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Land

How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern World
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( 2,758 ratings, 396 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Land by Simon Winchester explores the concept and history of land ownership, detailing humanity's relationship with land through time. The author combines historical events, scientific developments, and personal anecdotes to illustrate how land has shaped societies, economies, and cultures across the globe.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the history and significance of land ownership and its impact on civilisation. Simon Winchester weaves compelling narratives with historical depth, exploring humanity's relationship with land across different cultures and eras.

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Land

From the bestselling author Simon Winchester, a human history of land around the world: who mapped it, owned it, stole it, cared for it, fought for it and gave it back.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the bestselling author Simon Winchester, a human history of land around the world: who mapped it, owned it, stole it, cared for it, fought for it and gave it back.

In 1889, thousands of hopeful people raced southward from the Kansas state line and westward from the Arkansas boundary to stake claims on the thousands of acres of unclaimed pastures and meadows. Across the twentieth century, water was dammed and drained in Holland so that a new province, Flevoland, rose up, unchartered and requiring new thinking.

In 1850, California legislated the theft of land from Native Americans. An apology came in 2019 from the governor, but what of the call for reparations or return? What of government confiscation of land in India, or questions of fairness when it comes to New Zealand’s Maori population and the legacy of settlers?

The ownership of land has always been complicated, opaque, and more than a little anarchic when viewed from the outside. In Land, Simon Winchester explores the stewardship of land, the ways it is delineated and changes hands, the great disputes, and the questions of restoration - particularly in the light of climate change and colonialist reparation.

A global study, this is an exquisite exploration of what the ownership of land might really mean - not in dry-as-dust legal terms, but for the people who live on it.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Land by Simon Winchester has been praised for its intricate vocabulary, topical themes, and wealth of ideas. Critics highlight its ability to connect disparate historical accounts with drama and narrative flair. Winchester’s prose is described as charming and encyclopaedic, with a unique blend of curiosity, meticulous research, and rich storytelling. The book is seen as a masterful exploration of how Earth's surface has become a commodity, enriched by vivid biographies and illustrations.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008359157

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 January 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 35.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 410g

Pages: 464

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About the Author

Simon Winchester is the bestselling author of ATLANIC, THE MAN WHO LOVED CHINA, A CRACK IN THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, KRAKATOA, THE MAP THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, THE SURGEON OF CROWTHORNE (THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN), THE FRACTURE ZONE, OUTPOSTS and KOREA among many other titles. In 2006 he was awarded an OBE. He lives in western Massachusetts and New York City.

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