive and clearly designed with the needs of the naturalist in mind. The photographs are excellent and ... the text makes up for the unavoidable shortcomings of a photo-guide by including full descriptions of each species. Altogether, these two volumes constitute a complete, highly informative and beautifully illustrated guide to the Odonata of North America."--Guy Padfield, UKbutterfliesTable of ContentsPreface 7 Introduction 9 Natural History of Odonates 11 Odonate Anatomy 22 Odonate Colors 26 Odonate Names 27 Finding Odonates 28 Identifying Odonates 29 Odonate Photography 31 Odonate Collecting and Collections 32 Odonate Threats and Conservation 35 Odonate Research 36 Odonates in the West 37 Explanation of Species Accounts 37 Damselflies (Zygoptera) 41 Broad- winged Damsel Family (Calopterygidae) 41 Spreadwing Family (Lestidae) 50 Pond Damsel Family (Coenagrionidae) 73 Shadowdamsel Family (Platystictidae) 184 Threadtail Family (Protoneuridae) 186 Dragonflies (Anisoptera) 191 Petaltail Family (Petaluridae) 191 Darner Family (Aeshnidae) 194 Clubtail Family (Gomphidae) 237 Spiketail Family (Cordulegastridae) 308 Cruiser Family (Macromiidae) 314 Emerald Family (Corduliidae) 323 Skimmer Family (Libellulidae) 372 Species Added to the Western Fauna 519 Appendix: Dragonfly Publications and Resources 521 Glossary 523 Index 527
£25.20
Harvard University Press The Invention of God
Book SynopsisWho invented God? When, why, and where? Thomas Römer seeks to answer these enigmatic questions about the deity of the great monotheisms—Yhwh, God, or Allah—by tracing Israelite beliefs and their context from the Bronze Age to the end of the Old Testament period in the third century BCE, in a masterpiece of detective work and exposition.Trade ReviewRömer, a distinguished scholar rather than an ideologue, seeks to determine exactly what is historical and exactly what is not in the depiction of God. This is a brilliant book. -- Robert A. Segal * Times Higher Education *Römer presents a scholarly and provocative account of how a minor tribal deity likely grew to become—or revealed himself to be—Lord of Creation. -- David O’Reilly * Philadelphia Inquirer *Römer is interested in the emergence of a deity whose nature is now so familiar that its startling originality no longer startles. -- Brian Bethune * Maclean’s *It reads very well, is well translated and has a bit of the excitement of discovery for engaged readers. -- John C. Endres and Jean-François Racine * America *Römer deftly weaves together evidence from the Bible with extra-biblical archeological finds that mention Israel and Yhwh to outline the development of monotheism… Not until Jerusalem’s destruction in 587 BCE did Yhwh become the universal, monotheistic god untied to place or particular monarch, the god who was later adopted by Christians and Muslims. Römer writes with clarity and accuracy and tells a compelling story. This book is a masterful work, tying together an enormous amount of information in a concise format. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *There is nothing quite like this book in English. The Invention of God traces the history of the God of Israel from the late Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period, charting the rise of Yhwh as the sole God. The period covered is vast, the thesis is provocative and stimulating, and the scholarship is cutting-edge. -- Timothy Lim, University of EdinburghRömer is a sure-footed guide to what is often a difficult discussion. A learned and elegant book. -- Nathan MacDonald, University of CambridgeRömer is the first to have brought all the relevant material together in such an accessible form, setting out both literary and archaeological evidence clearly and readably. -- John Barton * Church Times *[An] excellent book…A masterly work of historical detection that looks at the evolution of Jewish faith from the Bronze Age to the Hellenic period. This is a superb work of scholarship. -- Paul Richardson * The Church of England Newspaper *
£30.56
Princeton University Press The Economics of Enough
Book SynopsisCreating a sustainable economy - having enough to be happy without cheating the future - can't be easy. Governments needs to engage citizens in a process of debate about the difficult choices that lie ahead and rebuild a shared commitment to the future of our societies. This title starts an important conversation about how we can begin.Trade ReviewOne of The Globalist's Top Books of 2012 "In The Economics of Enough, Ms. Coyle adds a knowledgeable and earnest voice to the discussion about how to face these global challenges... Ms. Coyle has written a thoughtful, sprawling work. I was impressed with both the magnitude of the subject matter and her keen grasp of it... Ms. Coyle has made an important contribution to the debate on the nature of global capitalism."--Nancy F. Koehn, New York Times "If widely read, [The Economics of Enough] could be the twenty-first century's basic action manual. Like the best political philosophers, Coyle does not merely present the gritty reality of politics (or political economy, in this case), but gives us a roadmap out of our collective swamp... [T]he book is a small wonder."--Joel Campbell, International Affairs "If Diane Coyle had written The Economics of Enough a year or so earlier, a British political party would probably have laid claim to its message during the general election campaign. Coyle's work manages to tie up fiscal policy, inequality and the environment with reflection on civil society... Coyle makes a particularly effective assault on the view, often espoused by environmentalists, that economic growth ought not to be a policy goal. While she calls for other objectives--and the use of a greater range of economic indicators--she backs output growth as an objective... [A] solid guide to the challenges that face governments in the coming years."--Christopher Cook, Financial Times "[Coyle's] insistence that the crisis is essentially one of trust and governance is important--and increasingly relevant as we watch our leaders failing to tame our reckless financial overlords."--Fred Pearce, Independent "Coyle's book is ... a very welcome supplement to the current dearth of smart, broad, readable economic literature now available... Coyle's book demonstrates her to be a political economist of the old school, concerned with economics as a truly social science rather than an abstract mass of numbers. As such, her work merits a much broader audience than it is likely to find in our contemporary political climate."--Matthew Kaul, Englewood Review of Books "Are we bankrupt? Are countries like the US and the UK in as much fiscal trouble as Ireland or Greece? The bond markets say no: they've been quite content to lend to the UK and the US as though they were low-risk propositions, and perhaps they are right. But even if bond holders look safe enough, citizens may not be. Diane Coyle, author of a new book, The Economics of Enough, argues that we need to go beyond traditional measures of debt in thinking about future obligations."--Tim Harford, Financial Times "Designed for readers well versed in economics, this book offers an in-depth economic analysis that often supports arguments with philosophical and sociological theories."--Caroline Geck, Library Journal "A grim view of the economic future and suggestions on how to sway the outcome, one penny at a time. In this highly informed analysis, British economist Coyle (The Soulful Science: What Economists Really Do and Why It Matters, 2007, etc.) posits as a given that 'more money makes people happier because it means they can buy more.' ... There's much to digest here, so the author's tendency to repeat herself turns out to be helpful. Tough trekking but well worth the journey for this top-rank economist's view from the summit."--Kirkus Reviews "There is much good sense in The Economics of Enough, and Coyle writes efficiently and clearly."--Howard Davies, Times Higher Education "There is much good thinking and plenty of good ideas in [T]he Economics of Enough. For many readers, the book will be a revelation in just how far we have moved from economics as a 'dismal science.' For the business reader, Coyle opens up a range of broader perspectives that will on the one hand challenge the neo-classical economic purist and, on the other, will encourage those who want their children to have more than a dismal future, to do something about it."--Roger Steare, Management Today "[A] compelling call to action... [T]his is a powerful, thought-provoking and timely contribution to the debate on the evolving shape of society."--Dimitri Zenghelis, Nature Climate Change "From the somewhat playful Sex, Drugs, and Economics, to the more descriptive and objective The Soulful Science, economist and superb writer (too often mutually exclusive categories) Coyle presents her more general assessment in The Economics of Enough. Blending economics with politics and philosophy, she uses the recent financial crisis as an opportunity to discuss a number of grander themes with the goal of a better and sustainable future, which is to be aided and abetted by a better-informed citizenry led not by an invisible hand but by the fist of more enlightened government."--Choice "The Economics of Enough is a thoughtful and reflective piece addressing the interplay between governments and markets in a 'post-financial crisis' world... The book serves as a good foil for deeper discussions of the implications and results of the attempt to govern complex systems--both political and economic--fraught with their inevitable webs of adverse selection, moral hazard, and self-interest."--Bradley K Hobbs, EH.NetTable of ContentsOverview 1 PART ONE: CHALLENGES CHAPTER ONE: Happiness 21 CHAPTER TWO: Nature 55 CHAPTER THREE: Posterity 85 CHAPTER FOUR: Fairness 114 CHAPTER FIVE: Trust 145 PART TWO: OBSTACLES CHAPTER SIX: Measurement 181 CHAPTER SEVEN: Values 209 CHAPTER EIGHT: Institutions 239 PART THREE: MANIFESTO CHAPTER NINE: The Manifesto of Enough 267 Acknowledgments 299 Notes 301 References 313 Illustration Credits 327 Index 329
£25.60
Princeton University Press The Passenger Pigeon
