Historical Geographies by Griffin, Paul; McGeachan, Cheryl;

Short description:

This book provides readers with a thorough grounding in a sub-discipline that revisits the past through a geographical lens. It encourages the reader to pursue researching the past in a usable manner, reflecting on the role of the past in the present and how it might inform geographical thinking.

Long description:

Historical Geographies: The Basics provides readers with a thorough grounding in a sub-discipline that revisits the past through a geographical lens. It encourages the reader to pursue researching the past in a usable manner, reflecting on the role of the past in the present and how it might inform geographical thinking.

Across seven chapters, the authors guide readers through their engagement with the past, via direct encounters with archives and memories, as well as buildings, artefacts and landscapes. It poses critical reflections on how we might work with the potential gaps and fragments in revisiting the past and the ways in which we can follow traces to unearth hidden histories. In doing so, it covers both conceptual questions and practical skills in historical geography. Critical questions include; how might we apply concepts and theories to case studies from the past? How does a researcher move from an historical idea, through to working in an archive, to writing historical geographies? Similarly, and perhaps more practically, how can we find archives or historical methods that work for our project?

The book will be of particular value to undergraduate and postgraduate geographers and historians. Whether taking a historical geography module, preparing a historical geography dissertation, or reflecting on how the past might inform engagement with geographical study, this book will provide a foundational understanding of the sub-discipline for students of global history, environmental history and further afield.

"An essential guide for students new to historical geography. It demystifies the research process with a practical toolkit of hands-on exercises and timely case studies designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and powerfully demonstrate why the past matters now."

Jake Hodder, University of Nottingham, UK

"Historical Geographies: The Basics is a significant and unique contribution for those researching or teaching historical geography. The title in the plural form makes an insightful reference to the sub-discipline's thematic and methodological diversity over recent decades. Organised into seven chapters, the book uses understandable language, creative pedagogical resources, and rich visual aids. The authors provide relevant reflections on how historical geography can contribute to a critical understanding of ‘past geographies’ and envision different futures. This book will be a valuable addition for the international community of historical geographers."

Patrícia Silveira, Fluminense Federal University/UFF

Table of Contents:

1. Why Historical Geography? 2. Sparking Curiosity 3. Archives and Practising Historical Geography 4. Historical Geography and the Vibrancy of Theory 5. Working with Historical Materials 6. Writing Historical Geographies 7. Future Imaginings in Historical Geography Index