W. B. Fisher – författare

The Middle East is a region of critical importance in world affairs, both politically and economically. In this comprehensive study, first published in 1950, Professor Fisher examines all the principal elements – physical and human – that influence environment, development and ways of life in the region. An analysis of the physical basis of the region is followed by detailed treatment of the complex human and social aspects; a concluding section brings together, on a regional basis, the elements discussed in the first two parts. With first-hand experience within the Middle East, Fisher presents a detailed and fascinating study, based on surveys and investigations he personally carried out. Including wide-ranging geographical, historical, sociological and political perspectives, this title provides essential background to anyone with an interest in Middle Eastern affairs.

In this comprehensive study, first published in 1950, Professor Fisher examines all the principal elements – physical and human – that influence environment, development and ways of life in the Middle East. An analysis of the physical basis of the region is followed by detailed treatment of the complex human and social aspects; a concluding section brings together, on a regional basis, the elements discussed in the first two parts. With first-hand experience within the Middle East, Fisher presents a detailed and fascinating study, based on surveys and investigations he personally carried out. Including wide-ranging geographical, historical, sociological and political perspectives, this title provides essential background to anyone with an interest in Middle Eastern affairs.

The Cambridge History of Iran is an eight-volume survey of Iranian history and culture, and its contribution to the civilisation of the world. All aspect of the religious, philosophical, political, economic, scientific and artistic elements in Iranian civilisation are studies, with some emphasis on geographical and ecological factors which have contributed to that civilisation's special character. The aim is to provide a collection of readable essays rather than a catalogue of information. The volumes offer scope for the publication of new ideas as well as providing summaries of established facts. They should act as a stimulus to specialists, but are primarily concerned to answer the sort of questions about the past and present of Iran that are asked by the non-specialist. Volume I sets the physical stage for the human events which follow. In a sense it is a companion volume to the rest of the series. The whole volume is devoted to geography, geology, anthropology, economic life, and flora and fauna. The physical environment of Iran is seen not as an unmoving backcloth against which the human drama is played; rather it is seen as a natural element which shapes in distinct and recognisable ways the whole course of human activity in the country. Iran offers a picture of sharp identity as a geographical unit. In spite of highly varies and often harsh natural conditions at local level, a consistent and recognisable pattern of physiographical and climatic features emerges at the national level. Because of these features the Iranians as a people suffered many vicissitudes. The complex character of the relationship between terrain and people is the major theme of this volume.

Resources and Planning focuses on the trends, approaches, techniques, and emergence of new concepts in geography, as well as the use of models in planning endeavors.The selection first offers information on planning education and practice, including systems models and inner cities dilemma. The book also examines planning processes and mathematical modeling in land use planning. Topics include general assessment and development of urban modeling; extensions and developments of the gravity model; essential dualism of knowledge and action; science and design as problem-solving processes; and planning processes as social learning.The manuscript ponders on zone definition in spatial modeling and patterns of information use in planning, including problems and alternative approaches to zone system design. The text also concentrates on maps as source materials; quantitative developments in geography and planning in a practical reasoning framework; human''s impact on climate with particular reference to energy balance changes; and climate and town planning.The book is a fine reference for readers interested in geography, particularly the trends, techniques, and approaches used in this discipline.

An Agricultural Geography of Great Britain is a comprehensive account of Great Britain''s agricultural geography. The relationship between agriculture and geography is highlighted, with emphasis on the points of contact between them, including soils, geology, climate, and systems of farming. The farming systems of Great Britain are described, along with the agriculture of Scotland and the border country as well as the agricultural regions of England and Wales. This book is divided into four sections and begins with an overview of the factors affecting the choice of a farming system, including economic circumstances, soil, climate, topography, disease, and the personal preference and individual skills of the farmer. The next section is devoted to Great Britain''s farming systems, which include hill sheep farming and hill sheep with cattle; stock rearing and fattening; dairy farming; horticulture and market gardening, often with some livestock; and pigs and poultry. The agriculture of Scotland and the border country is then considered, followed by a discussion on the agricultural regions of England and Wales. This monograph is intended primarily for agriculturists and geographers as well as students of agricultural geography.