Book SynopsisAt the start of the nineteenth century, Passenger Pigeons were perhaps the most abundant birds on the planet, numbering literally in the billions. The flocks were so large and so dense that they blackened the skies, even blotting out the sun for days at a stretch. Yet by the end of the century, the most common bird in North America had vanished froTrade ReviewHonorable Mention for the 2015 National Outdoor Book Awards, Nature and the Environment, NOBA Foundation One of The Independent's Best Nature Books of 2014 Selected for the American Scientist Science Book Gift Guide 2014 One of The Seattle Times 8 Books to Put under a Bird-Lover's Tree 2014 One of The Globe and Mail 75 Book Ideas for Christmas 2014 One of TheAustralian.com's "In the Good Books" 2014 "Lavishly illustrated with rare photographs of the birds... This book provides a general introduction to the history of the passenger pigeon through its collection of rare photographs and other visual materials that most people have not seen before."--Devorah Bennu, The Guardian, GrrlScientist "Visually beautiful... Gives a fine account of the species, its biology and its demise."--Adrian Barnett, New Scientist "A handsome, well-produced volume concentrating on paintings and photographs of the long-lost birds."--Rob Hardy, Columbus Dispatch "A beautifully illustrated, elegantly written 'celebration' of the passenger pigeon and the artists who illustrated and photographed the species... It is a haunting tale, and if you want a readable, engrossing but not lengthy account, I highly recommend this book."--Donna Schulman, 10,000 Birds "Informative... A celebration of this departed species through a mix of prose, paintings and photographs... Filled with interesting tidbits."--Herb Wilson, Portland Press Herald "A timely reminder of just how tenuous life can be for a species, regardless of how numerous they might be. This hardback book is beautifully illustrated. Mr. Fuller has put together a complete natural history of the passenger pigeon drawing upon historical illustrations, photographs, specimens, poems, ornithological journal articles and historical accounts."--Penny Miller, A Charm of Finches "A must have for anyone with an interest in this species."--Ian Paulsen, Birdbooker Report "Beautifully illustrated, this easy-to-read book will appeal to anyone who wishes to understand the concept of extinction."--Jennifer J. Meyer, Orange County Register "From start to finish, the text is informative and entertaining and the photos and artwork are fascinating. Whether you've studied the Passenger Pigeon for years or haven't even heard of the species, I would highly recommend this book."--Rob Ripma, Nutty Birder "Beautifully illustrated, including rare archival images as well as haunting photographs of live birds, this is an evocative memorial to one of the great icons of extinction."--Leslie Geddes-Brown, Country Life "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Errol Fuller's slim book, The Passenger Pigeon, is surely stuffed full of them... It will probably appeal to younger readers, it is a fast read and it could be a satisfying companion volume to the other two passenger pigeon books that have been recently published."--Grrl Scientist "The most visually beautiful [of recently published books on the passenger pigeon] is Errol Fuller's The Passenger Pigeon, which gives a fine account of the species, its biology and its demise."--Adrian Barnett, New Scientist "[It] is THE monograph for the passenger pigeon. I imagine everyone would learn something from this book. I personally was left with a feeling that we should not stand idle and allow mankind to eradicate any other living species. An excellent read, recommended."--Mike King, Gloster Birder "Written with both clarity and feeling. Most impressive is the breadth and depth of research crammed into what is a relatively slim volume... A masterful summary of what we know about this remarkable bird. To read it is a joy, but one tinged with sadness and regret."--Andy Stoddart, Birdwatch "I would highly recommend reading The Passenger Pigeon by Errol Fuller... Beautifully illustrated."--David Lewis, Birds from Behind "The Passenger Pigeon is an excellent introduction to this bird, what made it so special, and the tragedy of its extinction. If you want to learn about the Passenger Pigeon, or just enjoy the art and photographs, then I'd highly recommend it."--Grant McCreary, Birder's Library "This is a book that should be on every reader's shelf as a reminder as to what we have missed; and to help ensure such an avian tragedy does not occur again."--David Saunders, Bird Watching "[I]f you want to learn more about the Passenger Pigeons, this is a great book to have and to share."--North Durham Nature Newsletter "The heartbreaking illustrated history of a bird that, having once numbered in the billions, vanished from the planet in 1914. On the centenary of the species' extinction Fuller, an expert on extinct birds, reflects on what we lost."--Globe and Mail "A book about a long extinct bird could easily have been a dry, academic tome full of dull facts and figures, but Errol Fuller has managed to avoid this, and instead has produced an engaging book to fire the imagination, to encourage empathy with Martha, alone in her cage for the last four years of her life, to provoke outrage that the species was driven to extinction, and above all, a desire to fight to prevent the same fate befalling others."--Andy Mackay, Grebe "A sad and gorgeous book."--Stephen Romei, Australian "Sumptuously illustrated."--Michael McCarthy, Independent "Passenger Pigeon takes just the opposite approach. Though there is an informative and gracefully written text, this handsome volume tells its stories most eloquently in pictures."--Rick Wright, ABA Blog "Writing in a clear, conversational tone, artist/writer Fuller highlights important aspects of this bird's natural history and its remarkable downhill spiral into oblivion. He provides fascinating accounts of the last wild birds; of 'Martha,' the last of her species, who died in the Cincinnati Zoo; and historical testimony from people who observed the birds' enormous flocks firsthand. Illustrated with numerous historical photographs and exquisite artwork (modern and period), this lasting tribute to one of the most magnificent birds to have ever lived will interest anyone who cares about conservation of the natural world."--Choice "In The Passenger Pigeon, Erroll Fuller brings his artist's eye to a recently popular, much-covered, yet little-understood phenomenon... Fuller's vivid account is the one new book on the species you must buy."--Living Bird Magazine "It is easy to read and thought-provoking, and will be of interest to anyone concerned about conservation today."--Ian Woodward,BTO News "Fuller's book will appeal to a much larger audience and is worth the price just for the photos and illustrations... The Passenger Pigeon should make us vow to never lose another species because of our own greed or neglect."--D.R.K., Wildlife Activist "[L]yrical and artistic. Short enough to hold your attention, detailed enough to convey the essential facts, and elegantly presented."--Alan Knox, Scottish BirdsTable of ContentsPROLOGUE 9 INTRODUCTION 10 THE ANNALS OF EXTINCTION 12 IMAGINE 20 THE BIRD 28 THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL 48 EXTINCTION: THE CAUSES 70 THE LAST CAPTIVES 90 MARTHA 110 ART AND BOOKS 122 QUOTATIONS 148 APPENDIX: A MAGNIFICENT FLYING MACHINE 162 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 170 FURTHER READING 172 INDEX 175
£21.25
Princeton University Press Extinction
Book SynopsisSome 250 million years ago, the earth suffered the greatest biological crisis in its history. Around 95 percent of all living species died out--a global catastrophe far greater than the dinosaurs' demise 185 million years later. How this happened remains a mystery. But there are many competing theories. Some blame huge volcanic eruptions that coverTrade ReviewOne of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2006 "Theories and mysteries can be dispelled with good data from the geologic record, and Erwin (a paleobiologist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History) offers an authoritative account of the search for these data and for the cause of the extinction... Extinction provides a great reference for researchers and the interested lay reader alike."--Andrew M. Bush, Science "Extinction is a very enjoyable read... It provides a thoroughly up-to-date account of the causes of the end-Permian event and the developments in the field since 1993 as seen through the eyes of one of the key players... Extinction leaves the reader with the (accurate) picture that here is a scientist whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of the greatest extinction event known to science... [A] readable and scholarly account."--Richard J. Twitchett, American Scientist "Douglas Erwin's geological mystery story is engrossing. It contains a tribute to the scientific method--and also the collaborations of research. The book ends with Erwin warning that the Earth is arguably entering another mass extinction period, this time unnatural and man-made. And this time the destruction may well be total."--Lucy Sussex, The Age (Sunday edition) "Douglas H. Erwin, a Smithsonian paleobiologist and one of the leading experts on the Permian extinction has meticulously sifted through the evidence... His accessible new book, Extinction--written, it seems, both to persuade his colleagues and to educate a lay audience--is told from the perspective of a forensic scientist trying to piece together a quarter-billion-year-old crime scene."--Joshua Foer, Washington Post Book World "Douglas Erwin describes how life on Earth was nearly destroyed at the end of the Permian period, 250 million years ago... The author ... explain[s] what this paleontological, as well as geological, evidence can tell scientists about the dramatic and deadly shift in the Earth's environment."--Science News "No one can tell this story better than Douglas Erwin. His book is a superbly written account of what we know about the Permian extinctions... More than a geological story, this book is an excellent model of how science addresses complicated questions."--Choice "This book does not justify a single, accepted causal sequence of events ... to account for the end-Permian extinction. Instead, Erwin dissects the evidence for and against each hypothesis, impartially weighing their strengths and weaknesses. Although this book may frustrate readers expecting to learn how life nearly ended 250 million years ago, it will reward them with a fascinating case study in scientific inference, a case that remains very much open."--John P. Hunter, Quarterly Review of Biology "Erwin's book is science writing for the general public at its best and most lucid. Entertaining, informative, and thought provoking."--Northeastern Naturalist "Erwin offers a thorough overview of one of the most interesting problems in earth history... Erwin takes the readers on an insider's journey that includes adventures in the field, tedious hours in the laboratory, and stimulating but sometimes contentious exchanges among colleagues at scientific meetings. He gives rigorous consideration to every reasonable hypothesis... Erwin's short course is a professional service for geologists (like me) who have read only some of the primary literature on the end-Permian extinction."--Stephen O. Moshier, Books & Culture "For scientists as well as general educated readers, this book enlightens its readers to the complexity of the largest biological crisis the earth has yet seen."--H.J.M. Meijer, PalArch's Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology "I recommend Extinction: How Life on Earth Nearly Ended 250 Million Years Ago to scientists and nonscientists alike. It provides a clear, comprehensive, and compelling introduction to the greatest catastrophe in the history of animal life and proposes a reasonable hypothesis for the cause of the extinction that will undoubtedly be tested vigorously with new data in the coming decade."--Jonathan L. Payne, ComplexityTable of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Preface to the New Paperback Edition ix CHAPTER 1: Introduction 1 CHAPTER 2: A Cacophony of Causes 17 CHAPTER 3: South China Interlude 59 CHAPTER 4: It's a Matter of Time 77 CHAPTER 5: Filter Feeding Fails 98 CHAPTER 6: South African Eden 124 CHAPTER 7: The Perils of Permian Seas 161 CHAPTER 8: Denouement 187 CHAPTER 9: Resurrection and Recovery 218 CHAPTER 10: The Paradox of the Permo-Triassic 245 Notes 263 References 275 Index 293
