43 pages 1 hour read

Alfred W. Crosby

Ecological Imperialism: The Biological Expansion of Europe, 900-1900

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Ecological Imperialism: The Biological Expansion of Europe, 900-1900 by Alfred W. Crosby explores how European colonialism extended beyond just the migration of people to the widespread transformation of ecosystems through the introduction of European plants, animals, and microorganisms. The book discusses the historical context of European expansion, the development of seafaring technology, and the establishment of Neo-Europes, focusing on the role of ecological factors in colonial success, with a detailed case study of New Zealand. Military violence and exploitation of indigenous populations appear in the book.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Alfred W. Crosby's Ecological Imperialism praise its innovative examination of how Europeans reshaped new worlds through ecological means. Critics commend Crosby's interdisciplinary approach and rich historical detail. Some find the narrative dense and occasionally Eurocentric. Overall, it is considered a seminal, though sometimes challenging, work in environmental history.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ecological Imperialism?

Readers who appreciate Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel or Charles C. Mann’s 1491 will be captivated by Crosby's Ecological Imperialism. Ideal for those interested in environmental history, ecological impacts of colonization, and interdisciplinary analyses involving history, biology, and geography.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: European

Science / Nature

Anthropology

Themes

Society: Colonialism

Natural World: Environment

Genre

Anthropology