People and Nature: An Introduction to Human Ecological Relations (Primers in Anthropology) - Softcover

"We need more books like this! Moran provides a wonderfully accessible and compelling introduction to the greatest issue of our times. This book is required reading to understand the all-too-human dimension of the environmental crisis and why there is real hope for recovery." Tom Lovejoy, The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment "Vintage Emilio Moran! A highly readable, well grounded and insightful stock- taking of human environmental relations-a perspective that will be highly valued by both students and others concerned with an enlightened view of how our species manages or mismanages its habitat." Daniel G. Bates, Hunter College, CUNY, and Editor, Human Ecology "In this original and thoughtful book, Moran leads readers from the past history of human interactions with natural ecosystems through the present crisis of environmental sustainability and into the future, noting serious challenges, and positive trends as well." Ben Orlove, University of California Davis, and Editor, Current Anthropology "Moran...provides a primer of the field for beginning students, covering current environmental problems from an anthropological perspective and looking to hunter-gatherers, early farmers, and other ancient and traditional peoples for comparison. Students can learn what they can do to make the world simpler and better. Recommended for libraries serving high school and undergraduate students, and anyone interested in living more wisely." Choice "Those among us who would like to better understand the intricate interaction between knowledge on environmental issues and societal reactions will most definitely profit from this little book, which can be whole heartedly recommended." Environmental Geology "The major themes of People and Nature provide a menu rich enough to satisfy any beginning student of ecological anthropology." BioScience "People and Nature is the first volume published within the series titled Primers in Anthropology. The aim of the series is to offer a lively overview on a traditional area of anthropological study, an aim which Moran's book no doubt accomplishes." Journal of Social Anthropology

This book provides a lively and thoughtful introduction to ecological anthropology by examining the evolving relations between human communities and nature. Written by a noted anthropologist, geographer, and environmental scientist, this work: reviews the evolution of human interactions with the natural world - drawing from anthropology and geography; explores those aspects of human ecological relations that seem to account for the greater connectedness of certain societies to their physical environment; and, offers a vision for improved relations between humans and nature.