£15.29
Princeton University Press Garibaldi
Book SynopsisWhat adventure novelist could have invented the life of Giuseppe Garibaldi? This title tells the story of Garibaldi's public and private life, separating its myth-like reality from the outright myths that have surrounded Garibaldi since his own day.Trade Review"Hailed as 'the Hero of Two Worlds' for his exploits in South America and in Europe, Garibaldi must have become the most famous person on the planet. Alfonso Scirocco has written an old-fashioned biography with a strong narrative, vivid battle scenes, and confident characterization. Scirocco's portrait of Garibaldi, 'an idealist without ideologies,' is attractive and fair...detailed and useful."--David Gilmour, New York Review of Books "Alfonso Scirocco's Garibaldi is distinctly old-fashioned in approach. But as a traditional biography it is very good, and has the traditional virtues. It is well written and extremely well translated by Allan Cameron, it is up to date on the huge Garibaldi literature, it has plenty of illuminating detail, and it pays a proper regard to his early life and South American experiences."--Martin Clark, Times Literary Supplement "Alfonso Scirocco's Garibaldi: Citizen of the World...[is a] standard biography...Scirocco reminds us that the man behind the myth generally lived up to his billing in a manner that was matched by few of his counterparts--then or now."--Dianne N. Labrosse, Montreal Gazette "A fine biography for all drawn to Garibaldi's heroic role in Italy's Risorgimento."--Gilbert Taylor, Booklist "Garibaldi: Citizen of the World, by Italian historian Alfonso Scirocco, is the traditional bio that tells you who Garibaldi was, what he did, and why he is revered...Scirocco narrates Garibaldi's life with appropriate respect, if not reverence...After finishing Scirocco's account of Garibaldi's life, the great insurgent emerges as traditionally understood: enormously admirable, patriotic, nonmaterialistic, generous, a charismatic leader who typicallly refused honors."--Carlin Romano, Philadelphia Inquirer "[An] enthralling biography...[Garibaldi's] story remains remarkable and inspiring."--Allan Massie, Spectator "Since his death in 1882, Giuseppe Garibaldi has been portrayed as a heroic military leader, a man who shaped his own image, and, of course, [w]as the guiding spirit behind the unification of Italy. Scirocco has added to the work of previous scholars with this biography, in which he shows that Garibaldi remained true throughout his life to the ideals of Saint-Simon. Faithfulness to a utopian philosophy did not, however, mean political consistency... Scirocco is scholarly and lucid in explaining [Garibaldi's] inconsistencies, and he is equally impressive in showing how Garibaldi navigated his way between his allies (who were at the same time his rivals), especially Camillo Benso (conte di Cavour) and Giuseppe Mazzini. A magisterial work of history."--S. Bailey, Knox College, for CHOICE "Scirocco's book ... is notable for its emphasis on parts of [Garibaldi's] biography that are not generally accented and because it provides the facts of an uncommon life in one convenient source more than do existing, older biographies in English."--Spencer M. Di Scala, Journal of Military History "Anyone unfamiliar with Garibaldi will find Scirocco's book a useful place to start."--Mark I. Choate, HistorianTable of ContentsIntroduction ix Chapter 1: Sailing the Mediterranean 1 Chapter 2: From Conspiracy to Exile 17 Chapter 3: The Rio Interlude 27 Chapter 4: Privateer 39 Chapter 5: In Rio Grande 54 Chapter 6: Loves, Friendships, and Amusements 74 Chapter 7: The Costa Brava Expedition 82 Chapter 8: Montevideo 95 Chapter 9: San Antonio de Salto 108 Chapter 10: His Fame Spreads 125 Chapter 11: Italy in 1848: The General Call to Arms 138 Chapter 12: The Rome Events of 1849 151 Chapter 13: The Bold Defi ance of 1849 168 Chapter 14: The Gray Years 182 Chapter 15: In the King's Ser vice 203 Chapter 16: Po liti cal Frustrations and Disappointments in Love 221 Chapter 17: The Epic Campaign of the Thousand 236 Chapter 18: The Dictator of Sicily 263 Chapter 19: Master of a Kingdom 287 Chapter 20: From the Solitude of Caprera to the Drama of Aspromonte 309 Chapter 21: Triumph in London 331 Chapter 22: Bezzecca, Mentana, and Dijon 343 Chapter 23: Pacifi sm, Socialism, and Democracy 364 Chapter 24: The Final Years: Family, Literary Activities, and Financial Concerns 388 Chapter 25: Epilogue 400 Chronology of Events 411 Bibliography 417 Index 431
£38.25
Princeton University Press The Rise and Fall of American Growth
Book SynopsisIn the century after the Civil War, an economic revolution improved the American standard of living in ways previously unimaginable. Electric lighting, indoor plumbing, motor vehicles, air travel, and television transformed households and workplaces. But has that era of unprecedented growth come to an end? Weaving together a vivid narrative, historTrade ReviewWinner of the 2017 Excellence in Financial Journalism Book Award, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Winner of the 2017 PROSE Award in U.S. History, Association of American Publishers A New York Times Bestseller One of Bloomberg View's "Five Books to Change Conservatives' Minds," chosen by Cass Sunstein #36 on Bloomberg's "50 Most Influential" List One of Bloomberg's Best Books of 2016 One of Financial Times (FT.com) Best Economics Books of 2016 One of The Economist's Economics and Business Books of the Year 2016 One of the Strategy+Business Best Business Books 2016 in Economy One of Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Books of 2016 in History One of Bloomberg View's Great History Books of 2016 One of The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2016 One of The Wall Street Journal's "The 20 Books That Defined Our Year" 2016 One of Foreign Affairs' Editors' Picks 2016 One of the Washington Post's Best Economics Books 2016 Shortlisted for the 2016 Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award One of The NewYorker.com Page-Turner blog's "The Books We Loved in 2016" Longlisted for the 2016 Cundill Prize in Historical Literature, McGill University "The Rise and Fall of American Growth... is the Thomas Piketty-esque economic must read of the year."--Rana Foroohar, Time "This is a book well worth reading--a magisterial combination of deep technological history, vivid portraits of daily life over the past six generations and careful economic analysis... [The Rise and Fall of American Growth] will challenge your views about the future; [and] it will definitely transform how you see the past."--Paul Krugman, New York Times Book Review "[An] authoritative examination of innovation through the ages."--Neil Irwin, New York Times "Robert Gordon has written a magnificent book on the economic history of the United States over the last one and a half centuries... The book is without peer in providing a statistical analysis of the uneven pace of growth and technological change, in describing the technologies that led to the remarkable progress during the special century, and in concluding with a provocative hypothesis that the future is unlikely to bring anything approaching the economic gains of the earlier period... If you want to understand our history and the economic dilemmas faced by the nation today, you can spend many a fruitful hour reading Gordon's landmark study."--William D. Nordhaus, New York Review of Books "Mr. Gordon uses exhaustive historic data to buttress his thesis."--Greg Ip, Wall Street Journal "[The Rise and Fall of American Growth] is full of wonder for the miraculous things that America has accomplished."--Edward Glaeser, Wall Street Journal "A masterful study to be read and reread by anyone interested in today's political economy."--Kirkus "Normally, these kinds of big-think books end with a whimper, as the author totally fails to identify solutions to the problem he is writing about. But Gordon's conclusion offers some admirably definitive policy advice."--Matthew Yglesias, Vox "Magnificent... Gordon presents his case... with great style and panache, supporting his argument with vivid examples as well as econometric data... Even if history changes direction... this book will survive as a superb reconstruction of material life in America in the heyday of industrial capitalism."--Economist "Every presidential candidate should be asked what policies he or she would offer to increase the pace of U.S. productivity growth and to narrow the widening gap between winners and losers in the economy. Bob Gordon's list is a good place to start."--David Wessel, WSJ.com's Think Tank blog "[W]hat may be the year's most important book on economics has already been published... What Gordon has provided is not a rejection of technology but a sobering reminder of its limits."--Robert Samuelson, Washington Post "Robert Gordon's The Rise and Fall of American Growth is an extraordinary work of economic scholarship... Moreover, this is one of the rare economics books that is on the one hand deeply analytical ... And on the other a pleasure to read... [A] landmark work."--Lawrence Summers, Prospect "Ambitious... The hefty tome, minutely detailed yet dauntingly broad in scope, offers a lively portrayal of the evolution of American living standards since the Civil War."