The Burning Earth : An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years by Sunil Amrith 9780241461983

The Burning Earth : An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years

£30.00 GBP
£30.00 GBP
Sunil Amrith's 'The Burning Earth' has been hailed as the most accessible global...
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Sunil Amrith's 'The Burning Earth' has been hailed as the most accessible global environmental history to date. J.R. McNeill describes it as 'a monumental achievement and a pleasure to read', whilst Jill Lepore lauds it as 'both essential and stunning, as awe-inspiring as it is heart-rending'.

This groundbreaking work offers a comprehensive view of human impact on the planet over the past half-millennium. Amrith masterfully intertwines tales of environmental change with those of imperial expansion, linking ecological devastation with human atrocities. Drawing from an impressive array of primary sources, he examines the far-reaching consequences of resource exploitation, from Portuguese silver mining in Peru to British gold extraction in South Africa and oil drilling in Central Asia.

The author delves into the role of infrastructure development in reshaping landscapes and facilitating human incursion into new territories. His innovative perspective on the World Wars presents them as catalysts for irreversible planetary transformation, involving not just human mobilisation but also the exploitation of global natural resources. Amrith also sheds light on environmental degradation as a driving force behind human migration.

This epic narrative illustrates how the relentless pursuit of profit, coupled with technological advancements and the quest for improved living standards, has left an indelible mark on every corner of the Earth. Through vivid storytelling and rich imagery, Amrith presents a thought-provoking chronicle that challenges readers to consider the collective wisdom needed for humanity's survival.

Sven Beckert, author of 'Empire of Cotton', describes the book as 'A poignant reflection on how the pursuit of freedom from nature has undermined the very conditions for life on Earth. Beautifully written, Amrith's global and long-term perspective is crucial for understanding our current environmental predicaments.' Rob Nixon, author of 'Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor', adds that it is 'Unforgettable and captivating. Sunil Amrith has gifted us a page-turner, written with passionate clarity.'

Product Information:

Book ISBN: 9780241461983
Book Author: Sunil Amrith
Book Format: Hardback
Book Imprint: Allen Lane
Book Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Book Dimensions: 165 x 243 x 38 cm
Book Publication Date: 2024-09-26
Book Pagination: 432 pages
Book Weight: 652g

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

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