Perlin: A ∗forest∗ Journey – The Role Of Wood In The Development Of Civilization (cloth) - Hardcover

Perlin, J

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393026671 ISBN 13: 9780393026672

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co., 1989

Synopsis

One of the most important environmental issues facing our planet is the destruction of the world's forests. The problems associated with deforestation include depletion of firewood supplies, severe flooding, accelerated loss of soil and declining soil productivity. All of us face a catastrophic future because of worldwide deforestation; the loss of forests is a major cause of the "greenhouse effect". John Perlin shows in this detailed study the role forests played in the development of past civilizations. Wood was the principal fuel and building material of almost every society from the Bronze Age to the nineteenth century. Its availability shaped in large part the culture, economy and technology of past societies. This examination of how other societies dealt with the consequences of deforestation is an important resource for better understanding and resolving these problems today.

About this title

Review

"Outstanding...profusely documented and illustrated...with a story-teller's pace and ability to surprise...This book takes one of those bold imaginative sweeps through history that leave you full of excitement, as suddenly events seem to fall into a pattern for the first time."< DD>

'Delight' is not a word one expects to use in connection with deforestation, but John Perlin has certainly written a delightful book...It deserves to be a classic and should make a welcome present for anyone who enjoys a good read.

Thisbook takes one those bold imaginative steps through world history thatleaves you full of excitement, as suddenly events seem to fall into apattern for the first time. Perlin not only presents us with a boldhypothesis profusely documented and illustrated, he does it with astory-teller s pace and ability to surprise.

The new edition of Perlin's landmark work again brings needed attention to one of the primary concerns of the modern era. --Elizabeth Hall

Perlin deftly combines a balance of social and ecological values as well as lessons for the immediate future.--John Brosnahan

A journey through time a sort of Western Civ. 101 with a focus on the crucial role of wood in the rise and fall of states and cultures...Solid survey that adds significant dimension to our picture of the current crisis."

This work...captures the significant impact of wood on past and present civilizations. ...well written and well illustrated.--M. J. Zwolinski

Well documented and illustrated, it is history at its best.

Like some Greek epic poem spanning 4,000 years of civilization...an impressive array of research and a novel topic.

A journey through time--a sort of Western Civ. 101 with a focus on the crucial role of wood in the rise and fall of states and cultures...Solid survey that adds significant dimension to our picture of the current crisis.

About the Author

John Perlin has also authored A Golden Thread: Twenty-Five Hundred Years of Solar Architecture and Technology (with Ken Butti) and From Space to Earth: The Story of Solar Electricity. He researched and wrote the narrative for the film Power from the Sun with Nobel Laureates Drs. Walter Kohn and Alan Heeger. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

Edition details

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co.
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0393026671
• ISBN 13: 9780393026672
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 446