--Eduardo Porter, New York Times "Two years ago a huge book on economics took the world by storm. Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century ... became a surprise bestseller... Robert Gordon's tome on American economic growth stretches to 768 pages and its central message is arguably more important."--David Smith, Sunday Times "A landmark new book."--Gavin Kelly, The Guardian "Looking ahead, judging presidents by policies rather than outcomes may be all the more important. In a new book, The Rise and Fall of American Growth, the economist Robert Gordon argues that we are in the midst of an era of meager technological change. Yes, we now have smartphones and Twitter, but previous generations introduced electric lighting, indoor plumbing and the internal combustion engine. In Mr. Gordon's view, technological change is just not what it used to be, and we had better get used to slower growth in productivity and incomes."--N. Gregory Mankiw, New York Times "The Rise and Fall of American Growth is likely to be the most interesting and important economics book of the year. It provides a splendid analytic take on the potency of past economic growth, which transformed the world from the end of the nineteenth century onward... Gordon's book serves as a powerful reminder that the U.S. economy really has gone through a protracted slowdown and that this decline has been caused by the stagnation in technological progress."--Tyler Cowen, Foreign Affairs "[A]n important new book."--Martin Ford, Huffington Post "[A] lightning bolt of a new book."--Harold Meyerson, The American Prospect "So powerful and intriguing are the facts and arguments marshaled by Gordon that even informed critics who think he is wrong recommend that readers plow through his The Rise and Fall of American Growth, with its 60 graphics and 64 tables spread over more than 700 pages. You don't need to be an economist to appreciate or understand the book. His thesis is straightforward."--David Cay Johnston, Al Jazeera America.com "What is novel about Gordon's approach to this problem is that he doesn't try to find political causes for our economic woes... [E]xhaustive and sweeping in scope, and novel in its thinking about growth."--Chris Matthews, Fortune.com "[A] fascinating new book."--Jeffrey Sachs, Boston Globe "One of the most important books of recent years... Powerful and impressive."--Cass R. Sunstein, Bloomberg View "This is a tremendous, sobering piece of research, which does a lot to explain the febrile, nervous state of modern Western democracies."--Marcus Tanner, The Independent "A new book by economist Robert Gordon--The Rise and Fall of American Growth--is causing quite a stir."--City A.M. "If he's right, and one links this with growing income inequality, our would-be leaders will have difficulty in making the case for achieving the American dream through steady incremental progress achieved through collaboration and political compromise."--Michael Hoffmann, Desert Sun "Robert Gordon's new book on productivity in the U.S. economy, The Rise and Fall of American Growth, is masterful... Gordon skillfully lays out myriad information about the history and trends of productivity. One can learn a great deal."--Edward Lotterman, St. Paul Pioneer Press "[I]mpressive."--Peter Martin, Sydney Morning Herald "In his unsettling new book, Gordon, who teaches at Northwestern, weighs in on the role of technology in the U.S. over the past century-and-a-half. He does so forcefully, so forcefully, in fact, as to wipe the smiles off the faces of most techno-optimists, myself included."--Peter A. Coclanis, Charlotte Observer "[A] thoughtful new book."--David D. Haynes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "[The Rise and Fall of American Growth] is this year's equivalent to Thomas Piketty's Capital in the 21st Century: an essential read for all economists, who are unanimously floored by its boldness and scope even if they don't agree with its conclusions."--Adam Davidson, New York Times Magazine "Gordon makes a compelling case for why the era of fast growth in America ended around 1970 and will not return in the foreseeable future, if ever."--Dick Meyer, DecodeDC "Gordon argues that we are not going to get another surge soon and that there are several headwinds that are going to work against faster growth, including income inequality, education as a differentiator and not an equalizer, the debt overhang, and demography."--John Mason, TheStreet.com "[The Rise and Fall of American Growth] challenges every political claim, and every pundit's remedy, regarding how to get the lackluster American economy to boom again in the decades ahead, as it once did a half-century or more ago... [The book] represents the culmination of Gordon's many years of investigation into this key economic question of our age, namely: 'Why is it that the American economy has never been able to return to the happy boom years of our grandparents' time?' Why is it that, decade after decade, administration after administration, annualized productivity growth has only been about one-half to one-third that of the age of Truman and Eisenhower?"--Paul Kennedy, Tribune Content Agency "[M]asterful... Gordon skillfully lays out information about the history and trends of productivity. One can learn a great deal... The Rise and Fall of American Growth is a rare example of a work with solid economics that can be understood, and enjoyed, by nearly any lay person."--Ed Lotterman, Idaho Statesman "As an economic historian, Gordon is beyond reproach."--Edward Luce, Financial Times "Provocative."--Associated Press "The Rise and Fall of American Growth, is a deep dive into the past with an eye to the future... [The book] is part of a fascinating debate about future prospects for the American economy."--Knowledge@Wharton "[The Rise and Fall of American Growth] has set the wonky world of economics aflame."--Ryan Craig, TechCrunch "Magisterial."--John Kay, Financial Times "[A] contentious new book."--Margaret Wente, The Globe & Mail "[A] fabulous new book... [I]mpressive."--Dr. Mike Walden, Morganton News Herald "Northwestern Bob Gordon's new book, The Rise and Fall of American Growth, offers a deeper explanation for the underlying mechanics behind slowed economic growth."--Jon Hartley, Forbes.com "So much of what the presidential candidates and the American people want to accomplish over the next four years and beyond depends on the U.S. economy growing faster, and more inclusively, than it has in recent years. This year's hot economics book, The Rise and Fall of American Growth, by one of America's most distinguished macroeconomists, Robert Gordon, casts a pall on whether this is possible, arguing that the U.S. had a golden century of increasing innovation from roughly 1870 to 1970, but this was unique."--Robert Litan, Fortune.com "Gordon's book offers the definitive account of how the many technological innovations between 1870 and 1940 dramatically improved life in the United States."--Richard A. Epstein, Hoover Institution's Defining Ideas blog "[M]agiserial... The Northwestern University professor lays out the case that the productivity miracle underlying the American way of life was largely a one-time deal."--Matt Phillips, Quartz "Robert Gordon's new book The Rise and Fall of American Growth has taken the economics world by storm this winter."--Myles Udland, Business Insider "[M]assive."--Ben Casselman, FiveThirty Eight "[G]roundbreaking."--Zeeshan Aleem, Mic "With a painstaking--and fascinating--historical analysis of American productivity, [Gordon] argues that the innovations of today pale in comparison to earlier in our history and that we might actually be entering a period of prolonged stagnation. He may very well be right."--Greg Satell, Forbes.com "[P]rovocative."--Barrie McKenna, The Globe & Mail "[I]nfluential."--Martin Neil Baily, Fortune.com "[A] stimulating book."--George Will, Washington Post "Compulsive reading."--Andrew Hilton, Financial World "Gordon is not an alarmist, far from it. His is a sober voice of concern, of caution, which needs to be heard by those in the helm in America. And a fascinating lesson for ambitious and growing countries like India."--Dr R Balashankar, Sunday Guardian "[A] fascinating convergence of green and mainstream thought."--Tom Horton, Chesapeake Bay Journal "[T]his panoramic book makes good reading."--Shane Greenstein, Harvard Magazine "The book's great contribution is the tapestry it weaves of all the innovations that changed most Americans' lives beyond recognition in the century from 1870 to 1970."--Martin Sandbu, Financial Times "The Rise and Fall of American Growth is unquestionably an important book that raises fundamental questions about the United States' economy and society."--New Criterion "[A] masterpiece."--Martin Wolf, Financial Times "[An] impressive book... Gordon's book provides sufficient ammunition to show the colossal problems facing capitalism."--Socialism Today "Rich with detailed information, meticulous observations, and even anecdotes and stories ... a fascinating read."--Ricardo F. Levi, Corriere della Sera "The Rise and Fall of American Growth is essential reading for anyone interested in economics."--Choice "In an important new book, economist Robert Gordon makes the case for pessimism. He believes that technologies like smartphones, robots, and artificial intelligence aren't going to have the kind of big impact on the economy that earlier inventions--like the internal combustion engine and electricity--did."--Timothy B. Lee, Vox "Robert Gordon has written an engaging economic-based history of America... Gordon is to be commended for helping to stimulate a national debate on the current low level of economic productivity."--Allan Hauer, Innovation: The Journal of Technology & Commercialization "If you want to see how far we have come and how tough life was a century and a half ago, read Gordon's book."--David R. Henderson, Regulation "A fantastic read."--Bill Gates, GatesNotes "The book is well written, and one can only be in awe of Gordon's mastery of the factual history of the American standard of living."--Robert A. Margo, EH.net "Monumental."--John Cassidy, NewYorker.com "Zeitgeist-defining."--Myles Udland, Business Insider "[A] magisterial treatise."--Nick Gillespie, Reason.com "[A]n essential read for anyone interested not only in US economic history but also American economic prospects ... a tremendous achievement."--Diane Coyle, Enlightened Economist "A comprehensive history of American economic growth."