Preface

Chapter 1. Introduction

Why What is Geography?

Chapter 2: Order and Power: To Know the World I

Introduction

Ordering the World

Modern Geography: The World of Trade and Nations

Whose Geography?

Conclusion

Chapter 3: People and Nature: To Know the World II

Introduction

Our Environment

Changes, Challenges, and Defenses

The Systems of Nature

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Urbanization and Mobility

Introduction

Presenting the City

Urban Critics

Mobilities

Conclusion

Chapter 5: Doing Geography

Introduction

To Explore

To Connect

To Map

To Engage

Geography, Children and Freedom: A Plea

Chapter 6: Institutionalizing Geography

Introduction

Specialist Institutions

Geography's Popular Institutions

Conclusion

Chapter 7: Future Geographies

Introduction

Surviving and Thriving

Diverse Geographies

Digital and Virtual Geographies

Astrogeography: Other Worlds, New Comparisons, and New Conflicts

Conclusions: A Planet of Geographers

Postscript: What is Geography?

Notes

Bibliography

About the Author

Index

Alastair Bonnett is professor of geography at Newcastle University and a travel writer. His books have been translated into nineteen languages and include Unruly Places; Beyond the Map; The Geography of Nostalgia; and An Uncommon Atlas. His most recent books are The Age of Islands, Multiracism, and How to be Original. Alastair lives in Newcastle, UK.

Introductory but not simplified, What Is Geography? provides students with the ability to understand the history and context of the subject without any prior knowledge. Designed as a key text for beginning students, this book will be of interest to all readers interested in and intrigued by the "geographical imagination."