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Alfred W. CrosbyA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
368
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • 15th-19th centuries
1986
Adult
18+ years
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.
Informative
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Unnerving
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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.
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.
1,934 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • 15th-19th centuries
1986
Adult
18+ years
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