More than a dictionary of concepts in physical geography, this book includes a variety of analyses reaching back to origins of terms, making the work of interest to intellectual historians. The search for the intellectual genesis of each term, its development, usage, and change in meaning is accomplished with brevity and clarity. References and sources of additional information accompany each entry and provide readers with the opportunity to further their inquiry. . . . Highly recommended for upper-division and graduate students and general readers Choice This volume provides definitions and historical perspective for specialized and technical concepts used in current research and writing in the field of physical geography. Of particular value to the serious student and professional in geography and related fields, the dictionary covers some 100 major concepts and provides the most complete reference available in the field to date. For each concept, the authors provide detailed definitions, arranged from the earliest to the most recent. They proceed to describe the historical growth of each term using original research works for references whenever possible. This enables the researcher to see how the concept has evolved over time, how it is currently used, and what the general direction of research might be in the future. Each entry also includes a list of prominent references concerning the concept and a bibliography of additional sources of information available such as texts, literature, reviews, important articles, and bibliographies. Complete cross referencing of concepts and an appendix that groups concepts into broad categories make the dictionary an especially valuable reference tool for both beginning students interested in the scope of physical geography and advanced students pursuing graduate study in the field.

"The Larkin and Peters book would be especially helpful for faculty and students outside geography who would need general information concerning concepts and trends in the field. Recommended for academic libraries at all levels, as well as large public libraries." Choice

This biographical dictionary provides sketches of seventy- seven individuals--explorers, writers, and scholars--from Aristotle to David W. Harvey, who made significant contributions to the development of the discipline of geography. The work examines a cross section of geographers from a variety of subfields within the discipline, from ancient to modern.

Each entry examines the career and impact of the individual and then provides selected bibliographies of works by and about the person. The work contains internal cross-referencing, and the entire volume concludes with appendices listing the individuals chronologically as well as by country of birth. It has a general subject index and essential reference material for the general public and students looking for information on key figures and a background to the discipline.