Product Description
Rising densities of human settlements, migration and transport to reduce distances to market, and specialization and trade facilitated by fewer international divisions are central to economic development. The transformations along these three dimensions - density, distance, and division - are most noticeable in North America, Western Europe, and Japan, but countries in Asia and Eastern Europe are changing in ways similar in scope and speed. World Development Report 2009: Reshaping Economic Geography concludes that these spatial transformations are essential, and should be encouraged.The conclusion is not without controversy. Slum-dwellers now number a billion, but the rush to cities continues.Globalization is believed to benefit many, but not the billion people living in lagging areas of developing nations. High poverty and mortality persist among the world's 'bottom billion', while others grow wealthier and live longer lives. Concern for these three billion often comes with the prescription that growth must be made spatially balanced.The WDR has a different message: economic growth is seldom balanced, and efforts to spread it out prematurely will jeopardize progress. The Report: documents how production becomes more concentrated spatially as economies grow; proposes economic integration as the principle for promoting successful spatial transformations; and, revisists the debates on urbanization, territorial development, and regional integration and shows how today's developers can reshape economic geography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A superb introduction to economic geography
In this relatively short book the World Bank writers argue that cities matter more than people have thought. The world is NOT flat, as Thomas Friedman alleges because location still matters greatly. Conglomeration allows for both internal and external economies of scale. Hence, most of the world's income and wealth is tightly clustered around the major cities of the world.

Some of the graphics are stunning.This is one of the best WDR's in many years, and coincidentally was released the year that Paul Krugman won the Nobel Prize for economic geography and trade. ... Read more

Product Description
The Geography of the World Economy provides an in-depth and stimulating introduction to the 'globalization' of the world economy. The book offers a consideration of local, regional, national and global economic development over the long historical term. The theory and practice of economic and political geography provide a basis for understanding the interactions within and among the developed and developing countries of the world. Illustrated in colour throughout, this new edition has been completely reworked and updated to take account of the substantial changes in the world economy, and includes a new chapter on services. It is ideal for upper level university undergraduates and for post-graduates in a variety of specializations including geography, economics, political science, international relations and global studies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good coverage but too many definitions in the first two chapters
This is one of the best textbooks I have seen on the growth of the world economy.It has historic depth and covers all parts of the world not just the US and Europe as do so many others.It also isn't obsessed with multinational corporations as if they were the only story about the evolution of the world economy. There are lots of interesting maps and boxes that even students who have only just graduated from the "painting by numbers" class can understand. The box on how Barbie is made and marketed is a gem. The only problem I have with the book, beyond the fact that by now some of the data are yesterday's news, is that too many definitions of key terms are crammed into the first two chapters. Put them in a glossary at the end!!! Not all students have trouble turning to the back of the book. ... Read more

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Never HIGHLIGHT a Book Again!Virtually all testable terms, concepts, persons, places, and events are included. Cram101 Textbook Outlines gives all of the outlines, highlights, notes for your textbook with optional online practice tests. Only Cram101 Out ... Read more

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Reading Essentials, Student Edition provides concise content of the Student Edition written at a lower grade level, making it perfect for struggling readers and ELL students. ... Read more

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The Student Atlas series combines full-color maps and data sets to introduce students to the importance of the connections between geography and other areas of study such as world politics, environmental issues, and economic development. These thematic atlases will give students a clear picture of the recent agricultural, industrial, demographic, environmental, economic, and political changes in every world region. ... Read more

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Follow the Ring of Fire from New Zealand to South America. Navigate the Blue Nile and walk the Great Wall of China. Meet the first person to reach the South Pole and witness the "Green Revolution" in India. Explore the people, landscapes, and languages of our fascinating planet and uncover the answers to all your questions about world geography . . .

How old is the earth?See page 8.

Can volcanoes form underwater?See page 14.

What are maquiladoras?See page 50.

Why are rain forests so important?See page 63.

Where and what are the Pillars of Hercules? See page 77.

Is the Red Sea really red?See page 88.

What languages are spoken in Africa?See page 112.

Do any plants or animals live in Antarctica?See page 133. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

amazing world geography ; a book of answers for kids
My grandkids loved the book, they can read it one chapter at the time, great for car rides as they can ask each other questions from the book. I would recommendThe New York Public Library Amazing World Geography; A Book of Answers for kids/ ... Read more

Product Description
Since the first publication of World Government in 1990, the world political stage has changed beyond all possible expectations. The end of the Cold War has seen the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the demise of communism. The Middle East has seen both the Gulf War and movements toward peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Somalia and Rwanda are suffering ethnic strife, but apartheid has been abandoned in South Africa. Against the backdrop of such major events, hundreds of other changes and developments have occurred in many nations around the globe.

