Alastair Bonnett

This is the age of ruins. The wrecks of our speeding, super-sizing, impatient era can be found on the Moon and at the bottom of the sea, in the internet’s haunted attics, in desecrated jungles and in abandoned shopping malls inhabited by dust and spiders. We live amid the accumulating debris of an economy that can’t stop producing, building and digging, creating mountains of stuff, little of which lasts very long. The old ruins, those pleasant antiquities, blocks of Sun-warmed marble wedged in romantic sands, are reassuring, and speak of a time when clocks turned slowly. The ruins of the industrial era, old brick-built factories, seem equally distant. They are sweetly melancholic: the wind pushes one last squeak from a rusty wheel and corridors echo with memories of heavy, well-oiled machines. The old ruins appeal to us because we’re nostalgic for a world that was less frantic. We like to be fooled that ruins are from the past when, in fact, they describe our present. This is a book about 21 new ruins. Each one challenges our ideas about what ruins look like and each one has a unique story to tell. They all linked, not just by their novelty, but because each offers a portrait of a world in which abandonment and collapse have become normalised. Part of what makes the new ruins so strange is their uncertainty. Yesterday’s ruins are frozen in time. No one is planning to rebuild Pompeii. The new ruins are queasier. They are dead but, somehow, keep breathing: the ruined virtual kingdom can be rebooted, so too the empty retail park. Perhaps even wrecked nature can be resurrected, the Amazon rebuilt, the ocean’s eco-systems reconstructed. The new ruins are zombies, dead but always threatening to spring back to life. In many cities ruins are everywhere. Ruination flows from so many aspects of modern life – its remorseless innovation as well as its destructiveness – that we may be losing our ability to see what a strange, churning world it has created. This title drags new ruins into the light and shows how extraordinary they are. You will never think of ruins in the same way again.

Turn the pages of this thought-provoking book and discover maps that challenge conventional wisdom, confront social and political norms and offer fresh perspectives on familiar landscapes.This meticulously curated selection of 40 maps spans the ages, from ancient parchment scrolls to cutting-edge digital creations. Each map is a window into a different facet of our world, shedding light on the complex interplay of geography, geopolitics, art, history, science and society.Maps have always held the power to transport us, not just from one place to another, but from one state of mind to another. Beyond their utilitarian function, maps have an extraordinary ability to tell stories, reveal truths and inspire revolutions.They are not mere drawings of geographic boundaries, but gateways to the collective wisdom of humanity. You'll encounter maps that dissect the intricate tapestry of human migration, maps that unveil the secrets of the cosmos and maps that expose the stark realities of our changing climate. These maps are not just illustrations; they are provocations, invitations to rethink the world.40 Maps That Will Change How You See the World is not just a book for geographers or history buffs; it is a profound exploration for anyone with a curious mind. Whether you're an armchair traveller, a seasoned explorer, a student of geopolitics or an art aficionado, this book will challenge your preconceptions, spark lively discussions and deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.

Explore the World’s Most Extraordinary Islands: A Journey Through the Strange, Scary, Remote, and Naturally OddDive in to a captivating exploration of 29 of the world’s most unique and enigmatic islands, each with its own compelling story. This visually stunning book is divided into four sections, each revealing a different facet of these extraordinary locales:Strange Uncover islands that defy the ordinary. From Ocean Flower in China, an artificial lotus-shaped archipelago now mired in financial ruin, to Santa Cruz Del Islote, 'the world's most crowded island', these islands challenge the boundaries of imagination. Marvel at the Floating City in the Pacific, a visionary eco-island, and learn about Kihnu, famous for the central and visible role of its women.Scary Venture into the eerie and unsettling. Discover Runit’s ominous concrete dome packed with nuclear waste, or the haunted island of Poveglia off the coast of Venice. Experience the chilling history of Fire Island, where Russia's most dangerous murderers are imprisoned.Remote Journey to the furthest corners of the Earth. Explore Socotra and its unique flora and fauna, and Inaccessible Island, surrounded by cliffs and rarely seen by human eyes. Visit Fort Jefferson, a remote and enigmatic outpost of the American landscape. Encounter North Sentinel Island, home to the world’s last uncontacted tribe.Naturally Odd Marvel at nature’s peculiar creations. Witness René-Levasseur, a circular island formed by a meteor impact, and Ferdinandea, a volcanic island currently underwater. Discover the magical floating islands of pumice and ice, and the first discovered extraterrestrial islands. Each chapter is a voyage into islands of wonder and mystery, offering a unique perspective on our world's most intriguing and lesser-known corners. Whether it’s an exploration of ambitious human endeavors or natural marvels, this book is a visual and narrative feast for the curious traveller.

