This clearly-written, best-selling book introduces readers to an exploration of geography by emphasizing the relevance of geographic concepts to human problems. Covering the basic principles in human geography, the first half of the book concentrates on elements of cultural geography, the second half on economic geography. Chapter topics focus attention on cultural diversity, ethnicity, and the service sector; population; migration; folk and popular culture; language; religion; political geography; agriculture; industry; urban patterns; and resource problems. For individuals interested in the study of geography, making a career out of it— or both.
Dr. James M. Rubenstein received his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1975. His dissertation on French urban planning later developed into a book entitled The French New Towns (Johns Hopkins University Press). In 1976 he joined the faculty at Miami University, where he is currently Professor of Geography and Chair of the Department of Geography. Besides teaching courses on Urban and Human Geography and writing textbooks, Dr. Rubenstein also conducts research in the automotive industry and has published two books on the subject entitled The Changing U.S. Auto Industry: A Geographical Analysis (Routledge) and Making and Selling Cars: Innovation and Change in the U.S. Auto Industry (The Johns Hopkins University Press). Originally from Baltimore, he is an avid Orioles fan. Stormy, a lab-pointer mix, takes Dr. Rubenstein for a long walk in the woods every day.
This book is dedicated to Bernadette Unger, Dr. Rubenstein's wife, has stuck with him through thick and thin. Dr. Rubenstein also gratefully thanks the rest of his family for their love and support.