Review by Choice Review
In this charming book, Wallach (geography, Univ. of Oklahoma) uses short vignettes covering vast stretches of time and space to explore the interconnections and ruptures of the human relationship with the Earth. Topics include distant human ancestry, the historical development of human landscapes, and the social and environmental consequences of human actions. But in attempting to interpret so much, some of the discussions are overly brief. For example, the chapter covering political reactions to progress discusses religion with only one short paragraph. However, the brevity of most sections does not belie a lack of cohesion. The thread of argument echoes the Sauerian tradition that Wallach espouses. But where Carl Sauer was clearly suspicious of a modernizing world, Wallach is more ambiguous. Though clearly alarmed at some trends in labor practices and pollution, among other things, Wallach seem to be only mildly concerned about problems such as the overuse of resources. In all, this is a provocative and imaginative book. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All general and undergraduate libraries. M. Ripmeester Brock University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
