The Nature of Mediterranean Europe: An Ecological History

Rating:
Summary: A review of The Nature of Mediterranean Europe
Review: The authors of this work combine insights from their own research in Crete with their colleagues works in other regions of Mediterranean Europe to provide an exceptional overview of the natural history of the region. Throughout the book the authors emphasize the pitfalls in using historical documentation in developing an understanding evolution of a specific environment, and emphasize the need for first hand observation. The presentation of the information is, therefore, a combination of summary of observations and an interesting lecture on interpretation of data and observation.

US readers may find the authors use of British vernacular and colloquiallisms in summarizing key points to be confusing. There are also occasions where the authors choose to compare methods of teaching in the US and Europe, wherein it is clear that the authors knowledge of US curricula is dated (e.g. the practice of teaching climax vegation theory is no longer in common practice in the US.) That aside, the information and analysis provided by the authors is insightful, well organized and above all challenges conventional stereotypes of the region.

I took this book on a two week tour of Mediterranean Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey and quickly acquired a deeper understanding of; human history, the impact of anthropogenic disturbance, geomorphology, evolution of biota and climate.

I recommend this book to others studying or working in any of the natural resource fields, and especially to those who have not had a prior exposure to European ecology. Prior studies in ecology, botany, wildlife biology and the like will suffice to follow the refreshingly opinionated perspectives provided in this book. Unlike many other recent publications in ecology, this is not an anthology or synthesis of prior written works, but rather the analysis and opinions of two professionals with solid field experience. The authors leave the reader with ample grounds to agree, disagree or augment interpretation. Reading the book will make you want to join the authors on their next field trip.

The hardcover copy I purchased was well made with ample graphic illustrations (though landscape photographs would find improvement in depth of field). Good use of data tables and graphs are made throughout. I was particularly pleased by the format for footnoting chosen by the authors. I am a reader who distains the current practice of embedding references to other authors work within the text; a practice which I find makes the text less readable, while often times leaving the reader to guess where to find the supporting information. A good value for the money.

Rating:
Summary: A review of The Nature of Mediterranean Europe
Review: The authors of this work combine insights from their own research in Crete with their colleagues works in other regions of Mediterranean Europe to provide an exceptional overview of the natural history of the region. Throughout the book the authors emphasize the pitfalls in using historical documentation in developing an understanding evolution of a specific environment, and emphasize the need for first hand observation. The presentation of the information is, therefore, a combination of summary of observations and an interesting lecture on interpretation of data and observation.

US readers may find the authors use of British vernacular and colloquiallisms in summarizing key points to be confusing. There are also occasions where the authors choose to compare methods of teaching in the US and Europe, wherein it is clear that the authors knowledge of US curricula is dated (e.g. the practice of teaching climax vegation theory is no longer in common practice in the US.) That aside, the information and analysis provided by the authors is insightful, well organized and above all challenges conventional stereotypes of the region.

I took this book on a two week tour of Mediterranean Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey and quickly acquired a deeper understanding of; human history, the impact of anthropogenic disturbance, geomorphology, evolution of biota and climate.

I recommend this book to others studying or working in any of the natural resource fields, and especially to those who have not had a prior exposure to European ecology. Prior studies in ecology, botany, wildlife biology and the like will suffice to follow the refreshingly opinionated perspectives provided in this book. Unlike many other recent publications in ecology, this is not an anthology or synthesis of prior written works, but rather the analysis and opinions of two professionals with solid field experience. The authors leave the reader with ample grounds to agree, disagree or augment interpretation. Reading the book will make you want to join the authors on their next field trip.

The hardcover copy I purchased was well made with ample graphic illustrations (though landscape photographs would find improvement in depth of field). Good use of data tables and graphs are made throughout. I was particularly pleased by the format for footnoting chosen by the authors. I am a reader who distains the current practice of embedding references to other authors work within the text; a practice which I find makes the text less readable, while often times leaving the reader to guess where to find the supporting information. A good value for the money.

Rating:
Summary: Like "The Making of the Cretan Landscape" but much expanded
Review: This book has much in common with Rackham & Moody's "The Making of the Cretan Landscape." Indeed, the information from the earlier book seems to form the foundation of the later one. The inclusion of examples from other parts of the Mediterranean region (especially Spain and Italy) expands the new book considerably, so it is certainly true to its title. The new book is more generously illustrated than the earlier one, with more color photographs of various types of vegetation, geological phenomena, ancient trees, etc...