Approaching Human Geography: An Introduction to Contemporary Theoretical Debates(Mappings S.)

This book provides an accessible and informed introduction to the development of new theoretical approaches to human geography. It sets out to explain the key features of these new approaches, and to trace their antecedents and implications. The authors also highlight points of comparison and contrast, inter-connection, and dissimilarity.
An introductory chapter describes and accounts for the theoretical diversity present within twentieth-century human geography, and particular attention is paid to the transition from environmental and regional approaches to the spatial science' of the 1960s. Later chapters deal systematically with different post1960s approaches: Marxism, humanism, structuration, realism, and postmodernism. Each of these chapters deals with the chronological development of the appropriate literature, describes the key claims and arguments, and indicates the particular sorts of substantive concerns that these theoretical materials help to illuminate. The principal chapters of the book are framed by both a preface and an epilogue, which address questions about relativism' in approaching human geography, while also stressing the need for continued commitment and critical sensitivity in geographical inquiry.
The book is written in an easily accessible style with generous expositions of key claims and arguments, and with thorough cross-referencing between chapters.


About the Author :
Paul Cloke, Professor of Human Geography at the Dept. of Geography, St. Davids University College, Lampeter, Wales.


Review :
"A remarkably clear and intellectually engaging account of the intersections between philosophy, social theory, and human geography. It is written from the front lines of geographical research yet will be thoroughly accessible to advanced undergraduate and graduate classes. APPROACHING HUMAN GEOGRAPHY is more than a survey: it is written with a depth of understanding and a sensitivity to geographical practice that is all too rare in books of this kind. It will undoubtedly stimulate discussion inside the classroom and out....It represents a major contribution to the future development of the discipline."' --Derek Gregory, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia
"A rich and interesting text that will be of value to all geographers....One of the best texts currently available for introductory and advanced students alike...."Approaching Human Geography" is a well crafted work that will quickly establish itself as a standard text in the field. Its coverage of gepgraphic ideas is clear yet rich, the text itself is a pleasure to read, and the authors have produced a interpretively rich and intellectually open engagement with the diverse world of geographic theory." --"Progress in Human Geography"