Geography: Physical, Economic, Regional

Abstract

ESSENTIALLY this book is an account of the earth, its surroundings, and its products in relation to man, but, since it is addressed particularly to citizens of the United States, nearly all its illustrations, verbal and pictorial, are taken from North America and the possessions of the United States, and all the references, with few exceptions, are to American writers. In view of the fact, admitted by the author, that “the future history of America is to be inseparably connected with that of the rest of the world.” more attention might have been directed to other countries; for instance, some of the street-scenes in American cities might have yielded to views in European or Asiatic capitals. It is, however, right that geographical study should begin with the home region, and this idea frequently finds expression in the inquiries suggested at the end of each chapter—e.g. “Make a careful study of the influence of geographic environment in your own State or locality. What factors are the most important? Are there any national forests in your State? Locate them. Is the Federal Government aiding in road construction in your vicinity?” But other suggestions will broaden the reader's outlook—e.g. “How will the economic geography of France be changed by the restoration of Alsace-Lorraine? What made possible the shinping of meat and dairy products from Australia and New Zealand to the British Isles?” These Questions cannot be answered from the book itself. He who succeeds in answering them all will have had to read and think much, and will have become a more valuable citizen.

Geography: Physical, Economic, Regional.

By J. F. Chamberlain. (Lippincott's School Text Series.) Pp. xviii + 509. (London: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1921.) 15s. net.