--Eric Rauchway, American Prospect "Professor Robert J. Gordon's The Rise and Fall of American Growth is a magisterial volume that will benefit any serious student of economics, demographics or history."--Wendell Cox, New Geography "A wonderful new book."--Jeff Sachs, Boston Globe "The most important economics book of 2016."--Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune "This spectacular history traces the rise and the plateau of the American economy since industrialization."--Jay Weiser, Weekly Standard "[A] landmark book... An impressive history of how the American people progressed in their standards of living and productivity in the 'golden century' of 1870-1970."--Stephen M. Millett, Strategy & Leadership "Gordon's encyclopedic The Rise and Fall of American Growth, a new history of modern U.S. economic life, [is] perhaps the best yet written."--Jonathan Levy, Dissent "One of our greatest economic historians... Gordon's exhaustive research program ... has knocked me back on my intellectual heels."--J. Bradford DeLong, Strategy + Business "This is the most important book on economics in many years."--Martin Wolf, Financial Times "Robert Gordon's The Rise and Fall of American Growth set out a thesis of technological diminishing returns that does much to explain an age of economic pessimism."--Lorien Kite, Financial Times "In the course of Gordon's book, a vivid picture of everyday life as our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents lived it emerges... What lingers in my mind, alongside these ideas, is a new, weightier sense of the past, and of what the people who lived in it ate, touched, heard, saw, and did. Reading The Rise and Fall of American Growth, I thought a lot about my grandparents. Gordon's book has made their lives more real to me."--Joshua Rothman, NewYorker.com's Page-Turner blog "Magisterial... While the book has gotten attention because of its bold projection of slow growth in the future, this is actually just one small element of a magnificent and detailed presentation of how our economy has changed since 1870. Most people don't fully appreciate what life was like in the past and Gordon gives a blow-by-blow description of how people lived in America from 1870 on. In addition, he carefully explains how each new innovation was created and how its adoption changed people's lives."--Stephen Rose, Democracy: A Journal of Ideas "Gordon constructs a strong case using conventional economic principles and exacting data measurement."--Don Pittis, CBC News "Gordon's genius is to weave together economic history with the story of the technology, know-how, politic, demographics and medicine that made the astonishing progress of the US perhaps the most remarkable ever."--Sean O'Grady, The Independent "The Rise and Fall of American Growth, by Robert Gordon, is that rarest thing: a work of densely researched macroeconomics that is compulsively readable."--Bill Morris, The MillionsTable of ContentsPreface ix 1. Introduction: The Ascent and Descent of Growth 1 PART I. 1870-1940-THE GREAT INVENTIONS CREATE A REVOLUTION INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOME 25 2. The Starting Point: Life and Work in 1870 27 3. What They Ate and Wore and Where They Bought It 62 4. The American Home: From Dark and Isolated to Bright and Networked 94 5. Motors Overtake Horses and Rail: Inventions and Incremental Improvements 129 6. From Telegraph to Talkies: Information, Communication, and Entertainment 172 7. Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Illness and Early Death 206 8. Working Conditions on the Job and at Home 247 9. Taking and Mitigating Risks: Consumer Credit, Insurance, and the Government 288 Entr'acte. The Midcentury Shift from Revolution to Evolution 319 PART II. 1940-2015-THE GOLDEN AGE AND THE EARLY WARNINGS OF SLOWER GROWTH 329 10. Fast Food, Synthetic Fibers, and Split-Level Subdivisions: The Slowing Transformation of Food, Clothing, and Housing 331 11. See the USA in Your Chevrolet or from a Plane Flying High Above 374 12. Entertainment and Communications from Milton Berle to the iPhone 409 13. Computers and the Internet from the Mainframe to Facebook 441 14. Antibiotics, CT Scans, and the Evolution of Health and Medicine 461 15. Work, Youth, and Retirement at Home and on the Job 498 Entr'acte. Toward an Understanding of Slower Growth 522 PART III. THE SOURCES OF FASTER AND SLOWER GROWTH 533 16. The Great Leap Forward from the 1920s to the 1950s: What Set of Miracles Created It? 535 17. Innovation: Can the Future Match the Great Inventions of the Past? 566 18. Inequality and the Other Headwinds: Long-Run American Economic Growth Slows to a Crawl 605 Postscript: America's Growth Achievement and the Path Ahead 641 Acknowledgments 653 Data Appendix 657 Notes 667 References 717 Credits 741 Index 745
£31.50
Connor Court Publishing Not for Greens
£14.25
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Space Place and Gender
Book SynopsisThis new book brings together Doreen Masseya s key writings on three areas central to a range of disciplines. In addition, the author reflects on the development of these ideas and outlines her current position on these important issues. The book is organized around the three themes of space, place and gender.Table of ContentsGeneral Introduction. Part I. Space and Social Relations. 1. Industrial Restructuring vesus the Cities. 2. In What Sense a Regional Problem?. 3.The Shape of Things to Come. 4. Uneven Development:. Social Change and Spatial Divisions of Labour. Part II. Place and Identity. 5. The Political Place of Locality Studies. 6. A Global Sense of Place. 7. A Place Called Home?. Part III. Space, Place and Gender. 8. Space, Place and Gender. 9. A Woman's Place?. 10. Flexible Sexism. 11. Politics and Space / Time. Index.
£18.04
Quercus Publishing Wrath of God: The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755
Book SynopsisJust after half past nine on the morning of Sunday 1 November 1755, the end of the world came to the city of Lisbon. On a day that had begun with blue skies and gentle warmth, Portugal's proud capital was struck by a massive earthquake. After a brief, two-minute tremor came six minutes of horror as Lisbon swayed 'like corn in the wind before the avalanches of descending masonry hid the ruins under a cloud of dust'. A third tremor shook most of the buildings still standing to the ground, causing catastrophic loss of life. Lisbon had been struck by a seismic disturbance estimated at 8.7 on the Richter scale - more powerful than the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. An hour later, riverine Lisbon and the Algarve coast were engulfed by a series of tsunamis. In areas of the city unaffected by the waves, fires raged for six days, completing the destruction of Europe's fourth-largest city. By the time it was all over, 60,000 souls had perished and 85% of Lisbon's buildings, plus an unimaginable wealth of cultural treasures, had been destroyed by quake, fire or water. The earthquake had a searing impact on the European psyche. Theologians and philosophers were baffled by this awesome manifestation of the anger of God. How could the presence of such suffering in the world be reconciled with the existence of a beneficent deity? For Portugal itself, despite an ambitious programme of reconstruction (which gave birth to the modern science of seismology), the quake ushered in a period of decline, in which her seaborne supremacy was eclipsed by the inexorable rise of the British Empire. Drawing on primary sources, Edward Paice paints a vivid picture of a city and society changed for ever by a day of terror. He describes in thrilling detail the quake itself and its immediate aftermath, but he is interested just as much in its political, economic and cultural consequences. Wrath of God is a gripping account from a master writer of a natural disaster that had a transformative impact on European society.Trade Review'Paice paints a spirited picture of pre-earthquake Lisbon… making good use of primary sources, he imagines the terror through the eyes of various witnesses' TLS. * TLS *'Admirably clear, wide-ranging and restrained' Daily Telegraph. * Daily Telegraph *'Well-grounded in the history and culture of its chosen period and admirably at ease within its Portuguese context, Wrath of God is an equally expert essay in the kind of nail-biting narrative which makes such events memorable' Literary Review. * Literary Review *'Edward Paice is a remarkably good guide to this world of turmoil and upheaval, navigating neatly between description and explanation. His eye for detail is strong - his description of the Lisbon of the early 18th century is a treat' Spectator. * Spectator *'Paice's achievement is…a valuable contribution to 18th century history' BBC History Magazine. * BBC History Magazine *Table of ContentsList of illustrations. Map. Acknowledgements. Introduction: Earthquake? What Earthquake? Part One - A Gilt-Edged Empire: Quem nunca viu Lisboa nao viu coisa boa (He who has not seen Lisbon has seen nothing); At the Court of King John; Terra Incognita; The Gathering Storm. Part Two - An Axis of Elements: All Saints' Day; A City Laid in Ruins; Shockwaves; Fire and Water; Teletsunami; The Second Aftershock; The First Night; Horroroso Deserto; Laws and Disorder; News Spreads; Aid and Anxiety; The Toll; Rain, Ruination and Revolution; Fasting and Philosophy. Part Three - Aftermath: Executions; The End of Optimism, the Birth of a Science; Slow Progress, Slump and a Reign of Terror; The End of Pombol; Memories and Memorials. Notes. Bibliography. Index.
£15.29
KIT Publishers From Tropical Root to Responsible Food: Enhancing
Book SynopsisIn working to become sustainable, the spice industry faces a number of unique opportunities, but also significant challenges. These include the complexity of sourcing, the length of supply chains, the diversity of participants in each chain, both culturally and economically, and the penetration of the spice chain into virtually every branch of the food system. From tropical root to responsible food: enhancing sustainable spice chains presents a number of real-life cases that demonstrate the willingness and the need of the spice sector to move towards sustainability, while highlighting possible solutions to sustainability challenges. Written for professionals in the spice industry and for everyone interested in sustainability, the book provides an overview of lessons learned so far in the spice sector and ''next steps'' towards achieving sustainability. In looking for solutions, the book highlights issues that still need to be addressed, from defining sustainability to bringing it into practice, and from planting perennial trees to building lasting relationships based on trust.
