Synopses & Reviews
At the heart of this important study of contemporary geography lies a deceptively simple question: how should geographers respond to a world which is changing fast - perhaps faster than ever before?
The Challenge for Geography addresses this question directly, bringing together ten prominent geographers to examine both changes in the contemporary world and transformations within the discipline of geography.
Two substantial introductory chapters by Ron Johnston set the agenda for each of the book's main sections, "A Changing World" and "A Changing Discipline". Part One features Peter Dicken on the changing global economy, Susan J. Smith on social landscapes, Graham Smith on geopolitics, Ian Simmons on human societies and environmental change, Andrew Goudie on land transformation, and Martin Parry on climate change. In Part Two, Peter Taylor, Peter Jackson and Ron Abler examine the implications of these changes in the world for the discipline of geography.
This book will be welcomed by anyone concerned with the past, present and future of geography.
Review
"A timely book which presents an excellent summary of modern ideas and of the associate literature."
The Geographical Journal"A thought provoking review of the place of geographical research in the contemporary world." Ecumene
Synopsis
At the heart of this important and timely study of contemporary geography lies a deceptively simple question: how should geographers respond to a world which is changing fast - perhaps faster than ever before?
The Challenge for Geography addresses this question directly, bringing together ten prominent geographers to examine both changes in the contemporary world and transformations within the discipline of geography.
About the Author
R. J. Johnson is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex and was formerly Professor of Geography at the University of Sheffield. His previous publications include: On Human Geography (Blackwell, 1988), The Future of Geography (1988), Geography and Geographers (1991), and A Question of Place (Blackwell, 1991). He also edited, together with Derek Gregory and David M. Smith, The Dictionary of Human Geography (Blackwell, 4th edition, 2000) and together with P. J. Taylor, A World in Crisis (Blackwell, 2nd edition, 1989).
Table of Contents
A Changing World: A Changing Discipline?: An Introduction: R. J. Johnston.
Part I: A Changing World:.
1. A Changing World: Introducing the Challenge: R. J. Johnston.
2. The Changing Organization of the Global Economy: Peter Dicken.
3. Social Landscapes: Continuity and Change: Susan J. Smith.
4. Ends, Geopolitics and Transitions: Graham Smith.
5. Human Societies and Environmental Change: The Long View: I. G. Simmons.
6. Land Transformation: A. S. Goudie.
7. Geographers and the Impact of Climate Change: Martin Parry.
Part II: A Changing Discipline:.
8. Meet the Challenge: Make the Change: R. J. Johnston.
9. Full Circle, or New Meaning for the Global: Peter J. Taylor.
10. Changing Ourselves: A Geography of Position: Peter Jackson.
11. Desiderata for Geography: An Institutional View from the United States: Ronald F. Abler.
Index.