Review by Choice Review
Although difficult to define precisely, the Gaia Hypothesis generally states that the earth's biota must interact with physical processes of the planet in negative feedback loops to create a homeostatic environment. This book (based on a 1988 conference) addresses Gaia from a variety of perspectives, including philosophical underpinnings, theoretical foundations, biogeochemical mechanisms, and policy implications. The book's 44 chapters (most of which are less than 10 pages) require little detailed knowledge of biological and geophysical processes. The text reads easily and figures are nicely constructed. Rather than an endorsement of Gaia, most chapters offer a critical view of mechanisms (e.g., sulfur, oxygen, carbon, and biomass cycles) inherent in the Gaian view. The most interesting chapters are those critiquing the science of Gaia as a testable hypothesis or merely a useless metaphor. A timely contribution to a growing field, with critical and wide-ranging perspectives on the Gaia Hypothesis. Essential for all academic libraries.-M. A. Colwell, Humboldt State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
