Civilizations: Culture, Ambition, and the Transformation of Nature
Thumbnail 1Thumbnail 2Thumbnail 3

Civilizations: Culture, Ambition, and the Transformation of Nature

4.6/5
Product ID: 4156231
Secure Transaction
Frequently Bought Together

Description

Civilizations: Culture, Ambition, and the Transformation of Nature

Reviews

4.6

All from verified purchases

R**N

A top-notch ahistory!

This is top-notch work. The ideas presented in this book are challenging, the presentation clear, and the writing scintillating. Civilizations are ahistorical; this author gets it right.Iconoclastic historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's purpose is to disavow the use of abstractions -- "historical theory," an oxymoron -- to explain the existence of civilizations. He categorizes civilizations (a wide open term in common parlance) according to their environments, a novel and sage typology. But he draws few value judgments: each civilization has its own premises and style of life, according to which it is on its own terms a success, failure, or simply an experience through which its members must live their lives.Above all, I came away with an appreciation for the relativism and transciency of civilizations, including my own (North American industrial/imperial/multi-environment). One can already see the writing on the wall and the budding emergence of a more earth-friendly civilization, still inchoate, struggling to self-recognition -- and one hopes, dominance, before it's too late.This is an excellent read. I save a chapter for each new day, it's that yummy.

B**B

Perfect

Thanks

L**U

Unique perception on history

If you are looking for a comprehensive treatise on the great civilizations of the world ... look elsewhere.Fernandez-Armesto discusses some of the major civilizations, but his focus is on the obscure. Nor is the book organized in a manner than makes much sense. Although Fernandez-Armesto acknowledges his "nature-oriented" perspective, it makes for difficult reading. This is coupled with the author's pretentious writing style. Reading the book, I had to wonder for whom he was writing this book. Unless one is well versed in history, this books will leave the reader confused rather than enlightened.I would recommend this book for historians, but not for the average reader.

P**S

A different perspective on civilizations

Professor Fernandez-Armesto writes with grace and clarity, exploring a vast domain with an utterly new perspective that stimulates the imagination. Even readers familiar with the extensive literature on the development of civilization throughout human history will find this book well worth reading.

M**S

Excellent job!

Bought it for my nephew who is a history buff. It was in fantastic condition. Tyvm!

K**E

This a bit of a dated take on World History ...

This a bit of a dated take on World History. It loses its connection to the overarching theme by the end.

V**E

Astonishing

It is a broad and deep study of what we the humans are as part of our environment.

M**R

Three Stars

kill me now

Common Questions

Trustpilot

TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews

Neha S.

Excellent communication throughout the order process. Product is perfect.

2 weeks ago

Anjali K.

The product quality is outstanding. Exactly what I needed for my work.

1 month ago

Shop Global, Save with Desertcart
Value for Money
Competitive prices on a vast range of products
Shop Globally
Serving millions of shoppers across more than 100 countries
Enhanced Protection
Trusted payment options loved by worldwide shoppers
Customer Assurance
Trusted payment options loved by worldwide shoppers.
Desertcart App
Shop on the go, anytime, anywhere.
1130 Kč

Duties & taxes incl.

Czech Republicstore
1
Free Shipping

with PRO Membership

Free Returns

30 daysfor PRO membership users

15 dayswithout membership

Secure Transaction

Trustpilot

TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews

Abdullah B.

Great price for an authentic product. Fast international shipping too!

3 weeks ago

Yusuf A.

Fantastic experience overall. Will recommend to friends and family.

1 month ago

Civilizations Culture Ambition And The Transformation Of Nature | Desertcart Czech Republic