To reflect these changes, World Government has been thoroughly updated, with major revisions throughout. More than twenty-five maps have been modified to take into account the altered geopolitical status of various nations. Now up-to-date, the revised edition of this visually striking and clearly written volume will appeal to a wide range of readers. It is a unique reference source that will prove indispensable to students and general readers alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Low quality - written for children but intended for adults
There are numerous reference books in this field and all must be better than this.I learned more from reading today's newspaper. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume presents a global view of today's most pressing issues through an analysis of the twelve major regions of the world. Environmental degradation, natural catastrophe, population pressures and human conflict all impact in different ways and to different degrees on the society and environment of these regions. Economic and political restructuring within each region is covered, and topics include: natural resources; agriculture; industry and services; the role of the military; and the impact of global economic change. This work is intended as an introduction for students studying the changing geography of the world, but should also provide a useful overview to students researching specific regions, seeking comparative analysis of regions, or following general courses on the economic and political geography of both the post-industrial and the developing worlds. Over 250 photographs, maps and figures complement a range of boxed case-studies, key points, questions and guides to further reading. ... Read more

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Anyone interested in learning about geographic concepts will appreciate this concise book. The fourth edition presents authoritative content, currency, and outstanding cartography in a technology-rich package. Readers will learn about the most important concepts through a streamlined pedagogy. New coauthor Antoinette WinklerPrins also helps create a seamless integration of multimedia with traditional narrative. An engaging photo program and updated data help make The World Today an exciting book for any reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Please note this is just a study guide, not the book!!
I made the mistake of purchasing this thinking that it was the actual book rather than the actual study guide

The world today, study guide
I am very disappointed with this purchase.The picture shown with the book is not the book.The picture shows the textbook while what I ordered ended up being the study guide.I did not want the study guide; I wanted the text book.Therefore, I purchased the wrong book and now have to pay for shipping to return the book.I have bought books from Amazon several times, but this book was truly a disappointment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Perfect!
I ordered 2 & had to sign for it at the post office. Other than that the order went perfectly. ... Read more

Product Description
Who killed the dead sea?...Where was the garden of Eden?...What's so bad about the badlands?

The author of the critically acclaimed national bestseller Don't Know Much About History now takes us on a fascinating, breathtaking and hilarious grand tour of the planet Earth -- opening our eyes and imaginations to a wide, wild, and wonderful world we never knew.Amazon.com Review
You might think you need to look at a map to learn "everythingyou need to know" about geography, but Kenneth C. Davis provesotherwise. In this hugely entertaining and informative program, Davistakes a different approach to learning about the world by pointing outits relevance--and importance--in every sphere of humanlife. Geography, Davis explains, has been sadly misunderstood, whichaccounts for the fact that Americans consistently score lowest amongpeoples of industrialized nations when it comes to "knowing where weare." He sets out to show listeners how this "mother lode of sciences,the hub of a circle from which all the other studies radiate" informsdisciplines ranging from meteorology, climatology, and oceanography toeconomics, ecology, and political science. Rather than looking atgeography as a parade of facts about where things are located, heencourages an approach that considers human and natural history in itslarger context--and the universe as a large canvas upon which thefascinating story of life is drawn. Using his familiar question-and-answer method, Davis offers interesting anecdotes to explain, forexample, who invented the compass; why wars are always fought overgeography; the differences between country, republic, nation, andstate; why the tallest mountain in the world is getting even taller;and much more. Succinct discussions coupled with Davis's livelywriting style makes this a perfect candidate for audiopresentation. Indeed, listening to this program without the aid ofvisuals underscores the sense conveyed that geography is as much abouthow we think about the world as where things are in physicalspace--that it is about the "tender connections that keep the earthalive." (Running time: three hours, two cassettes) --UmaKukathas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Quick lesson with wit and humor.
Don't Know Much About Geography is a quick lesson about all things geography.As Davis points out "Geography is History", and therfore a majority of the book also deals with the history of the world and exploration and understanding of it.

The book jumps from topic to topic with interesting stories and aneqdotes and answers commonly asked geography questions.This is a fabulous book for teachers who want a quick overview of geography and world history and then will be able to answer the most frequently asked questions in the classroom.Some topics can be a little dry, but others are wildly entertaining. My favorite being the discussion of the Amazon women. (From the Caspian Sea, not South America which were named for the former.)

"To the Greeks, the Amazons were a race of brave female warriors who cut off one of their breasts in order to be able to carry their shields or to draw their bows with greater ease; their name derives from the Greek word for breastless. The Amazons supposedly fought on the side of Troy in the Trojan War. Amazonia was an empire of women who did not tolerate the presence of men. Their only contact with the opposite sex was at an annual festival designed to ensure the reproduction of their race. Once in Amazonia, the males were dispassionately used and then transformed into eunuchs and kept as slaves or expediently disposed of. Only the female children were kept by the Amazons; the boys were sent away."