A Social Geography of England and Wales considers the theoretical concepts of the social geography of England and Wales. This book is composed of 11 chapters that discuss the theories of industrialization and urbanization. The opening chapters deal with the origins and settlement of English people, as well as the workings of feudal society with its hierarchy of groups of different legal status, ranging from the king through the base of the system. The succeeding chapters examine the vital formative phase in British social history. Other chapters explore the strengths and weaknesses of several ecological and economic models of urban structure that are transported from North America to Great Britain. A chapter looks into the variations in housing type and quality form intriguing reflections of fundamental differences in British Society based on a theory of housing classes. This text also surveys residents of the inner areas of many British cities now experience substantial social problems, which are compounded in areas of multiple deprivation. The final chapters cover the dispersion of urbanism into the countryside where it has provoked fundamental social and spatial changes related to commuting, retirement migration and tourism. This book is of value to historians, sociologists, researchers, and undergraduate students.

The Geography of Post-War France

A Geography of the Soviet Union, Third Edition presents the significant geographical elements of the contemporary U.S.S.R. This book explores the human, economic, and political conditions and problems posed by the various geographical features. Organized into 11 chapters, this edition begins with an overview of the comparison of the relative sizes of U.S.A, U.K., and U.S.S.R. This text then provides a detailed account of the main features of the geological structure of the Soviet Union. Other chapters consider the latitude distribution of the land area of the U.S.S.R. that is extremely significant in the effect it has on climatic conditions. This book discusses as well the historical geography of Soviet Union, tracing the stages by which so large an area has been brought within the frontiers of a single political unit. This book is intended to be suitable for fifth and sixth level pupils in school as well as for first-year university students.

Elements of Human and Social Geography: Some Anthropological Perspectives examines elements of human and social geography from an anthropological perspective, with emphasis on aspects of socialization. The peasant way of life is described, principally with reference to Middle Eastern communities. This book is comprised of four chapters and begins with a brief outline of some salient features of man''s pre-historic and historic activities. Human evolution and early migrations are discussed, along with the different human races worldwide. The next chapter deals with the social organization of the hunting and gathering primitive groups, paying particular attention to kin groupings such as lineages and clans. The final chapter focuses on peasants and their way of life, especially in the Middle East. Three discrete and fundamental occupational entities in the Middle East are described: pastoral nomads, sedentary agriculturalists, and urban specialists. This monograph will be a valuable resource for students of anthropology, geography, psychology, and other related social sciences.

Population Geography, Second Edition focuses on the relationships between population distribution and environment. This book aims to introduce population study, explain the geographical approach, and suggest a frame on which to hang regional studies of population.This edition begins by defining population geography, followed by a discussion on the types and problems of data and world distribution of population. The measures of population density and distribution, urban and rural populations, patterns of fertility and mortality, and migrations are elaborated. The patterns of population composition that includes age-structure, sex-composition, marital status, families and households, economic composition, nationality, language, religion, and ethnic composition are also considered. This text concludes with a discussion on population growth and resources.This publication is intended as an introduction to population study for geographers.

Urban Geography: An Introductory Analysis, Second Edition provides a concise and pertinent description of geography in the urban area. Analysis of such factors as town planning, climate, and soil chemistry is given. A section of the book enumerates the elements of urban growth. The historical backgrounds of the first cities are discussed. Some of these cities are found in ancient Greece, Italy, and Egypt. Descriptions of urban populations based on occupation are also covered in the book. The book also focuses on such topics as the locations, spacing, and size of urban settlements. A section of the book discusses the characteristics of capital cities like the city of London. Residential and manufacturing areas are explained and identified in the book. A comprehensive review of theories of urban structure is also given. A good list of reference materials regarding geographical writing is included at the end of the book. The text can provide valuable insight for students and researchers of geography and the general public.