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The Edge of the Plain
How Borders Make and Break Our World
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The Edge of the Plain
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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?
Blending history, travel and reportage, this is a wide-ranging journey through the history of borders and an examination of their role in shaping our world today
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Description
No matter where you turn, it seems that the taut lines of borders are vibrating to—or even calling—the tune of global events.
Today, there are more borders in the world than ever before in human history. Beginning with the earliest known example, Crawford travels to many borders old and new: from a melting glacial landscape to the conflict-torn West Bank and the fault-lines of the US/Mexico border. He follows the story of borders into our fragile and uncertain future—towards the virtual frontiers of the internet and the shifting geography of a world beset by climate change.
As nationalism, climate change, globalisation, technology and mass migration all collide with ever-hardening borders, something has to give. And Crawford asks, is it time to let go of the lines that divide us?
The Edge of the Plain challenges us to rethink the world we live in and the borders we've drawn around ourselves. In an era where these lines are tested by forces beyond our control, Crawford's exploration offers a timely and thought-provoking perspective.
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?
The Edge of the Plain by James Crawford has been described as a richly essayistic exploration of borders and their impact on the world, from historical constructions like Hadrian's Wall to modern digital divisions like China's Great Firewall. Reviews highlight the book's challenge to the effectiveness and humanity of current borders, encouraging readers to consider alternative possibilities. The work is noted for its erudition and engagement, prompting thoughtful reflection on the enduring power of lines on a map and the feasibility of moving beyond them.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781838852061
Publisher: Canongate Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 August 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Canongate Books
Edition: Main
Illustration: Integrated b/w photos
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 26.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 287g
Pages: 432
About the Author
James Crawford is an acclaimed historian, publisher and broadcaster. Born in Shetland in 1978, he studied History and Philosophy of Law at the University of Edinburgh, winning the Lord President Cooper Memorial Prize, and for over a decade he worked for and researched Scotland's National Collection of architecture and archaeology. He is the author of Fallen Glory: The Lives and Deaths of the World's Greatest Lost Buildings, which was shortlisted for best non-fiction book at the Saltire Literary Awards, and he has scripted and presented three series of the landmark BBC One documentary Scotland from the Sky. In 2019 he was named as the first-ever Scottish ambassador for the UK Archive and Records Association's 'Explore Your Archives' campaign. He lives in Edinburgh.@Jdcrawf | jamescrawford.space
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