Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster
Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster
Book Brief
BetaEcology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999496
Book • Nonfiction
Los Angeles, California • 20th century
•
Politics & Government•
Science & Nature1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster, Mike Davis explores the environmental and social vulnerabilities of Los Angeles. He examines how natural disasters, urban myths, and societal anxieties shape residents' perception of the city, influencing both its landscape and cultural narrative.
Informative
Unnerving
Dark
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
1,425 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mike Davis's Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster offers a provocative analysis of Los Angeles, blending historical detail with criticisms of urban planning and media narratives. Though praised for its depth and engaging storytelling, some critics find it overly pessimistic or exaggerated in its apocalyptic visions.
Who Should Read Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster?
Readers interested in urban studies, socio-political issues, and environmentalism would enjoy Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster. Similar works include The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein and City of Quartz by Mike Davis, offering analyses of urban challenges and societal impacts.
1,425 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The book Ecology of Fear by Mike Davis focuses on Los Angeles, exploring the interplay between its natural environment and urban sprawl, often examining the city's vulnerability to natural disasters alongside its cultural mythology.
Mike Davis uses a wide array of sources, including historical records, scientific studies, and even popular culture, to support his examination of Los Angeles' unique ecological and social challenges.
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Ecology of Fear scrutinizes the juxtaposition of civilization and nature in Los Angeles, illustrating how the city embodies both the allure and terror of the American frontier myth through its exposure to natural and man-made disasters.
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496
Book • Nonfiction
Los Angeles, California • 20th century
•
Politics & Government•
Science & Nature1999
Adult
18+ years
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