Kenneth C. Davis has a collection of "Don't Know Much About..." books. Everything from History, to the Bible, planet earth, kings and queens of Europe, mythology, the 50 States, the Civil War, etc.They are a great read to brush up on your knowledge quickly all while being entertained with wit and humor.

Interesting but too many errors
At least one of his dates are off by 401 years. The suicide at Masada took place in 70 A.D. not 471. Clearly this is one thing that you don't need to know because it didn't happen 30 years short of a time period we call medieval Europe. Does this guy even know what was really happening in Jerusalem in 471?

Educational But Has Many Mistakes
Don't Know Much About Geography is a very interesting and easy to listen to audiobook.The problem with the book, which is well-known, is that is contains many factual errors.That's why it's hard to recommend this book.

But I enjoyed listening to it and learned more than I expected.Many basic subjects of geography are covered, and I never tire of this subject.Geography affords the opportunity to include a lot of excellent trivia, and this book does not disappoint in that regard.I won't spoil anything by telling these trivia facts.

I think this is a worthy book to listen to providing that you can tolerate the errors, and it would be embarrassing to take the errors as fact and then represent them as such to others.

Rambling and encyclopedic
The basis of this book is an outline of general geographic terms.Each discussion is usually introduced with a some playful question that is then properly explained.After providing a brief answer, the author then tends to go off in some direction, adding facts and opinion related to that subject.Sometimes this discussion is merely an encyclopedia-like enumeration of geographic features.At other times, he goes rambling off in tangentially related discussion (such as a long war discussion.)Nearly all discussions are filled with wit and opinion.Some of these discussion were quite enjoyable, while others are a mere waste of paper.The book is more than a decade old, so some discussion (especially is diversions into current events and politics) seem quite dated.

While there is a very lose narrative, each section is fairly independent, making it easy to read any given section.However, some of these independent sections seem to be a little too rambling to be used as a 'bathroom' book.

The book is certainly more enjoyable than a geography textbook, however it will take a lot longer to get through than a simple encylcopedia article.

"Don't Know Much About.." Series is Excellent!
I've read all of the books in the "Don't Know Much About.." series. If you're interested in getting a rather thorough overview without becoming an expert, these books are for you. They are so easy to read, that I couldn't but them down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Wrong Choic
This is one of two possible texts that can be used in Texas to teach world geography.It comes in tenth in a field of two.The book is poorly arranged and is rife with editorial and political comment disguised as information.The relationship and importance of geography to current real world events is passed over perfunctorily. As a tutor, I use the National Geographic World geography text(the other one approved for Texas) even when the school district has chosen this one.Nat Geo is way less political and opinionated and goes much further in relating this course to the real future lives of its students. ... Read more

Product Description
Pulling from an impressive team of ten authors, each chapter in this book has been authored by an expert in the region to provide the utmost accuracy and relevancy. World Regional Geography, 10/e explores the character of the world’s people, with a central theme of human development, for an issues-oriented overview of each region. An emphasis on subregions (places within regions) enables readers to explore specific locales. An economic development themeoffers a more conceptual treatment than the traditional coverage of this topic.
Basic Concepts and Ideas; The United States and Canada; Latin America and the Caribbean; Europe; Northern Eurasia; Central Asia and Afghanistan; The Middle East and North Africa; Africa South of the Sahara; South Asia; East Asia; Southeast Asia; Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
A useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the different regions of the world.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Bored to Tears
I'm currently taking World Geography and we're using this book. Honestly, I read half of the first chapter, and I was almost bored to tears. It comes across as extremely wordy, and it takes a chapter for them to explain a concept that could sufficiently be said in a few sentences. However, I didn't read the whole book, so perhaps it gets better as you read along.

satisfactory
the book was in really good condition. the only thing was that the cover looks like it's been water-damaged. but other than that i'm pleased with the purchase.

Perfect Shape
I received this product very quickly.It was in perfect shape and condition, so what more could I ask for?

Great Geography book
I love this book and I take world regional geography and it is a great class to learn from. It is an awesome book. I have learned a lot from this book in my World Geography class and I now know more about the United States and Canada and other countries just by reading the first two chapters in this book.

OK
Book has alot of text for a geography book that is supposed to contain lots of pictures. ... Read more

Product Description
This book addresses questions surrounding the constructions of space, culture, society, identity and representation. The geography of cinema extends beyond the screen, director and audience, to include the wider industrial and political complex of the cultural economy. In this sense, culture can be viewed as an economic commodity set within the broader frame of globalization and postmodernism. A cinematic world occupies a territory between our citys streets, the Cineplex, the TV set, and our geographical imagination and identity. These contexts invite inquiries into the production, distribution, exhibition, and consumption of film as well as global cinema, hapticalities of viewing, critical political economies, and cinematic ethno-graphies. This collection provides unique and eclectic insights into the exciting and emerging subfield of film geography. ... Read more