A Cultural History of Climate
Understanding the interplay between climate and human culture
Format:Hardback
Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Published:13th Nov '09
Currently unavailable, currently targeted to be due back around 28th January 2025, but could change
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£17.99(9780745645292)
This book provides a historical perspective on climate variations and their impact on society, helping us understand our current climate challenges in A Cultural History of Climate.
In A Cultural History of Climate, Wolfgang Behringer delves into the intricate relationship between climate variations and human society over the centuries. The book explores how historical climate changes, whether minor or significant, have influenced cultural, social, and political dynamics throughout different eras. Behringer's research highlights that even slight shifts in weather patterns have led to profound consequences, shaping human experiences and responses in various ways.
The author meticulously examines historical data to shed light on climate variations from 500 years ago to 5000 years ago, offering insights into how these changes have affected human prosperity and innovation. By understanding the past, Behringer aims to provide a framework for addressing current and future climatic challenges. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical patterns, as they can inform contemporary discussions on climate action and adaptation.
Through engaging narratives and thorough research, A Cultural History of Climate encourages readers to reflect on the lessons learned from history. It underscores the necessity of considering cultural responses to climate change as we navigate the pressing issues of global warming today. By looking back at how societies have coped with climate fluctuations, Behringer invites us to rethink our strategies for resilience and sustainability in the face of ongoing environmental changes.
"The reaction of societies to environmental change in this thoroughly research and insightful book is presented in a highly readable way, whether Behringer is dealing with the Medieval Warm Period and wine harvest data, or with the Little Ice Age and the rise of the Dutch genre of winter landscape painting."
Sociology
"[E]xcellent ... I strongly recommend A Cultural History of Climate ... It is particularly strong on explaining the dramatic cultural and social changes that climate variations have had on humanity over the last thousands of years, and discussing the archival and physical evidence in a very compelling way."
Socialist Unity
"A daring account of the ways in which climate has influenced the human story ... he proves beyond any sensible doubt that climate has helped shape human history. BOOK OF THE MONTH."
Geographical
"Behringer's cultural history of climate shows that today's concern with global warming is only the latest example of humankind's preoccupation with weather and climate. He provides a careful and realistic view of the reaction of societies to environmental change."
J. Donald Hughes, University of Denver
"Today we may worry about global warming and climate change, but our ancestors coped with plenty of dramatic climate change too – this is the central theme of Behringer's arresting global study of human responses to changing climate since our species appeared on earth. Not all readers will share his sanguine tone but they will find this extensively researched book consistently provocative and insightful, whether it's dealing with wine harvest data, adoption of heavier clothing, the great ice age or the Dutch genre of winter landscape painting."
Peter Coates, University of Bristol
ISBN: 9780745645285
Dimensions: 236mm x 160mm x 28mm
Weight: 590g
280 pages