Provides an accessible introduction to the most important disasters - both natural and human caused - throughout human history
Angus M. Gunn, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia, is a prolific author, writing on such themes as education, environmental science, and contemporary issues. He came to Canada in 1957 and now resides in West Vancouver, British Columbia.
Once again Gunn (emer., Univ. of British Columbia) has written a
quintessential tome. This encyclopedia equals his prolific earlier
works. . . . The Encyclopedia of Disasters presents a descriptive,
illustrated account of disasters, both natural and human-induced,
that have occurred throughout the world over the last 2,000 years.
However, unlike other works that recant the facts and obvious
destruction, Gunn identifies three characteristics germane to many
disasters and then further advances the belief that understanding,
preservation, and minimizing the level of destruction are an
integral part of and vital to the preservation of the global
environment. This encyclopedia covers more than 180 of the most
important and devastating disasters in history. The chronologically
arranged entries each include a list of readings for additional
research. Readers will find the information presented fascinating,
informative, and useful. Highly recommended.
*Choice*
Disasters--among them earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions,
floods, pandemic illnesses, landslides, and terrorist attacks--have
had a significant impact on the world's people and environment
throughout the last 2,000 years. Gunn, an author and professor
emeritus in geography and geology, explores both natural and
human-induced disasters in this set. . . . In the extensive
introduction, Gunn notes that understanding of disasters anywhere
in the world is vital to the preservation of our global
environment. The focus on understanding causes and consequences
makes this a recommended title for academic and public
libraries.
*Booklist*
Once again Gunn has written a quintessential tome. This
encyclopedia equals his prolific earlier works: Patterns in World
Geography (1968), Habitat: Human Settlements in an Urban Age
(1978), and Impact of Geology on the United States (CH, Apr'02,
39-4319). The Encyclopedia of Disasters presents a descriptive,
illustrated account of disasters, both natural and human-induced,
that have occurred throughout the world over the last 2,000 years.
However, unlike other works that recant the facts and obvious
destruction, Gunn identifies three characteristics germane to many
disasters and then further advances the belief that understanding,
preservation, and minimizing the level of destruction are an
integral part of and vital to the preservation of the global
environment. This encyclopedia covers more than 180 of the most
important and devastating disasters in history. The chronologically
arranged entries each include a list of readings for additional
research. Readers will find the information presented fascinating,
informative, and useful. Highly recommended. All levels.
*Choice*
For this guide, geographer Angus Gunn examines the significance of
184 natural and human disasters….this sweeping survey of human
tragedies will satisfy the morbid curiosity of readers in a wide
range of libraries, from high school to academic.
*Lawrence Looks at Books*
The book is a fascinating read, and libraries will want to add this
title to their general reading collections.
*ARBA*
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