practicesafesax asked: I actually had two separate questions. One: Have you read Guns, Germs, and Steel, and if so what do you think of the premises Jared Diamond makes? Secondly, what non-fiction history books would you especially recommend for readability? I'm a semi-student (in my own time, not officially) of history, and I enjoy finding books that deal with lesser-known bits of history, or tie together well-known parts into new conclusions. Do you know of good books like that? Thanks! (enjoy the blog immensely btw
As I have said here and here, I own and often re-read Guns, Germs, and Steel. I generally agree with the premises he makes. I am not an advocate for absolute environmental determinism, but environment does play a huge role in how societies develop. Just look at the development of slavery as we remember it today, which happened solely in places that supported plantation agriculture. Or why Britain has been a deciding factor in many wars in Europe — it is separated by water, so is harder to absolutely defeat. In short, geography plays a key role in history, and must be considered when learning about any people or era. However, on the whole, it is simply too early to make a decision on the overall truth of Jared Diamond’s assertions.
For readability? Since you said you’re interested in Guns, Germs, and Steel, I would recommend Harm de Blij’s Why Geography Matters. Graham Robb’s The Discovery of France is along similar lines, but much more in-depth, and with very interesting anecdotes from France.
-
lourdeseveryday liked this
-
beahbeah liked this
-
ladyragnell liked this
-
sefton-iris liked this
-
stopbeingsheep liked this
-
historical-nonfiction posted this
