Introduction: Europe as a Culture Realm. Part 1: People and Environment. European Environments. Population. Human-Environment Interaction. Part 2: Culture and Identity. Language. Religion. The Political Landscape. Part 3: Towns and Cities. Cities and Urban Life to World War I. Modern and Postmodern Urbanism. Part 4: Work and Leisure. Making a Living. Consumption, Leisure, and Popular Culture. Epilogue: European Futures.
Robert C. Ostergren is Professor of Geography at the University of Wisconsin/n-/Madison. He has lived, studied, and traveled extensively in Europe, and is the author of many publications about European and North American cultural and historical geography, including the prize-winning book [i]A Community Transplanted: The Transatlantic Experience of a Swedish Immigrant Settlement in the Upper Middle West, 1835/n-/1915[/i]. In 1998 his university honored him with the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Teaching.
John G. Rice is Professor Emeritus of Geography at the
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Educated in the United States
and Sweden, Professor Rice has invested a long and distinguished
career in the study of European population and culture and has
traveled widely in the region over a period of almost 50 years. Of
particular interest to him have been questions in the fields of
ethnic studies and historical demography. His writings have focused
on 19th-century Swedish population movements, especially those to
North America.
"Written by two highly knowledgeable experts in the geography of
Europe, this book provides a welcome and comprehensive view of the
continent and its peoples. Structured around themes, rather than by
country, it introduces readers to key geographical issues past and
present. It has the dual virtue of combining a discussion of
physical resources with an analysis of human activities, and of
explaining concepts as well as providing information. Written in a
clear and direct style, the text is complemented by an inclusive
array of maps and photographs. Rice and Ostergren provide vivid
portraits of specific places and issues, covering such topics as
environmental problems in this densely occupied continent, social
and economic matters, changes in eastern and central Europe
following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and the anticipated
further expansion of the European Union in the years to come.
Essential references are supplied to help readers deepen their
understanding of specific issues. As an introductory text for
undergraduates in geography, European studies and related programs,
this is an excellent, up-to-date synthesis."--Hugh Clout,
Department of Geography, University College London, UK "An
outstanding, timely text. This book synthesizes a wealth of
knowledge to help the reader gain an accurate understanding of not
only who the Europeans are, but also where Europe is heading in the
21st century. Organization is both historical and spatial, and the
text is well illustrated with photos, maps, and tables. The book is
a 'must read' for students of European geography and for others who
are interested in the region."--Robert G. Wingate, Department of
Geography/Earth Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse "This
book captures the historical significance of Europe, from early
agricultural settlements to postmodern urbanization. The authors
examine the complexities of the European landscape in a way that
acknowledges regional differences in the context of current
unification. Rich textual descriptions are complemented by
remarkable illustrations and informative tables and maps. A welcome
contribution for those of us who teach European geography."--Ann
Oberhauser, Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia
University "Students will find this well-written book accessible
and readable. The emphasis is on major themes: the physical
environment, population, cultures, politics, urbanization, economy,
and the future of Europe. The text is well grounded in geographical
principles and concepts are explained with the use of clear,
nontechnical language. The distinguished authors are to be
congratulated on having written a book that will handily introduce
students to the European culture realm."--Brian Blouet, Department
of Government, College of William and Mary
"This compact and handy, although quite comprehensive, volume is an
excellent general text for undergraduate students of geography and
all others interested in a thorough introduction to this most
important region. It is very well written, tightly edited and
nicely structured so that it holds the reader's attention
throughout its 12 chapters....This book's structure is refreshing
and engaging....Richly illustrated with over 200 photographs and 45
maps, virtually every important point made in the text is
supplemented by a map, table or photograph. The maps are especially
clear, well chosen, and useful....a very useful and informative
book."--"Regional Studies"
.,."cover[s] every imaginable component of European culture,
economics, and politics as well as the historical background needed
to effectively understand the contemporary continent. The authors
have also incorporated the maps, charts, diagrams, and photographs
needed to make the book useful to the undergraduate audience at
which the text is aimed. Perhaps most important of all, the book
does not shortchange smaller countries such as Iceland, Monaco, or
Vatican City, which are all too often considered peripheral to
European events. Finally, the authors conclude with a valuable
"Epilogue" in which they anticipate future developments on the
continent....This valuable contribution to understanding the
evolution of contemporary institutions is sure to become a standard
textbook in the field and will undoubtedly be widely used in
university classes on European geography....Highly recommended. All
undergraduate collections."--"Choice"
"An extremely well-written and current account of the modern
European scene coauthored by twoacademics with impeccable European
credentials."--"The Professional Geographer"
"The book is in general to be praised for being clearly and
unpretentiously written, without any "dumbing down.,.".I gain the
impression that both of the authors have plenty of experience in
teaching courses on European geography. This book possesses
confidence and poise. I recommend it for use when teaching the
human geography of Europe."--"Geographical Review"
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