£20.99
Johns Hopkins University Press Sea Turtles
Book SynopsisIllustrated with stunning color photographs by the world's leading nature photographers, Sea Turtles will inform and inspire readers of all ages everywhere.Trade ReviewIn this comprehensive guide, [Spotila] treats in detail the seven species: green turtles, hawksbills, olive ridleys, Kemp's ridleys, loggerheads, flatbacks, and leatherbacks. Each chapter includes tables of data on where the species is found, population estimates of colonies, and, in some cases, a chronology of conservation efforts... Spotila, fittingly, offers vignettes of conservation projects that provide human interest... Spotila's book is recommended for high school, university, and research-level libraries. Library Journal Such enthusiasm is infectious... The accessible text is beautifully illustrated with numerous color photographs. The lay readers will be captivated. The book's review of what scientists know about these charismatic but woefully endangered creatures is substantial enough to interest biologists and conservationists as well. -- Roger Harris American Scientist 2005 Each species gets a chapter with sumptuous photographs, and short personal profiles pay homage to those spearheading conservation efforts. New Scientist 2005 Sea Turtles is spellbinding, articulate, indispensible and, with its many full-color photos, taken by the world's leading underwater photographers, astonishing. Spirit of Aloha 2005 The author is both a leading authority on sea turtles and a talented writer; his passion for the subject is on every page. Choice 2005 An evocative portrait of the seven species and their valiant fight for survival. Compendium Newsletter 2006 This is a great book. Wildlife Activist 2006 Clearly written and well-illustrated book... provides a helpful primer for nonscientists. -- Larry Evans Charlotte Herald-Tribune 2005 It is this mixture of scientific expertise and outright human awe that makes this book such a treasure... A trove of information, a collection of spectacular photos, and an ode to a creature that somehow, years after its birth, is able to navigate back to the precise beach where it was born to lay its own eggs. Philadelphia Inquirer 2004 Bottom line: This book is worthy of centerpiece placement on any coffee table. But Sea Turtles' loftier goal make it more than just another pretty picture book. -- Mary Beth Regan Baltimore Sun Sea Turtles capitalizes on the depth of James Spotila's experience in field and political environments as well as his evident passion for conservation, [producing] an equally compelling, modern book. Readers of all stripes will be captivated by the outstanding photography and entertained by the stories... A wonderful entree into the exciting world of sea turtles for the uninitiated and a delightful repast for everyone. His eloquent words are inspiring, and his hopeful message deserves to be heard. -- Fredric J. Janzen Science 2005 This lavishly produced book is filled with numerous excellent photographs, as well as beautiful schematics of anatomy and distribution maps. But this is much more than a coffee-table book: it deserves space on the academic's bookshelf. -- Graeme C. Hays Nature 2005 Open this new, beautifully produced book and you'll find yourself hopelessly caught up in the life of sea turtles. Post Register 2006 This is simply a great book: lucid, literate, and lavishly illustrated. -- Tony Tucker Aquatic Mammals 2006 This volume hits the sweet spot between a hard science manual and a mere coffee table book. -- Michael Stachowitsch Marine Ecology 2008 A worldwide study into what is causing the decrease in sea turtles throughout the world. Going beyond just what is causing it, though, [Spotila] carefully explicates why the decline is so important to all living things. Black Sheep Dances 2011Table of ContentsPrefaceChapter 1. Introduction: The Seven SwimmersChapter 2. Life Cycles: From Sand to SeaChapter 3. Biology: Under the ShellChapter 4. History: The Ancient LineageChapter 5. Conservation: An Uncertain FutureChapter 6. Green Turtles: The Grass EatersChapter 7. Hawksbills: The Sponge EatersChapter 8. Olive Ridleys: A Phenomenon of NatureChapter 9. Kemp's Ridleys: The Rarest of AllChapter 10. Loggerheads: A Crushing JawChapter 11. Flatbacks: Australia's TurtleChapter 12. Leatherbacks: The Giant MarinerChapter 13. Conclusion: Dreaming of Eden Sources and Suggested ReadingIndex
£24.75
Anavasi Mountain Editions,Greece Parnonas: 2017
Book SynopsisMt Parnon (Parnonas) in a series of waterproof and tear-resistant hiking maps at scales varying from 1:50,000 to 1:10,000, with a UTM grid for GPS users. Contour interval varies depending on the scale, on most maps it is 20m. Relief shading, spot heights, springs, seasonal streams and, in most titles, landscape/land-use variations, e.g. forests, orchards, or vineyards provide additional information on the terrain. Place names are given in both Greek and Latin script. Local footpaths, hostels and mountain huts are clearly marked. For road users intermediate driving distances and petrol stations are shown. Symbols highlight places of interest, including archaeological sites, churches and monasteries, etc. The maps have a UTM grid and margin ticks for latitude and longitude. Map legend includes English. In this title: a double-sided map, extending from Sparta to the eastern coast. Contours are at 10m intervals. The map has a 1km UTM grid and an index of local villages.
£9.98
National Geographic Maps Italy Classic tubed
Book Synopsis
£15.19
National Geographic Maps Division World Classic laminated
Book Synopsis
£26.09
British Geological Survey Girvan Solid Geology Map 1 50 000 Series
Book SynopsisShows the solid geology. Details of overlying drift deposits may be omitted or shown only in outline.
£11.40
British Geological Survey Lewes and Eastbourne Bedrock Geology and
Book SynopsisShows the bedrock and superficial geology together as 'under-foot' geology.
£11.40
British Geological Survey Brighton and Worthing Bedrock Geology and
Book SynopsisShows the bedrock and superficial geology together as 'under-foot' geology.
£11.40
The History Press Ltd Bridgwater the River Parrett in Old Photographs
Book SynopsisIn Bridgwater & the River Parrett, Rod Fitzhugh presents an invaluable record of the heyday of trade on the river when the prosperity of much of Somerset was dependent on access to the sea. From 1200 to 1971 when Bridgwater Docks finally closed, the river was a trading route for cargo. Early wooden craft, then schooners, ketches, other tall-masted ships, and finally steamships, made Bridgwater a leading industrial centre with high employment for ship building as well as brick- and tile-making. Imports, from wine to coal as needs changed through the centuries, ensured the wealth of the area, only declining with the development of the railways. The clanking of cranes was silenced, and the wooden pillars against which the ships had moored at the wharves, slowly sank in the mud. From the Bristol Channel through Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Combwich, Dunball, Bridgwater, Somerset Bridge, Burrowbridge and finally into Langport, this fascinating selection of photographs, comprising the work
£13.49
Permanent Publications The Biotime Log
Book SynopsisDiscover the joys of keeping The Biotime Log! Biotime, or biological time, runs at a very different pace and rhythm to human time. It can be observed by recording events in the natural world. These can be as varied as the day the first spring bulb opens, the last frost before summer, or the first sighting of a species of bird or insect in a new habitat. These events can be part of a larger natural rhythm, like the turning of the seasons, or an indicator of slow changes in an ecosystem, like unusual weather patterns or an increase of average temperatures. This helps gardeners, nature watchers. On a larger scale, we can also reflect on our own biological rhythms relating to the waxing and waning of the moon and the seasons and beyond! The Biotime Log provides a sound introduction to biotime and how to keep your own log. This is useful for: *Gardeners to plan new plantings and crops protection *Nature lovers to record natural rhythms like the annual migration of birds *Ecologists to log new volunteer species in the local ecosystem *For health and wellbeing, to record our own biological rhythms relating to the waxing and waning of the moon and the seasons. Beautifully illustrated, this ready-made book in which you can note your day-to-day observations will last for years. There are no days or years, just the dates of each month with two days allocated to each page. This allows you to record events by first adding the year at the beginning of each of your entries. Over time you build a picture that you can refer to year on year to compare your observations. Create your own fascinating record of your local environment and its rhythms and mysteries! Your observation will deepen your connection with the natural world around you, your understanding of its cycles, and your appreciation of your local ecosystems.
£12.88
Orion Publishing Co Endless Universe
Book SynopsisA radical, yet accessible, new theory of the origins and future of the universe by two of the world's leading cosmologistsTrade ReviewA very readable tale of scientific investigation * DAILY EXPRESS *
£9.49
Island Press Urban Raptors: Ecology and Conservation of Birds
Book SynopsisThe go-to single source of information on urban birds of preyUrban Raptors is the first book to offer a complete overview of urban ecosystems in the context of bird-of-prey ecology and conservation. This comprehensive volume examines the urban environment, explains why some species adapt to urban areas but others do not, and introduces modern research tools to help in the study of urban raptors. It delves into climate change adaptation, human-wildlife conflict, and the unique risks birds of prey face in urban areas before concluding with real-world wildlife management case studies and suggestions for future research and conservation efforts.Among researchers, urban green space planners, wildlife management agencies, birders, and informed citizens alike, Urban Raptors will foster a greater understanding of birds of prey and an increased willingness to accommodate them as important members, not intruders, of our cities.
£28.50
Island Press The Curious Life of Krill: A Conservation Story
Book SynopsisAn eminent krill scientist takes us on a journey through the dark, icy world of krill.Krill. It’s a familiar word that conjures oceans, whales, and swimming crustaceans. Scientists say they are one of most abundant animals on the planet. But few can accurately describe krill or explain their ecological importance. Eminent krill scientist Stephen Nicol wants us to know more about these enigmatic creatures and how we can protect them as Antarctic ice melts. This engaging account takes us to the Southern Ocean to learn firsthand the difficulties and rewards of studying krill in their habitat. From his early education about the sex lives of krill in the Bay of Fundy to a krill tattoo gone awry, Nicol uses humor and personal stories to bring the biology and beauty of krill to life.
£33.33
Rudolf Steiner Press The World of Bees
Book Synopsis`The whole hive is really pervaded by the life of love. The individual bees relinquish love but develop it instead throughout the hive. And so we start to understand bee existence if we recognize that the bee lives in an air, an atmosphere, that is entirely impregnated with love.’ From time immemorial, human culture has been fascinated by bees. Mythic pictures and writings tell of our close affinity and connection with these complex creatures, as well as the inestimable value of honey and wax. In recent years, bees have come to prominence again in the media, with reports of colony collapse and the wholesale demise of bee populations, forcing us to awaken to the critical role they play in human existence. Rudolf Steiner’s unique talks reveal the hidden wisdom at work in bee colonies. Speaking in Switzerland in 1923, in response to concerns from beekeepers amongst his local workforce, Steiner delivered a series of addresses whose multi-layered content, structure and wording is unparalleled. In The World of Bees, editor Martin Dettli, a longstanding beekeeper, uses Steiner’s seminal bee lectures as the main framework of the book, augmenting them with further relevant passages from Steiner’s collected works. Dettli also provides substantial commentaries on the texts, placing them within the context of contemporary beekeeping. This new anthology is an essential handbook for anyone interested in beekeeping or the indispensable work that bees do for humanity. It features chapters on the origins of bees, human beings and beekeeping, the organism of the hive, the social qualities of bees, their relationship with wasps and ants, plants and elemental beings, the efficacy of honey, bee venom, as well as scientific aspects such as silica and formic acid processes and a critique of modern beekeeping.
