The Europeans: A Geography of People, Culture, and Environment (Texts In Regional Geography) [Paperback]

Robert C. Ostergren (Author), John G. Rice (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0898622727 | ISBN-13: 978-0898622720 | Publication Date: March 18, 2004 | Edition: 1

Offering a comprehensive introduction to European geography, this timely text is as authoritative as it is richly nuanced and engaging. The authors analyze the ongoing process of integration that is giving new meaning to the idea of being European, while also delineating the important subregional differences that exist among the continent's people and places. Coverage encompasses the entire region: its physical setting and environment; population and migration; work and leisure; language and religion; and political organization. Particular attention is given to the historic evolution and contemporary features of the urban environments in which the majority of Europeans live their daily lives. Combining vivid description, essential information, and cogent analysis, the text is illustrated with 200 photographs and over 45 maps.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Written by two highly knowledgeable experts in the geography of Europe, this book provides a welcome and comprehensive view of the continent and its peoples. Structured around themes, rather than by country, it introduces readers to key geographical issues past and present. It has the dual virtue of combining a discussion of physical resources with an analysis of human activities, and of explaining concepts as well as providing information. Written in a clear and direct style, the text is complemented by an inclusive array of maps and photographs. Rice and Ostergren provide vivid portraits of specific places and issues, covering such topics as environmental problems in this densely occupied continent, social and economic matters, changes in eastern and central Europe following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and the anticipated further expansion of the European Union in the years to come. Essential references are supplied to help readers deepen their understanding of specific issues. As an introductory text for undergraduates in geography, European studies and related programs, this is an excellent, up-to-date synthesis."--Hugh Clout, Department of Geography, University College London, UK

"An outstanding, timely text. This book synthesizes a wealth of knowledge to help the reader gain an accurate understanding of not only who the Europeans are, but also where Europe is heading in the 21st century. Organization is both historical and spatial, and the text is well illustrated with photos, maps, and tables. The book is a 'must read' for students of European geography and for others who are interested in the region."--Robert G. Wingate, Department of Geography/Earth Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

"This book captures the historical significance of Europe, from early agricultural settlements to postmodern urbanization. The authors examine the complexities of the European landscape in a way that acknowledges regional differences in the context of current unification. Rich textual descriptions are complemented by remarkable illustrations and informative tables and maps. A welcome contribution for those of us who teach European geography."--Ann Oberhauser, Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University

"Students will find this well-written book accessible and readable. The emphasis is on major themes: the physical environment, population, cultures, politics, urbanization, economy, and the future of Europe. The text is well grounded in geographical principles and concepts are explained with the use of clear, nontechnical language. The distinguished authors are to be congratulated on having written a book that will handily introduce students to the European culture realm."--Brian Blouet, Department of Government, College of William and Mary

About the Author

Robert C. Ostergren is Professor of Geography at the University of Wisconsin/n-/Madison. He has lived, studied, and traveled extensively in Europe, and is the author of many publications about European and North American cultural and historical geography, including the prize-winning book [i]A Community Transplanted: The Transatlantic Experience of a Swedish Immigrant Settlement in the Upper Middle West, 1835/n-/1915[/i]. In 1998 his university honored him with the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Teaching.

John G. Rice is Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Educated in the United States and Sweden, Professor Rice has invested a long and distinguished career in the study of European population and culture and has traveled widely in the region over a period of almost 50 years. Of particular interest to him have been questions in the fields of ethnic studies and historical demography. His writings have focused on 19th-century Swedish population movements, especially those to North America.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 386 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (March 18, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898622727
• ISBN-13: 978-0898622720
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #653,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Textbook - but it *is* a textbook!, April 17, 2006

By 

Amy R. (Morton Grove, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Europeans: A Geography of People, Culture, and Environment (Texts In Regional Geography) (Paperback)

I bought this textbook to get a more comprehensive look at European Geography, and was not disappointed. Europe, of course, has an enormous volume of recorded history, so it is quite a challenge to sort through and select only the most relevant points for a regional textbook. I believe that the authors do a nice job of explaining key points to someone who is not very familiar with European history (i.e. they do not go into tremendous depth, but outline major points in history and particularly migration trends). As such, I think this book is quite appropriate for college undergraduates who often do not have a solid background in basic European history. More importantly, though, the book addresses contemporary issues facing Europe as a whole, such as the development of the European Union, the rapidly aging population, and ongoing concerns over immigration.

My complaints about the book are minimal. (1) It is definitely a textbook, in that it is written like a textbook. (i.e. Don't expect it to be a gripping page-turner.) I found some chapters to be dry reading. However, I have a deep interest in geography, which served as my motivation to keep going. (2) The pictures and maps in the paperback I bought are in black and white, which is a terrible shame. The maps are difficult to read, and the grayscale versions of the pictures do not do a good job of depicting what the authors are trying to show. I would gladly spend the extra money for a color version.

Overall, I definitely recommend this textbook. Ostergren and Rice are masters of their subject, and the depth of their knowledge about the region is excellent. I learned a lot!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible Service, March 17, 2011

By 

statzie2008 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Europeans: A Geography of People, Culture, and Environment (Texts In Regional Geography) (Paperback)

Horrible service...sent the wrong book to my house after 2 weeks. Had to wait until 2-3 weeks before my actual book was sent to me. Because of the long wait I had to buy my own book from the bookstore and after almost 2 months I'm still waiting for my refund.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars would by from again, August 16, 2009

By 

Tiffany Slone - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Europeans: A Geography of People, Culture, and Environment (Texts In Regional Geography) (Paperback)

books in wonderful condition got here quick was a little mix up were i was sent two for the price of one lol but got my shipping back (for the return of the extra book ) and a couple of dollars for my trouble