Archaeologist Brian Fagan shows that short-term climate shifts, far have been a majorand hitherto unrecognizedforce in history. In 199798, El Nio disrupted weather patterns the world over. Europe suffered a record freeze, the American West was hit by terrible floods and snowstorms, and drought brought famine to East Africa and forest fires to Southeast Asia.In this groundbreaking work of historical meteorology, Brian Fagan shows that these events were neither isolated nor new: El Nio has been wreaking intermittent havoc ...
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Archaeologist Brian Fagan shows that short-term climate shifts, far have been a majorand hitherto unrecognizedforce in history. In 199798, El Nio disrupted weather patterns the world over. Europe suffered a record freeze, the American West was hit by terrible floods and snowstorms, and drought brought famine to East Africa and forest fires to Southeast Asia.In this groundbreaking work of historical meteorology, Brian Fagan shows that these events were neither isolated nor new: El Nio has been wreaking intermittent havoc for at least five millennia. Integrating weather science, archeology, and the narrative gifts of a born storyteller, Fagan shows how dramatic shifts in climate have shaped peoples, places, and history since the dawn of time. }In 1997 and early 1998, one of the most powerful El Nios ever recorded disrupted weather patterns all over the world. Europe suffered through a record freeze as the American West was hit with massive floods and snowstorms; in the western Pacific, meanwhile, some island nations literally went bone dry and had to have water flown in on transport planes. Such effects are not new: climatologists now know the El Nio and other climate anomalies have been disrupting weather patterns throughout history. But until recently, no one had asked how this new understanding of the global weather system related to archaeology and history. Droughts, floods, heat and cold put stress on cultures and force them to adapt. What determines whether they adapt successfully? How do these climate stresses affect a peoples faith in the foundations of their society and the legitimacy of their rulers? How vulnerable is our own society to climate change?In this dazzlingly original new book, archaeologist Brian Fagan shows that short-term climate shifts have been a majorand hitherto unrecognizedforce in history. El Nio-driven droughts have brought on the collapse of dynasties in Egypt; El Nio monsoon failures have caused historic famines in India; and El Nio floods have destroyed whole civilizations in Peru. Other short-term climate changes may have caused the mysterious abandonment of the Anasazi dwellings in the American Southwest and the collapse of the ancient Maya empire, as well as changed the course of European history.This beautifully written, groundbreaking book opens a new door on our understanding of historical events. }
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Seller's Description:
This item is in overall good condition. Covers and dust jackets are intact but may have minor wear including slight curls or bends to corners as well as cosmetic blemishes including stickers. Pages are intact but may have minor highlighting/ writing. Binding is intact; however, spine may have slight wear overall. Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Minor shelf wear overall. Please note that all items are donated goods and are in used condition. Orders shipped Monday through Friday! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
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Seller's Description:
The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
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Good. Good condition. Good dust jacket. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
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Very Good. No Jacket. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. xix, 284 pp. First printing. Light rubbing to the corners of the covers. The binding is tight and square, and the text is clean.
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Good in Very Good jacket. Illustrated green dustjacket. Shelfwear and light bumping to top spine edge of jacket and board. Light amount of pencil underlining.