£13.29
Little, Brown Book Group No Impact Man Saving the Planet One Family at a
Book SynopsisIn the growing debate over eco-friendly living, it seems that everything is as bad as everything else. Do you do more harm by living in the country or the city? Is it better to drive a thousand miles or take an airplane? In NO IMPACT MAN, Colin Beavan tells the extraordinary story of his attempt to find some answers - by living for one year in New York City (with his wife and young daughter) without leaving any net impact on the environment. His family cut out all driving and flying, used no air conditioning, no television, no toilets. . .They went from making a few concessions to becoming eco-extremists. The goal? To determine what works and what doesn''t, and to fashion a truly ''eco-effective'' way of life. Beavan''s radical experiment makes for an unforgettable and humorous memoir in an attempt to answer perhaps the most important question of all: What is the sufficient individual effort that it would take to save the planet? And what is stopping us?Trade ReviewFrom their first baby steps (no takeout) to their giant leap (no toilet paper), the Beavan s' experiment in ecological responsibility was a daunting escapade in going green . . . So fervent as to make Al Gore look like a profligate wastrel, Beavan's commitment to the cause is, nonetheless, infectiously inspiring and uproariously entertaining * BOOKLIST ‘With thorough research, Beavan updates his blog (noimpactman.com) with convincing statistical evidence, while discovering new ways to reduce consumption and his family’s environmental footprint . . . An inspiring, persuasive argument that indivi *KIRKUS REVIEWS * ‘Beavan captures his own shortcomings with candor and wit and offers surprising revelations . . . [Readers] will mull over his thought-provoking reflections and hopefully reconsider their own lifestyles’ *PUBLISHERS WEEKLY * ‘No Impact Man is a deeply honest and riveting account of the year in which Colin Beavan and his wife attempted to do what most of us would consider impossible. What might seem inconvenient to the point of absurdity instead teaches lessons that all of us *Marion Nestle, author of WHAT TO EAT * ‘Colin Beavan has the disarming and uniquely remedial ability to make you laugh while he's making you feel like a swine, and what's more, to make you not only want to, but to actually do something, about it’ *
£11.39
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Wood
Book SynopsisÖtzi the iceman could not do without wood when he was climbing his Alpine glacier, nor could medieval cathedral-builders or today's construction companies. From time immemorial, the skill of the human hand has developed by working wood, so much so that we might say that the handling of wood is a basic element in the history of the human body. The fear of a future wood famine became a panic in the 18th century and sparked the beginnings of modern environmentalism. This book traces the cultural history of wood and offers a highly original account of the connection between the raw material and the human beings who benefit from it. Even more, it shows that wood can provide a key for a better understanding of history, of the pecularities as well as the varieties of cultures, of a co-evolution of nature and culture, and even of the rise and fall of great powers. Beginning with Stone Age hunters, it follows the twists and turns of the story through the Middle Ages and the Industrial Revolution to the global society of the twenty-first century, in which wood is undergoing a varied and unexpected renaissance. Radkau is sceptical of claims that wood is about to disappear, arguing that such claims are self-serving arguments promoted by interest groups to secure cheaper access to, and control over, wood resources. The whole forest and timber industry often strikes the outsider as a world unto itself, a hermetically sealed black box, but when we lift the lid on this box, as Radkau does here, we will be surprised by what we find within. Wide-ranging and accessible, this rich historical analysis of one of our most cherished natural resources will find a wide readership.Trade Review"Wood is masterful scholarship. I recommend it with admiration."Environmental History"An ambitious feat which has been very well researched and nicely written. It is an academic cover-to-cover read, but Radkau's enthusiasm for the subject and accessible delivery will draw readers in; it has the potential to appeal to the general reader as well as the academic."Newsletter of the Institute of Environmental Sciences "Both entertaining and informative - highly recommended."The Forestry Chronicle"Radkau's scholarship is of the highest quality, indeed impeccable. His main argument, that wood is a material of fundamental importance in history, is well-supported and compelling. This book will appeal not only to undergraduate and graduate students in history and Environmental studies: it will also attract a wide general readership, comparable to Mark Kurlansky's books Cod and Salt and even Nathan Lewis' Gold in terms of potential popular appeal."Don Hughes, University of Denver "Joachim Radkau has set the agenda in German forest history for a generation. At last, one of his major works on this theme is available in translation. English-speaking historians should sit up and take notice: their world will look different after reading Radkau's work."Paul Warde, University of East Anglia"A rich, engaging, and important history of one of the most important of all the materials used by human societies."David Christian, Macquarie University "This book traces the cultural history of wood and offers a highly original account of the connection between the raw material and the human beings who benefit from it� Wide-ranging and accessible, this rich historical analysis of one of our most cherished natural resources will find a wide readership." Expo FairsTable of ContentsAcknowledgements vii Introduction: Praising Wood, Caring for Wood, Splitting Wood – and a Historical Synthesis 1 Chapter 1 Paths into the Thicket of History 13 1 The ‘Wood Age’ 14 2 Man and Forest: Stories and History 28 3 Wood and Historical Change 34 Chapter 2 Middle Ages and Early Modern Period: Maximum Exploitation and the Beginnings of Sustainability 56 1 Medieval Society and the Limits of the Forest 57 2 Timber Becomes a Commodity 70 3 Large- Scale Firewood Consumption and the First Wave of Forest Ordinance 92 Chapter 3 From the Apogee of the ‘Wood Age’ to the Industrial Revolution 135 1 Reform, Revolution and the Wood Economy 136 2 The ‘Spectre of Shortage’: Did the Timber Trade Face Catastrophe? 156 3 The Forest: From Living Space to Capital 172 4 Wood Consumers: Economies in the Home and Outside 205 5 Rollback 228 Chapter 4 Wood in the High Industrial Age: Degradation and Rebirth 239 1 The Forest as an Economic Factor 240 2 Technological Revolution in the Timber Industry 256 3 Fissile Material and Bonding Agent: Forest and Wood in the Eco- Age 276 Chapter 5 Global Prospects and Contrasts 294 1 Lessons from Asia 295 2 Conflicts and (Ostensible) Solutions 318 3 Looking Back to the Future: Six Spotlights on the History of Forest and Wood 324 Postscript: The Mystery of Certificates, or, Sustainable Forestry versus Greenwashing 327 Wood Talk 330 References and Bibliography 340 Index 376
£12.34
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Periglacial Geomorphology
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPreface xi Acknowledgement xiii 1 Introduction 1 1.1 The Periglacial Concept: Definitions and Scope 1 1.2 The Periglacial Realm 5 1.3 The Development of Periglacial Geomorphology 5 1.4 Periglacial Geomorphology: The Quaternary Context 7 2 Periglacial Environments 11 2.1 Introduction 11 2.2 Periglacial Climates 11 2.3 Soils in Periglacial Environments 17 2.4 Vegetation Cover in Periglacial Environments 18 2.5 Synthesis 20 3 Ground Freezing and Thawing 23 3.1 Introduction 23 3.2 Ground Heating and Cooling 23 3.3 Soil Freezing 28 3.4 Ice Segregation in Freezing Soils 32 3.5 Thaw Consolidation 37 3.6 Synthesis 38 4 Permafrost 39 4.1 Introduction 39 4.2 Permafrost Thermal Regime 40 4.3 Classification of Permafrost 43 4.4 Detection, Mapping and Modelling of Permafrost 44 4.5 Permafrost Distribution 46 4.6 Permafrost–glacier Interactions 53 4.7 The Geomorphic Importance of Permafrost 54 5 Ground Ice and Cryostratigraphy 57 5.1 Introduction 57 5.2 Genetic Classification of Ground Ice 57 5.3 Description of Ground Ice 62 5.4 Ice Contacts 66 5.5 Cryostratigraphy 67 5.6 The Transition Zone 69 5.7 Massive Ground Ice 72 5.8 Yedoma 76 6 Thermal Contraction Cracking: Ice Wedges and Related Landforms 81 6.1 Introduction 81 6.2 Thermal Contraction Cracking and Polygon Evolution 81 6.3 Ice Veins and Ice Wedges 84 6.4 Ice]wedge Polygons 87 6.5 Sand Veins and Sand Wedges 89 6.6 Composite Veins and Composite Wedges 90 6.7 Sand]wedge Polygons 90 6.8 Frost Cracking of Seasonally Frozen Ground 91 6.9 Thaw Modification of Frost Wedges 91 6.10 Frost]Wedge Pseudomorphs and Frost Polygons in Areas of Past Permafrost 92 7 Pingos, Palsas and other Frost Mounds 97 7.1 Introduction 97 7.2 Characteristics of Pingos 97 7.3 Hydrostatic Pingos 99 7.4 Hydraulic Pingos 101 7.5 Pingo Problems and Problem Pingos 104 7.6 Segregation Ice Mounds: Palsas, Lithalsas and Related Landforms 105 7.7 Palsas 106 7.8 Peat Plateaus 109 7.9 Lithalsas 109 7.10 Permafrost Plateaus 111 7.11 Other Permafrost Mounds 111 7.12 Ephemeral Frost Mounds 112 7.13 Relict Permafrost Mounds 113 8 Thermokarst 117 8.1 Introduction 117 8.2 Thermokarst Lakes and Drained Lake Basins 118 8.3 