Pan's Travail

Pan's Travail

Author: Johnson Donald Hughes

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13:

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""Many people express surprise," writes J. Donald Hughes, "when they are told that environmental problems existed in the ancient world; they are used to thinking of the environment as an exclusively modern concern. But an examination of the evidence shows that the Greeks and Romans not only suffered from some of the same predicaments that plague the present scene, but in many cases they were aware of them and commented on them."" "In Pan's Travail Hughes examines the environmental history of the classical period and argues that the decline of ancient civilizations resulted in part from exploitation of the natural world. Focusing on Greece and Rome, as well as on areas subject to their influences, Hughes offers a detailed look at the impact of humans and their technologies on the ecology of the Mediterranean basin. He explores the complex relationships of human culture and the environment with topics that include deforestation and overgrazing, soil erosion, depletion of wildlife and natural resources, pollution, and urban problems such as water supply and sewage disposal. He also compares the ancient world's environmental problems to those of other eras and discusses attitudes toward nature expressed in Greek and Latin literature."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved


Book Synopsis Pan's Travail by : Johnson Donald Hughes

Download or read book Pan's Travail written by Johnson Donald Hughes and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ""Many people express surprise," writes J. Donald Hughes, "when they are told that environmental problems existed in the ancient world; they are used to thinking of the environment as an exclusively modern concern. But an examination of the evidence shows that the Greeks and Romans not only suffered from some of the same predicaments that plague the present scene, but in many cases they were aware of them and commented on them."" "In Pan's Travail Hughes examines the environmental history of the classical period and argues that the decline of ancient civilizations resulted in part from exploitation of the natural world. Focusing on Greece and Rome, as well as on areas subject to their influences, Hughes offers a detailed look at the impact of humans and their technologies on the ecology of the Mediterranean basin. He explores the complex relationships of human culture and the environment with topics that include deforestation and overgrazing, soil erosion, depletion of wildlife and natural resources, pollution, and urban problems such as water supply and sewage disposal. He also compares the ancient world's environmental problems to those of other eras and discusses attitudes toward nature expressed in Greek and Latin literature."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved


The Decline of Nature

The Decline of Nature

Author: Gilbert F. LaFreniere

Publisher: Oak Savanna Publishing

Published: 2012-07

Total Pages: 481

ISBN-13: 0974866857

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Download or read book The Decline of Nature written by Gilbert F. LaFreniere and published by Oak Savanna Publishing. This book was released on 2012-07 with total page 481 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Nature

Nature

Author: Peter Coates

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2013-04-25

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 0745676898

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'Nature' is a deceptively simple and ahistorical term, suggestingintrinsic, unchanging reality. Yet nature has a history too, bothin terms of human attitudes and human impacts. Coates outlines themajor understandings of 'nature' in the western world sinceclassical times, from nature as higher authority to its more recentmeaning of threatened physical space and life forms. Unlike many others, this book places the history of attitudes tonature within the story of human-induced changes in the materialenvironment. And few others take a supranational perspective, orcross the divides between historical eras. A distinctive unifying theme is Coates's interest in how 'green'writers over the last thirty years have interpreted our pastdealings with nature, specifically their efforts to diagnose theroots of contemporary ecological problems and their search forancestors. He concludes with a discussion of the future of naturein the context of developments such as the 'new' ecology, globalwarming, advances in genetic engineering and research on animalbehaviour. Assuming no previous knowledge, Nature provides the reader with anaccessible synthesis and introduction to some of environmentalhistory's central features and debates, confirming its status asone of the most enthralling current pursuits within historicalstudies. This will be essential reading for second-year undergraduates andabove in cultural history and environmental history, as well as tothe general reader interested in environmental issues.


