Cultural Encounters with the Environment: Enduring and Evolving Geographic Themes

In Cultural Encounters with the Environment, a distinguished group of contributors offers a fresh and original view of contemporary geography. The authors explore the role of four traditional themes in the “new cultural geography”: the interplay between the evolution of particular biophysical niches and the activities of the culture groups that inhabit them; the diffusion of cultural traits; the establishment and definition of culture areas; and the distinctive mix of geographical characteristics that gives places their special character in relation to one another. By examining how cultural space is constructed; how environment is remade, understood, and imaged as a consequence; and how people lay claim to place, this volume establishes a compelling case for the importance of these enduring concepts to present and future trajectories in cultural geography.

Alexander B. Murphy is professor of geography and holds the Rippey Chair in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon. Douglas L. Johnson is professor of geography at Clark University.