From the 10th to 15th centuries the earth experienced a rise in surface temperature that changed climate worldwide-a preview of today's global warming. In some areas; including much of Western Europe; longer summers brought bountiful crops and population growth that led to cultural flowering. In others; drought shook long-established societies; such as the Maya and the Indians of the American Southwest; whose monumental buildings were left deserted as elaborate social structures collapsed. Brian Fagan examines how subtle changes in the environment had far-reaching effects on human life; in a narrative that sweeps from the Arctic ice cap to the Sahara to the Indian Ocean. The lessons of history suggest we may be yet be underestimating the power of climate change to disrupt our lives today.
#627281 in Books New Press; The 2007-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 1.25 x 5.50l; 1.18 #File Name: 159558174X458 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Compelling; Comprehensive; and DisturbingBy EarlBWithout getting into the entire synopsis of the story; Wymann's book; somewhat monumental on the subject; is not only disturbing and perhaps even depressing; but well researched and well written.At least for me; the perk of this book is that it escapes the sometimes classical book: simply rushing in one subject. Wymann may have just wrote 400+ pages all looming with the message "the Allies abandoned the Jews". This would not be very informative. But the author evades drilling one point over and over. He visits several different scenarios - for example; there is large coverage of the immigration restrictions; and there's a part about the Allies' evasiveness in backing plans; sometimes the part of only a few individuals; such as State Department heads and etc. And of course there's the discussion of the plans to the trains to Auschwitz; etc.In all; it is a voluminous work. Though the subject has hardly faded since the 1980s when the books was written; this book is certainly a significant; if not a basic; source on that subject.If readers are interested further; Martin Gilbert has also written a book on the subject which is equal in quality to Wymann's book; if not better: Auschwitz the Allies. While Wymann brings much study on the pre-war immigration restrictions and refusal of refuge to Jews; Gilbert focuses mainly on the Allies' knowledge of; and reaction to; the Holocaust.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A truthful account of America and the situation of the European Jews in World War II.By Anthony TheilleThis is one of the best books that I have read on America and the. fate of the European Jews during World War II. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants the truth about the role that America played with regard to the situation of the European Jews in World War II.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good referenceBy krystalbirdI haven't finished reading it but it's well written yields good information so far.