Book Synopsis Nature by : Peter Coates

Download or read book Nature written by Peter Coates and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-04-25 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'Nature' is a deceptively simple and ahistorical term, suggestingintrinsic, unchanging reality. Yet nature has a history too, bothin terms of human attitudes and human impacts. Coates outlines themajor understandings of 'nature' in the western world sinceclassical times, from nature as higher authority to its more recentmeaning of threatened physical space and life forms. Unlike many others, this book places the history of attitudes tonature within the story of human-induced changes in the materialenvironment. And few others take a supranational perspective, orcross the divides between historical eras. A distinctive unifying theme is Coates's interest in how 'green'writers over the last thirty years have interpreted our pastdealings with nature, specifically their efforts to diagnose theroots of contemporary ecological problems and their search forancestors. He concludes with a discussion of the future of naturein the context of developments such as the 'new' ecology, globalwarming, advances in genetic engineering and research on animalbehaviour. Assuming no previous knowledge, Nature provides the reader with anaccessible synthesis and introduction to some of environmentalhistory's central features and debates, confirming its status asone of the most enthralling current pursuits within historicalstudies. This will be essential reading for second-year undergraduates andabove in cultural history and environmental history, as well as tothe general reader interested in environmental issues.


The Greeks and the Environment

The Greeks and the Environment

Author: Laura Westra

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9780847684465

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Environmental ethicists have frequently criticized ancient Greek philosophy as anti-environmental for a view of philosophy that is counterproductive to environmental ethics and a view of the world that puts nature at the disposal of people. This provocative collection of original essays reexamines the views of nature and ecology found in the thought of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and Plotinus. Recognizing that these thinkers were not confronted with the environmental degradation that threatens contemporary philosophers, the contributors to this book find that the Greeks nevertheless provide an excellent foundation for a sound theory of environmentalism.


Book Synopsis The Greeks and the Environment by : Laura Westra

Download or read book The Greeks and the Environment written by Laura Westra and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 1997 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Environmental ethicists have frequently criticized ancient Greek philosophy as anti-environmental for a view of philosophy that is counterproductive to environmental ethics and a view of the world that puts nature at the disposal of people. This provocative collection of original essays reexamines the views of nature and ecology found in the thought of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and Plotinus. Recognizing that these thinkers were not confronted with the environmental degradation that threatens contemporary philosophers, the contributors to this book find that the Greeks nevertheless provide an excellent foundation for a sound theory of environmentalism.


The Roman Empire at Bay, AD 180-395

The Roman Empire at Bay, AD 180-395

Author: David Stone Potter

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 788

ISBN-13: 9780415100588

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At the outset of the period covered by this book, Rome was the greatest power in the world. By its end, it had fallen conclusively from this dominant position. David Potter's comprehensive survey of two critical and eventful centuries traces the course of imperial decline.


Book Synopsis The Roman Empire at Bay, AD 180-395 by : David Stone Potter

Download or read book The Roman Empire at Bay, AD 180-395 written by David Stone Potter and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2004 with total page 788 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At the outset of the period covered by this book, Rome was the greatest power in the world. By its end, it had fallen conclusively from this dominant position. David Potter's comprehensive survey of two critical and eventful centuries traces the course of imperial decline.


Looking at Animals in Human History

Looking at Animals in Human History

Author: Linda Kalof

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Published: 2007-08-15

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9781861893345

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Taking in a wide range of visual and textual materials, Linda Kalof in Looking at Animals in Human History unearths many surprising and revealing examples of our depictions of animals.


Book Synopsis Looking at Animals in Human History by : Linda Kalof

Download or read book Looking at Animals in Human History written by Linda Kalof and published by Reaktion Books. This book was released on 2007-08-15 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Taking in a wide range of visual and textual materials, Linda Kalof in Looking at Animals in Human History unearths many surprising and revealing examples of our depictions of animals.