Imagina que... * Tomas el sol en una isla creada de manera artificial con espuma helada.* Colonizas una ciudad junto a Chern bil que jam s lleg a ser habitada.* Pernoctas en un cementerio habitado (por vivos) en el norte de Manila.* Visitas un microestado fundado en una plataforma armament stica en mitad del oc ano.* Conoces al amor de tu vida en una campi a brit nica, capital del sexo al aire libre. Alastair Bonnett escribe sobre 48 lugares fuera del mapa. Una oda a la peculiaridad de un lugar frente a un mundo globalizado. A lo inesperado en un planeta mapeado (y por tanto explicado) por las nuevas grandes corporaciones. A las fronteras difusas y las fantas as reales. A la idea de que ni el hombre actual lo sabe todo ni todo est descubierto y conquistado. Al territorio como f brica de nuestras vidas, donde construimos nuestra identidad y memoria. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION New islands are under construction or emerging because of climate change. Eccentric enclaves and fantastic utopian experiments are multiplying. Once-secret fantasy gardens are cracking open their doors to outsiders. Our world is becoming stranger by the day--and Alastair Bonnett observes and captures every fascinating change. In Beyond the Map, Bonnett presents stories of the world's most extraordinary spaces--many unmarked on any official map--all of which challenge our assumptions about what we know--or think we know--about our world. As cultural, religious and political boundaries ebb and flow with each passing day, traditional maps unravel and fragment. With the same adventurous spirit he effused in the acclaimed Unruly Places, Bonnett takes us to thirty-nine incredible spots around the globe to explore these changing boundaries and stimulate our geographical imagination. Some are tied to disruptive contemporary political turbulence, such as the rise of ISIL, Russia's incursions into Ukraine and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom. Others explore the secret places not shown on Google Earth or reflect fast-changing landscapes. Beyond the Map journeys out into a world of mysterious, daunting and magical spaces. It is a world of hidden cultures and ghostly memories, of uncountable new islands and curious stabs at paradise. From the phantom tunnels of the Tokyo subway to a stunning movie-set re-creation of 1950s-era Moscow; from the caliphate of the Islamic State to virtual cybertopias--this book serves as an imaginative guide to the farthest fringes of geography.

First published in 1993, Radicalism, Anti-Racism and Representation is a study set within a wider political context for the discussion of ‘racial’ representation and anti-racism. The second half of the book is devoted to interview-based exploration of the ambiguities and political characteristics of ‘race’ equality consciousness amongst public educators. It is shown that there is no one anti-racism. Different ideals and assumptions have been arrived at within different historical and geographical contexts. It is suggested that this intellectual plurality provides a resource for those wishing to rethink anti-racism in the light of its contemporary malaise. The study also explores and explains the development of self-critical, reflexive, anti-racist and radical consciousness amongst educators. The book provides the first sociological study of anti-racism. Indeed, it is the first to provide a substantive critique of anti-racism from outside the New Right. It is also the first to look at this phenomenon geographically and to compare anti-racism in ‘multiracial’ and ‘white’ areas. This book will be of interest to students of human geography, sociology, history, ethnic studies, and race studies.

Turn the pages of this thought-provoking book and discover maps that challenge conventional wisdom, confront social and political norms and offer fresh perspectives on familiar landscapes.This meticulously curated selection of 40 maps spans the ages, from ancient parchment scrolls to cutting-edge digital creations. Each map is a window into a different facet of our world, shedding light on the complex interplay of geography, geopolitics, art, history, science and society.Maps have always held the power to transport us, not just from one place to another, but from one state of mind to another. Beyond their utilitarian function, maps have an extraordinary ability to tell stories, reveal truths and inspire revolutions.They are not mere drawings of geographic boundaries, but gateways to the collective wisdom of humanity. You'll encounter maps that dissect the intricate tapestry of human migration, maps that unveil the secrets of the cosmos and maps that expose the stark realities of our changing climate. These maps are not just illustrations; they are provocations, invitations to rethink the world.40 Maps That Will Change How You See the World is not just a book for geographers or history buffs; it is a profound exploration for anyone with a curious mind. Whether you're an armchair traveller, a seasoned explorer, a student of geopolitics or an art aficionado, this book will challenge your preconceptions, spark lively discussions and deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.