Thermokarst Pits, Bogs and Fens 131 8.4 Retrogressive Thaw Slumps 132 8.5 Small]scale Thermokarst Features: Beaded Streams, Sinkholes and Thermokarst Gullies 136 8.6 Sediment Structures associated with Thermokarst 138 8.7 Relict Thermokarst Phenomena 139 9 Seasonally Frozen Ground Phenomena 143 9.1 Introduction 143 9.2 Upfreezing of Clasts 143 9.3 Frost Heave of Bedrock 145 9.4 Patterned Ground: The Embroidery on the Landscape 145 9.5 Patterned Ground Processes 147 9.6 Sorted Patterned Ground 148 9.7 Nonsorted Patterned Ground 155 9.8 Cryoturbations 161 9.9 Pedogenic Effects of Freezing and Thawing 164 9.10 Fragipans 166 9.11 Synthesis 167 10 Rock Weathering and Associated Landforms 169 10.1 Introduction 169 10.2 Physical Weathering Processes 169 10.3 Chemical Weathering Processes 177 10.4 Biotic Weathering Processes 180 10.5 Weathering Processes in Periglacial Environments 180 10.6 Cold]climate Karst 181 10.7 Tors 182 10.8 Blockfields and Related Periglacial Regolith Covers 185 10.9 Brecciated Bedrocks 192 11 Periglacial Mass Movement and Hillslope Evolution 195 11.1 Introduction 195 11.2 Solifluction Processes 195 11.3 Solifluction Landforms 204 11.4 Pleistocene Solifluction Landforms and Slope Deposits 210 11.5 Active]layer Failures 213 11.6 Permafrost Creep 215 11.7 Nivation 217 11.8 Cryoplanation 220 11.9 Slope Form and Slope Evolution 222 12 Talus Slopes and Related Landforms 225 12.1 Introduction 225 12.2 Rockfall Talus 225 12.3 The Geomorphic Role of Snow Avalanches 234 12.4 Debris]flow Activity 237 12.5 Rock Glaciers 240 12.6 Pronival (Protalus) Ramparts 248 12.7 Synthesis 250 13 Fluvial Processes and Landforms 253 13.1 Introduction 253 13.2 Periglacial Hydrology 253 13.3 Slopewash 259 13.4 Slushflows 261 13.5 Sediment Transport in Periglacial Rivers 261 13.6 Bank and Channel Erosion 263 13.7 River Channels 266 13.8 Alluvial Landforms in Periglacial Environments 268 13.9 Valley Form 270 13.10 Pleistocene Periglacial Rivers 271 13.11 Synthesis 273 14 Wind Action 275 14.1 Introduction 275 14.2 Aeolian Processes 275 14.3 Wind Erosion in Present Periglacial Environments 276 14.4 Aeolian Deposits in Present Periglacial Environments 279 14.5 Quaternary Aeolian Deposits 288 14.6 Synthesis 297 15 Periglacial Coasts 299 15.1 Introduction 299 15.2 The Nature of Periglacial Coasts 299 15.3 The Role of Ice in Shoreline Evolution 301 15.4 Ice]rich Permafrost Coasts 303 15.5 Thermokarst Coasts 305 15.6 Barrier Coasts 306 15.7 Salt Marshes and Tidal Flats 308 15.8 Rock Coasts 308 15.9 Raised and Inherited Shorelines 309 15.10 Lake Shorelines 310 15.11 Synthesis 311 16 Past Periglacial Environments 313 16.1 Introduction 313 16.2 Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction Based on Periglacial Features 314 16.3 Past Periglacial Environments of the British Isles 322 16.4 Pre]Late Devensian Periglacial Features in the British Isles 323 16.5 The Dimlington Stade in the British Isles 325 16.6 The Younger Dryas (Loch Lomond) Stade in the British Isles 329 16.7 Past Periglacial Environments of the British Isles: Commentary 332 16.8 Late Weichselian Periglacial Environments in Continental Europe 332 16.9 Late Wisconsinan Periglacial Environments in North America 341 16.10 Permafrost Extent in the Northern Hemisphere During the Last Glacial Stage 344 16.11 Concluding Comments 346 17 Climate Change and Periglacial Environments 349 17.1 Introduction 349 17.2 Permafrost Degradation 352 17.3 Geomorphological Implications of Climate Change in the Circumpolar North 356 17.4 Geomorphological Implications of Climate Change in High Mountain Environments 363 17.5 Climate Change, Permafrost Degradation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 369 17.6 Conclusion 371 Appendix: Text Abbreviations, Units and Symbols Employed in Equations 373 References 375 Index 441
£60.26
The University of Chicago Press Extreme Conservation Life at the Edges of the
Book SynopsisA look at what it takes for animals to live at the edges of existence. Each chapter of this book takes readers on a different journey to remote environs and in chase of an understanding of the species that live there.
£25.65
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Soil Erosion and Conservation
Book SynopsisSoil Erosion and Conservation provides a comprehensive treatment of the processes of soil erosion, the methods that can be used for their control, and the issues involved in designing and implementing soil conservation programmes. Features of the third edition of this internationally recognised textbook include: New material on gully erosion, tillage practices, erosion risk assessment, use of erosion models, incentives for farmers and land users, and community approaches to erosion control Updated sections on the mechanics of wind erosion, soil erodibility, use of vegetation in erosion control, traditional soil conservation measures, socio-economic issues and the role of government Describes the methods used to assess the risk of erosion and predict rates of soil loss Outlines the social, economic, political and institutional constraints on implementing soil protection measures Trade Review"Overall, this is a well written and logically structured book that will be of great value to advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying soil erosion issues." Teaching Earth Sciences "...a key text in its field providing us with considerable substance to understand and teach this topic." TENews, 14 June 2005 "...builds on the success of the two previous successful editions. These have long been the mainstay for students of soil erosion and conservation. The Book states, 'a thorough understanding of the processes of erosion and their controlling factors is a prerequisite for designing erosion control measures on a sound scientific basis wherever they are needed. The aim of producing a text with a global perspective on research and practice is also retained"...) The book does admirably achieve its mission and is written in a clear and comprehensible style." European Society for Soil Conservation Newsletter, August 2005 "...an...admirable text built on the author's 35 years of research and teaching. The book is intended for both undergraduates and postgraduates studying soil erosion and conservation as parts of courses in agriculture, engineering and various branches of geography and environmental science. It is likely also to remain a valuable companion for them as they move into professional roles as conservation officers, civil and agricultural engineers and environmental consultants the world over. If you fall into any of these classess then buy it...I strongly recommend it." European Journal of Soil Science, November 2005 "The book is clearly organized and well-written...The material helps both students and practitioners to learn and enhance their knowledge on erosion control and soil conservation practice...this is a fine book that can only be recommended further." Environmental Geology, June 2006 "The third edition of this internationally recognized textbook will be invaluable to upper-level and graduate students." Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment "Professor Roy Morgan's third edition of Soil Erosion and Conservation is an authoritative, well-researched and accessible contribution to the study of soil erosion and its control." Environmental Conservation Table of ContentsForeword vii Preface ix 1 Soil erosion: the global context 1 Box 1. Erosion, population and food supply 9 2 Processes and mechanics of erosion 11 Box 2. Initiation of soil particle movement 42 3 Factors influencing erosion 45 Box 3. Scale and erosion processes 65 4 Erosion hazard assessment 67 Box 4. Upscaling detailed field surveys to national surveys 93 5 Measurement of soil erosion 95 Box 5. Sediment budgets 113 6 Modelling soil erosion 116 Box 6. Uncertainty in model predictions 149 7 Strategies for erosion control 152 Box 7. Planning a soil conservation strategy 172 8 Crop and vegetation management 175 Box 8. Selecting vegetation for erosion control 197 9 Soil management 200 Box 9. Tillage erosion 210 10 Mechanical methods of erosion control 212 Box 10. Laying out terraces and waterways 241 11 Implementation 244 Box 11. Land Care 254 12 The way ahead 257 References 262 Acknowledgements 297 Index 299
£60.26
CABI Publishing Transforming Travel: Realising the potential of
Book SynopsisTransforming Travel combines stories from leading companies, interviews with pioneers and thinkers, along with thorough analysis of the industry's potential to make lasting, positive change. - A unique collection of case studies and stories of the most successful, inspirational, impactful and innovative travel businesses in the world. - A vital presentation of the latest research and statistics on the positive impacts and potential of transformative, sustainable tourism, - A positive and realistic vision of the scope of tourism to promote sustainable development at a time when travel and interaction with foreign cultures is facing numerous existential challenges. Written in a highly engaging style Transforming Travel presents an urgent argument for transforming tourism so it might reach its potential to promote tolerance, restore communities and regenerate habitats, while providing a vital guide for anyone looking to develop the successful sustainable tourism enterprises and destinations needed to do so.Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: The Transformative Hotel 3: Transforming Travel Experiences 4: Transforming Places 5: Transforming Transport 6: Transforming Communication 7: Conclusion: Transforming Tourism 8: Further Reading
£18.76