Elemental Philosophy

Elemental Philosophy

Author: David Macauley

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2010-09-29

Total Pages: 458

ISBN-13: 1438432461

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Bachelard called them "the hormones of the imagination." Hegel observed that, "through the four elements we have the elevation of sensuous ideas into thought." Earth, air, fire, and water are explored as both philosophical ideas and environmental issues associated with their classical and perennial conceptions. David Macauley embarks upon a wide-ranging discussion of their initial appearance in ancient Greek thought as mythic forces or scientific principles to their recent reemergence within contemporary continental philosophy as a means for understanding landscape and language, poetry and place, the body and the body politic. In so doing, he shows the importance of elemental thinking for comprehending and responding to ecological problems. In tracing changing views of the four elements through the history of ideas, Macauley generates a new vocabulary for and a fresh vision of the environment while engaging the elemental world directly with reflections on their various manifestations.


Book Synopsis Elemental Philosophy by : David Macauley

Download or read book Elemental Philosophy written by David Macauley and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2010-09-29 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bachelard called them "the hormones of the imagination." Hegel observed that, "through the four elements we have the elevation of sensuous ideas into thought." Earth, air, fire, and water are explored as both philosophical ideas and environmental issues associated with their classical and perennial conceptions. David Macauley embarks upon a wide-ranging discussion of their initial appearance in ancient Greek thought as mythic forces or scientific principles to their recent reemergence within contemporary continental philosophy as a means for understanding landscape and language, poetry and place, the body and the body politic. In so doing, he shows the importance of elemental thinking for comprehending and responding to ecological problems. In tracing changing views of the four elements through the history of ideas, Macauley generates a new vocabulary for and a fresh vision of the environment while engaging the elemental world directly with reflections on their various manifestations.


Life Without Oil

Life Without Oil

Author: Steve Hallett

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2011-03-14

Total Pages: 460

ISBN-13: 1616144025

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By the end of the 21st century, our oil and natural gas supplies will be virtually nonexistent, and limited coal supplies will be restricted to only a handful of countries. The authors - an environmental scientist and veteran journalist - make abundantly clear that we must plan for a future without reliance on oil. They make a compelling case that the key determinant of our global economy is not so much the invisible hand of the marketplace but the inexorable laws of ecology. Although the coming decades will be a time of much disruption and change of lifestyle, in the end we may learn a wiser, more sustainable stewardship of our natural resources. This timely, sobering, yet constructive discussion of energy and ecology offers a realistic vision of the near future and many important lessons about the limits of our resources.


Book Synopsis Life Without Oil by : Steve Hallett

Download or read book Life Without Oil written by Steve Hallett and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2011-03-14 with total page 460 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By the end of the 21st century, our oil and natural gas supplies will be virtually nonexistent, and limited coal supplies will be restricted to only a handful of countries. The authors - an environmental scientist and veteran journalist - make abundantly clear that we must plan for a future without reliance on oil. They make a compelling case that the key determinant of our global economy is not so much the invisible hand of the marketplace but the inexorable laws of ecology. Although the coming decades will be a time of much disruption and change of lifestyle, in the end we may learn a wiser, more sustainable stewardship of our natural resources. This timely, sobering, yet constructive discussion of energy and ecology offers a realistic vision of the near future and many important lessons about the limits of our resources.


Environmental Problems of the Greeks and Romans

Environmental Problems of the Greeks and Romans

Author: J. Donald Hughes

Publisher: JHU Press

Published: 2014-02-15

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 1421412101

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How did ancient societies change the environment and how do their actions continue to affect us today? In this dramatically revised and expanded second edition of the work entitled Pan’s Travail, J. Donald Hughes examines the environmental history of the classical period and argues that the decline of ancient civilizations resulted in part from their exploitation of the natural world. Focusing on Greece and Rome, as well as areas subject to their influences, Hughes offers a detailed look at the impact of humans and their technologies on the ecology of the Mediterranean basin. Evidence of deforestation in ancient Greece, the remains of Roman aqueducts and mines, and paintings on centuries-old pottery that depict agricultural activities document ancient actions that resulted in detrimental consequences to the environment. Hughes compares the ancient world's environmental problems to other persistent social problems and discusses attitudes toward nature expressed in Greek and Latin literature. In addition to extensive revisions based on the latest research, this new edition includes photographs from Hughes's worldwide excursions, a new chapter on warfare and the environment, and an updated bibliography.


