
Desert
Nature and Culture
Roslynn D. Haynes(Author)
Reaktion Books (Publisher)
Published on 1. November 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
248 pages
978-1-78023-169-3 (ISBN)
Description
Desert takes a fresh look at one of the most signi?cant natural aspects of our planet as both a geographical feature and a cultural entity. It examines and often overturns our common notions about deserts, from the fear of desolation and death of thirst on the one hand, to the attraction of the exotic, adventure and freedom on the other.
There is an immense geographical diversity of deserts from the Sahara to Antarctica, and plants and animals have adapted to these hostile environments in intriguing and often bizarre ways. Diverse races have also inhabited deserts and evolved unique lifestyles and cultures in response to their environments. The book also asks why all three of the world's great monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, originated in the deserts of the Middle East, and traces the continuing connections between the minimal materialism of desert existence and the pursuit of a spiritual dimension.
Deserts have also long exerted an allure on the West, leading to the impetus for exploration, the fascination with travellers' tales and the fashion for Orientalism in art, architecture and dress. Desert also reviews the signi?cance of desolate landscapes in literature and ?lm and looks at artists' responses to the desert, from seeing it as empty space, devoid of interest or perspective, to devising new visual techniques through which to 'see' it.
There is an immense geographical diversity of deserts from the Sahara to Antarctica, and plants and animals have adapted to these hostile environments in intriguing and often bizarre ways. Diverse races have also inhabited deserts and evolved unique lifestyles and cultures in response to their environments. The book also asks why all three of the world's great monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, originated in the deserts of the Middle East, and traces the continuing connections between the minimal materialism of desert existence and the pursuit of a spiritual dimension.
Deserts have also long exerted an allure on the West, leading to the impetus for exploration, the fascination with travellers' tales and the fashion for Orientalism in art, architecture and dress. Desert also reviews the signi?cance of desolate landscapes in literature and ?lm and looks at artists' responses to the desert, from seeing it as empty space, devoid of interest or perspective, to devising new visual techniques through which to 'see' it.
Reviews / Votes
This beautifully illustrated volume reminds us of the natural and cultural riches of those parts of the world with 250mm of annual precipitation or less. * <i>The Independent</i> * The word desert evokes a place of wearying nothingness, devoid of life, culture or fertility. But, as Roslynne D. Haynes shows in this beautifully written and sumptuously illustrated new book, the reality is very different . . . Haynes surveys the astonishing adaptations made by plants and animals for desert life. Everywhere there is cause for wonder. * <i>Geographical Magazine</i> * By weaving together science and culture, Haynes . . . utilizes her lifelong passion for synthesizing numerous disciplines to skilfully present the compelling topic of deserts . . . lively and engaging, [deserts are presented] through a thoroughly academic lens without losing accessibility. Desert serves as an interesting introduction to the multilayered influence of these geographical landscapes. A truly enjoyable read. Highly recommended. * <i>Choice</i> *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
117 illustrations, 110 in colour
Dimensions
Height: 148 mm
Width: 210 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78023-169-3 (9781780231693)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
11/2013
Reaktion Books
€18.99
Available for download
Person
Roslynn D. Haynes is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Arts and Media at the University of New South Wales and a Visiting Fellow in the School of Humanities, University of Tasmania, Australia.
Content
Preface The Diversity of Deserts An Armoury of Adaptations Desert Cultures Past and Present Museums of Our Ancestors Desert Religions Travellers and Explorers Deserts of the Imagination Deserts in Western Art Exploitation and Opportunity The World's Major Deserts Glossary References Select Bibliography Associations and Websites Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index