Title
Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Dirt, soil, call it what you wantit's everywhere we go. It is the root of our existence, supporting our feet, our farms, our cities. This fascinating yet disquieting book finds, however, that we are running out of dirt, and it's no laughing matter. An engaging natural and cultural history of soil that sweeps from ancient civilizations to modern times, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations explores the compelling idea that we areand have long beenusing up Earth's soil. Once bare of protective vegetation and exposed to wind and rain, cultivated soils erode bit by bit, slowly enough to be ignored in a single lifetime but fast enough over centuries to limit the lifespan of civilizations. A rich mix of history, archaeology and geology, Dirt traces the role of soil use and abuse in the history of Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, China, European colonialism, Central America, and the American push westward. We see how soil has shaped us and we have shaped soilas society after society has risen, prospered, and plowed through a natural endowment of fertile dirt. David R. Montgomery sees in the recent rise of organic and notill farming the hope for a new agricultural revolution that might help us avoid the fate of previous civilizations.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations'? A: The book explores the critical role that soil plays in civilizations, discussing how the depletion of soil has historically led to the decline of societies.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations'? A: The author is David R. Montgomery, a notable figure in the field of geology and environmental science.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, providing durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages does 'Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations' have? A: This book contains a total of 295 pages.
- Q: When was 'Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations' published? A: The book was published on May 14, 2007.
- Q: What are some key topics covered in the book? A: Key topics include the history of soil use in various civilizations, the impact of soil erosion, and the potential for sustainable agricultural practices.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone without a background in geology? A: Yes, the book is written in an engaging manner that makes it accessible to readers without a scientific background.
- Q: What are the potential benefits of reading this book? A: Readers can gain insights into the historical significance of soil, the consequences of soil degradation, and learn about sustainable practices that can help preserve soil.
- Q: Does the book include any illustrations or photographs? A: While the primary focus is on the text, the book may include maps or diagrams to support the content.
- Q: What edition of 'Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations' is available? A: This book is available in its first edition.