Do you want to get better at developing your argument, but don't know where to start? This book breaks down different types of argument, from writing to presenting and exam technique. It's ideal for students of all levels and of all study areas, making this a go-to text for everyone. Key features include: - Chapter objectives and key topics to ensure it's the right chapter for you - Tips, exercises and useful phrases to apply the content to your learning - A glossary and further reading to broaden your arguing technique Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university.

Do you want to get better at developing your argument, but don't know where to start? This book breaks down different types of argument, from writing to presenting and exam technique. It's ideal for students of all levels and of all study areas, making this a go-to text for everyone. Key features include: - Chapter objectives and key topics to ensure it's the right chapter for you - Tips, exercises and useful phrases to apply the content to your learning - A glossary and further reading to broaden your arguing technique Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university.

Originality is needed to achieve top marks in assignments, but what does it even mean? Simply put, it opens doors: to making a difference; to excellent marks, to success. You’ll often find marking criteria stating you need to make an ‘original contribution’, ‘show originality’, or ‘evidence of originality’, yet it is not taught or even explained. This book addresses this, providing you with the techniques and methods you need to transform your work and achieve better grades. It will even give you the upper hand in the age of AI. Key features include: · Diverse examples of originality in writing · "Try this" exercises, allowing you to develop your skills · Different ways of being original, such as taking photos and drawing maps · Originality in different forms of assignments, such as presentations and exams With the guidance in this book, anyone can be original. Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university.

Originality is needed to achieve top marks in assignments, but what does it even mean? Simply put, it opens doors: to making a difference; to excellent marks, to success. You’ll often find marking criteria stating you need to make an ‘original contribution’, ‘show originality’, or ‘evidence of originality’, yet it is not taught or even explained. This book addresses this, providing you with the techniques and methods you need to transform your work and achieve better grades. It will even give you the upper hand in the age of AI. Key features include: · Diverse examples of originality in writing · "Try this" exercises, allowing you to develop your skills · Different ways of being original, such as taking photos and drawing maps · Originality in different forms of assignments, such as presentations and exams With the guidance in this book, anyone can be original. Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university.

What is geography? Geography is a fundamental fascination with, and a crucial method for, understanding the way the world works. This text offers readers a short and highly accessible account of the ideas and concepts constituting geography. Drawing out the key themes that define the subject, What s Geography? demonstrates how and why these themes—like environment and geopolitics—are of fundamental importance.Including discussion of both the human and the natural realms, the text looks at key themes such as environment, space, and place—as well as geography's methods and the history of the discipline.Introductory but not simplified, What Is Geography? provides students with the ability to understand the history and context of the subject without any prior knowledge. Designed as a key transitional text for students entering undergraduate courses, this book will be of interest to all readers interested in and intrigued by the “geographical imagination.”

What is geography? Geography is a fundamental fascination with, and a crucial method for, understanding the way the world works. This text offers readers a short and highly accessible account of the ideas and concepts constituting geography. Drawing out the key themes that define the subject, What s Geography? demonstrates how and why these themes—like environment and geopolitics—are of fundamental importance.Including discussion of both the human and the natural realms, the text looks at key themes such as environment, space, and place—as well as geography's methods and the history of the discipline.Introductory but not simplified, What Is Geography? provides students with the ability to understand the history and context of the subject without any prior knowledge. Designed as a key transitional text for students entering undergraduate courses, this book will be of interest to all readers interested in and intrigued by the “geographical imagination.”

