All Possible Worlds: A History of Geographical Ideas - Hardcover

Martin, Geoffrey J.; James, Preston E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 047163414X ISBN 13: 9780471634140

Publisher: Wiley, 1993

Synopsis

This is the only reference to explore the history of geographic thought, from the ancient Greeks to the present day. It focuses on the differences between pre-Darwin and post-Darwin thinking and the changes that have taken place. Features extensive references, an index of names with brief biographic comments and four new chapters on the new geography of Canada, Sweden, Japan and the United States (from mid-century to the present).

About this title

About the Author

Geoffrey J. Martin is at Southern Connecticut State University (Emeritus).

Review

"This latest edition is a colossal achievement!"--Ronald Reece, Seattle Pacific University, for The Professional Geographer, vol. 58, no.1, February 2006

"Since its first appearance in 1972, All Possible Worlds has become an indispensable reference text for courses in the history of geography. Offering a broad historical sweep of the scholarly record from classical, medieval, and modern times, it also affords succinct summary accounts of twentieth-century geography and geographers in North America and in a wide range of countries. This new edition, carefully revised and updated by Geoffrey Martin, with its ample illustrations and expanded index, promises a welcome maintenance of this highly laudable contribution to cross-cultural understanding in the practice of geography internationally."--Anne Buttimer, President of the International Geographical Union, 2000-2004

"What a pleasure! All Possible Worlds is back. Geoffrey Martin's work is a wonderful 'tour de force'--a clear panorama of the evolution of geography from Greece to the present with a fair view on its emerging trends both in the English-speaking world and elsewhere."--Paul Claval, University of Paris, Sorbonne

"This book--a study in the history of geographical thought--sweeps majestically from the ancient Greeks to the present. It has been published in four languages other then English and has been the most comprehensive work on the subject since its inception in 1972 when I first used it as the text in my 'Nature of Geography' course. This is essential reading for all geographers."--Peter Nash, University of Waterloo, Canada

"After thirty-odd years, All Possible Worlds remains without peer: a uniquely valuable treasure for anyone curious about the evolution of geographic thought and achievement throughout the world from ancient times to a troubled present. Perhaps what is most remarkable about this chronicle is the judicious manner with which the author deals with endlessly contentious philosophies and methodologies. We have here an essential item for the library of every serious geographer."--Wilbur Zelinsky, The Pennsylvania State University

"This is the only book in the English language (and perhaps any language) to reveal much of the history of geography from Greco-Roman to modern times. It includes chapters on classical geography, the Middle Ages, the Age of Exploration, the impact of discoveries, and a summary of mid-19th century thought. The history of geography in the US is juxtaposed with the emerging geographies of Germany, France, Great Britain, Russia/USSR, Canada, Sweden, and Japan from the time of Darwin's elaboration of his evolutionary hypothesis. . . .indispensable reading for geographers and other social scientists. Summing Up: Highly Recommended."--M.W. Dow, Choice, September 2005

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 047163414X
• ISBN 13: 9780471634140
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 608