Book Synopsis Environmental Problems of the Greeks and Romans by : J. Donald Hughes

Download or read book Environmental Problems of the Greeks and Romans written by J. Donald Hughes and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2014-02-15 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How did ancient societies change the environment and how do their actions continue to affect us today? In this dramatically revised and expanded second edition of the work entitled Pan’s Travail, J. Donald Hughes examines the environmental history of the classical period and argues that the decline of ancient civilizations resulted in part from their exploitation of the natural world. Focusing on Greece and Rome, as well as areas subject to their influences, Hughes offers a detailed look at the impact of humans and their technologies on the ecology of the Mediterranean basin. Evidence of deforestation in ancient Greece, the remains of Roman aqueducts and mines, and paintings on centuries-old pottery that depict agricultural activities document ancient actions that resulted in detrimental consequences to the environment. Hughes compares the ancient world's environmental problems to other persistent social problems and discusses attitudes toward nature expressed in Greek and Latin literature. In addition to extensive revisions based on the latest research, this new edition includes photographs from Hughes's worldwide excursions, a new chapter on warfare and the environment, and an updated bibliography.


The Litigious Athenian

The Litigious Athenian

Author: Matthew R. Christ

Publisher: JHU Press

Published: 1998-11-20

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 9780801858635

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The democratic revolution that swept Classical Athens transformed the role of law in Athenian society. The legal process and the popular courts took on new and expanded roles in civic life. Although these changes occurred with the consent of the "people" (demos), Athenians were ambivalent about the spread of legal culture. In particular, they were aware that unscrupulous individuals might manipulate the laws and the legal process to serve their own purposes. Indeed, throughout the Classical Period, when Athenians gathered in public and private settings, they regularly discussed, debated, and complained about legal chicanery, or sukophantia. In The Litigious Athenian, Matthew Christ explores what this ancient discussion reveals about how Athenians conceived of and responded to problematic aspects of their collective legal experience. The transfer of significant judicial power from the elite Areopagus Council to the popular courts was a crucial step in the establishment of Athenian democracy, Christ notes, and Athenians took great pride in their legal system. They chose not to make significant changes to their legal institutions even though they could have done so at any time through a majority vote of the Assembly. Determining that the term sykophant was applied rhetorically rather than, as some have believed, to describe a specific subclass, Christ shows how the public debates over legal chicanery helped define the limits of ethical behavior under the law and in public life.


Book Synopsis The Litigious Athenian by : Matthew R. Christ

Download or read book The Litigious Athenian written by Matthew R. Christ and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 1998-11-20 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The democratic revolution that swept Classical Athens transformed the role of law in Athenian society. The legal process and the popular courts took on new and expanded roles in civic life. Although these changes occurred with the consent of the "people" (demos), Athenians were ambivalent about the spread of legal culture. In particular, they were aware that unscrupulous individuals might manipulate the laws and the legal process to serve their own purposes. Indeed, throughout the Classical Period, when Athenians gathered in public and private settings, they regularly discussed, debated, and complained about legal chicanery, or sukophantia. In The Litigious Athenian, Matthew Christ explores what this ancient discussion reveals about how Athenians conceived of and responded to problematic aspects of their collective legal experience. The transfer of significant judicial power from the elite Areopagus Council to the popular courts was a crucial step in the establishment of Athenian democracy, Christ notes, and Athenians took great pride in their legal system. They chose not to make significant changes to their legal institutions even though they could have done so at any time through a majority vote of the Assembly. Determining that the term sykophant was applied rhetorically rather than, as some have believed, to describe a specific subclass, Christ shows how the public debates over legal chicanery helped define the limits of ethical behavior under the law and in public life.