(1) Elements of Geography (2) Geography

Abstract

THERE is a certain ruthless analysis, a pitiless perfection of detail as it were, about American scientific writings which leaves the reviewer a little breathless. This is well illustrated in the two works now before us. They are almost too thorough. Every i is dotted, every t crossed; it is the dernier cri in university geography. This complete presentation of the subject, so typically American, is nevertheless invaluable to the student. If not exactly inspiring, it is at any rate challenging, which is better. “That,” say the authors in effect, “is everything known on the subject. Can you get beyond it ?” If the student is content to play for safety, he can come to no harm; but equipped so thoroughly for the fray, the pioneer mind will presently find the weakest link in the iron chain of fact, and push outwards into new fields of learning.

(1) Elements of Geography

By Prof. Vernor C. Finch Prof. Glenn T. Trewartha. (McGraw-Hill Series in Geography.) Pp. x + 782. (New York and London: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1936.) 24s.

(2) Geography:

an Introduction to Human Ecology. By Prof. C. Langdon White and Dr. George T. Renner. (Century Earth Science Series.) Pp. x + 790. (New York and London: D. Appleton-Century Co., Inc., 1936.) 16s. net.