Earth Then and Now: Amazing Images of Our Changing World - Softcover

Pearce, Fred

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1554077710 ISBN 13: 9781554077717

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2010

Synopsis

300 stunning before-and-after photographs that show the staggering transformation of our world.

Earth Then and Now records the dramatic way our planet has changed over the past century. On one page is a specific part of the world as it was 10, 50 or even 100 years ago. On the facing page is the same place as it looks today. Each stark visual comparison tells a compelling story -- a melting glacier, an expanding desert, an encroaching cityscape, a natural disaster.

Additions to the second edition include these important scenes:

• Before and after the January 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
  
• The movement of land masses due to the February 2010 Chilean earthquake
  
• Before and after the fires in South Australia in 2009
  
• Development in New Orleans since the hurricane
  
• The destruction of the Amazon rain forest for farming

Concise captions explain the facts and then allow the reader to draw personal conclusions. Anyone concerned about the environment will enjoy and appreciate Earth Then and Now.

About this title

Review:

Earth Then and Now is a dramatic journey through time, documenting fascinating changes over the past century around the world from shrinking glaciers to expanding cities to areas that have recovered from natural disaster. On one page is a "before" photo, with the "after" shot on the opposite page as it looks today, with brief commentary. The book is divided into six sections: Environmental Change, Urbanization, Land Transformation, Forced of Nature, War and Conflict, and Leisure and Culture. Major cities are included as are geographical points of interest such as glaciers, lakes, deserts, islands and oceans, showing the climate changes that have impacted them over the past decades. Some changes are man-made, others the result of nature; some are sobering and others give hope... I can't think of anyone who wouldn't find it interesting.-- (12/10/2010)

We've heard it, we say it, we know it: This old world is ever-changing. But just wait until you see it, in these 250 side-by-side, then-and-now photos of locations and landmarks around the globe dramatically transformed over the past century by the hand of man or the raw power of nature. Earth Then and Now makes you think not only about the way things used to be, but also about what they'll look like in another 100 years yet to come.-- (02/06/2011)

If only all prospective and current dog owners would read a book like this, there would be many more happy, healthy dogs in the world. Dog: The Definitive Guide for Dog Owners is packed with useful information about this favorite companion animal.... The focus of Fogle's book is the human-dog bond, so along the way he provides guidelines on choosing a dog, indoor and outdoor training, feeding and nutrition, toileting, traveling with a dog, playtime, treating minor illnesses and injuries, veterinary care, and dealing with behavioral problems. The last two chapters concern the older dog, from assessing mental and physical decline to the euthanasia decision. The tone is compassionate throughout.... An excellent feature is the numerous tables, checklists, and large sidebars of illustrated training exercises.... Dog: The Definitive Guide for Dog Owners has just the right balance of authority, sensitivity, and interest to please all dog lovers.-- (03/01/2011)

For the many people who love dogs, this will be a welcome addition to the home library, only after being read cover to cover. A comprehensive discussion of every aspect of dogs in general and specific breeds in particular, its engaging style makes it much more than a reference book... Fogle believes that the earliest dogs domesticated themselves, scavenging from human campsites rather than fleeing. Moving through the various categories of breeds, from Nordic breeds to toy and companion dogs, Fogle describes the characteristics of all the breed groups, explaining their innate preferences. Fogle discusses how dogs think and how best to blend them into our families. All the life stages of a dog are described, helping us to understand what to expect at various ages and how to deal with the challenge. Positive reinforcement training of all the basic commands is explained, as well as where to turn for help with difficult dogs. Full-colour photographs of dogs on almost every spread help make this a delightful book.-- (04/01/2011)

We can shrug off environmental reports, theories, and narratives, but photographs do not hedge or obfuscate... This compact and engrossing book [documents] the environmental consequences of the last 150 years of human construction and destruction, ingenuity and folly... Versatile environmental writer Pearce provides pinpoint commentary for this visual tour, which includes photographs of nature's own havoc delivered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. The continual and unnecessary devastation we cause by industry, war, and waste is most aggrieving and alarming, yet one can't help but marvel at the complex structures we build. Surely we, the species who dams rivers, moves mountains, erects skyscrapers, and heats the planet, can learn from our mistakes. We can shrug off environmental reports, theories, and narratives, but photographs do not hedge or obfuscate. In this compact and engrossing book, 250 photographs in before-and-after pairings document the environmental consequences of the last 150 years of human construction and destruction, ingenuity and folly. Of particular drama are images of disappearing sea ice and glaciers and the demise of Central Asia's once enormous Aral Sea. Urbanization also makes for arresting images.. Versatile environmental writer Pearce provides pinpoint commentary for this visual tour, which includes photographs of nature's own havoc delivered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. The continual and unnecessary devastation we cause by industry, war, and waste is most aggrieving and alarming, yet one can't help but marvel at the complex structures we build. Surely we, the species who dams rivers, moves mountains, erects skyscrapers, and heats the planet, can learn from our mistakes.-- (12/01/2010)

Book Description:

Highly topical and graphic evidence for headline issues such as global warming - this title will attract huge publicity interest An astonishing, page-turning collection of visual comparisons Will appeal to all those interested in the environment and the impact of climate change on the world around us in the last century Perfect for anyone interested in photography or all those attracted to the many smaller-scale, loal Then and Now books Foreword by Zac Goldsmith

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1554077710
• ISBN 13: 9781554077717
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288