First published in 1993, Radicalism, Anti-Racism and Representation is a study set within a wider political context for the discussion of ‘racial’ representation and anti-racism. The second half of the book is devoted to interview-based exploration of the ambiguities and political characteristics of ‘race’ equality consciousness amongst public educators. It is shown that there is no one anti-racism. Different ideals and assumptions have been arrived at within different historical and geographical contexts. It is suggested that this intellectual plurality provides a resource for those wishing to rethink anti-racism in the light of its contemporary malaise. The study also explores and explains the development of self-critical, reflexive, anti-racist and radical consciousness amongst educators. The book provides the first sociological study of anti-racism. Indeed, it is the first to provide a substantive critique of anti-racism from outside the New Right. It is also the first to look at this phenomenon geographically and to compare anti-racism in ‘multiracial’ and ‘white’ areas. This book will be of interest to students of human geography, sociology, history, ethnic studies, and race studies.

Explorer and geographer Alastair Bonnett takes us on a thought-provoking tour of the world's most fascinating islands, featuring hand-drawn maps, color photos, and stories from his travels. There are millions of islands on our planet. New islands are being built at an unprecedented rate, for tourism and territorial ambition. Many are also disappearing, besieged by rising sea levels. The story of our world's islands is one of the great dramas of our time, and it is playing out around the planet--islands are sprouting or being submerged everywhere from the South China Sea to the Atlantic. Elsewhere is the story of this strange and mesmerizing planetary spectacle. In this book, explorer and geographer Alastair Bonnett takes us on a thought-provoking tour of the world's most fascinating islands. He traveled the globe to provide a firsthand look at numerous islands, sketching a vivid likeness of each one he visited. From a "crannog," an ancient artificial island in a Scottish loch, to the militarized artificial islands China is building; from the disappearing islands that remain the home of native Central Americans to the ritzy new islands of Dubai; from Hong Kong to the Isles of Scilly--all have compelling stories to tell. As we journey around the world with Bonnett, he addresses urgent contemporary issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the changing balance of world power as reflected in the fates of islands. Along the way, we also learn about the many ways islands rise and fall, the long and little-known history of human island-building and the prospect that the inland hills and valleys will one day be archipelagos. Featuring Bonnett's charming hand-drawn maps and 33 full-color photos, Elsewhere is a captivating travel book for any armchair adventurer.

Racism is a world problem. From Morocco to China, Brazil to Indonesia, racism is being debated and contested. Multiracism broadens the horizon on this global challenge, showing that racism has a diverse history with multiple roots and routes. Drawing on examples of racism from across the globe, with particular focus on cases from Asia and Africa, Alastair Bonnett rethinks the origins of racism and the connections between racism and modernity. Arguing that plural modernities are interwoven with plural racisms, he explores the relationship of racism to history, religion, politics, and nationalism, as well as to anti-Black prejudice and discourses of whiteness. Empirically rich, with numerous in-depth case studies, Multiracism equips readers to understand racism in a multipolar world where power is no longer the sole possession of the West. It provides and provokes a new, international, and post-Western vision of racism for the twenty-first century.

Racism is a world problem. From Morocco to China, Brazil to Indonesia, racism is being debated and contested. Multiracism broadens the horizon on this global challenge, showing that racism has a diverse history with multiple roots and routes. Drawing on examples of racism from across the globe, with particular focus on cases from Asia and Africa, Alastair Bonnett rethinks the origins of racism and the connections between racism and modernity. Arguing that plural modernities are interwoven with plural racisms, he explores the relationship of racism to history, religion, politics, and nationalism, as well as to anti-Black prejudice and discourses of whiteness. Empirically rich, with numerous in-depth case studies, Multiracism equips readers to understand racism in a multipolar world where power is no longer the sole possession of the West. It provides and provokes a new, international, and post-Western vision of racism for the twenty-first century.

'Extraordinary... A fascinating and intelligent book.' Sunday TimesNew islands are being built at an unprecedented rate whether for tourism or territorial ambition, while many islands are disappearing or fragmenting because of rising sea levels. It is a strange planetary spectacle, creating an ever-changing map which even Google Earth struggles to keep pace with. In The Age of Islands, explorer and geographer Alastair Bonnett takes the reader on a compelling and thought-provoking tour of the world's newest, most fragile and beautiful islands and reveals what, he argues, is one of the great dramas of our time.From a 'crannog', an ancient artificial island in a Scottish loch, to the militarized artificial islands China is building in the South China Sea; from the disappearing islands that remain the home of native Central Americans to the ritzy new islands of Dubai; from Hong Kong and the Isles of Scilly to islands far away and near: all have urgent stories to tell.