Geographic Thought: A Critical Introduction

by Tim Cresswell

This engaging and accessible introduction to geographic thought explores the major thinkers and key theoretical developments in the field of human geography.

Genres: Geography, Nonfiction, Academic, Grad School, School

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Wendelle]

read 3/4, this is an accessible textbook on geographic theory, which elaborates on its historical development and on different schools or branches, such as regional theory, Marxist theory, feminist theory

[Gregor Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that's followed me around for a couple of years finally finished. Provides a great narrative of the thought patterns that have guided geographic thought through its relatively short time as a discipline. Great read and great source for comprehension of the approaches and theories that underpin geographic knowledge and research.

[Alyanna Oquendo · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better textbooks assigned for my geography courses. Most of my classmates didn't care for the writing, but I actually enjoyed it. The concepts were explored well, however, there were a few theories and ideas that I felt could have been better explained such as Foucault's discourses and relational geographies' flat ontology. It took me a couple reads to get the gist. I also think that some of the explanations could have benefited from some diagrams for when Cresswell refers to horizontal and vertical models or other visual descriptions.

If Cresswell ever decides to write another edition some day, I would love to see a chapter on disability geographies considering the growing awareness of mental illness and ableist societal structures. I also think more inclusions of digital, racial, and indigenous geographies could also enrichen a future edition as well as a chapter dedicated to postcolonialism because the final chapter on exclusions simply wasn't enough to give these topics justice.

[Aida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, where do I start? For one, I cannot believe I have fully finished a book recommend to me during my geography degree, as often I only read the recommend chapters/pages or whatever will get me the reference I need 30 minutes before coursework submission (which can be said the same for this book at the very beginning). And for second, I cannot believe I'm writing a review on an academic book on Goodreads. But here I am.

I think the thing that got me here, about the book, is the writing. I really enjoyed Cresswell's writing style. Unlike majority of other academic book, that just state facts, Cresswell writes it in an engaging and personal manner. It really brings you in and makes you wonder about the certain questions he or the authors referenced ask. I also enjoyed how he puts in some personal anecdotes there and there, which has a similar effect, while also expanding your geographic knowledge and seeing how other people have experienced the world.

The book in itself does a great job at explaining said geographic knowledge. Sometimes, Cresswell would use a quote that's far too long and complicated, then summarise it at the end in a simple manner, which I appreciated. He explains aspects quite well, however sometimes it does get repetitive as he basically says the same thing over and over again in different words. It can be impactful, but sometimes just done too much at the point of which I lose what concept is being explained - though this was done rarely. Of the things I didn't understand (majority being things too scientific which I've always resented anyways), I appreciate the reference list.

All in all, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is undertaking a geography degree. I unfortunately only completed this book after graduation, and after 2 years I had initially brought it, which is quite a shame as it really helped me understand aspects of the modules I took in more detail. And unfortunately, Cresswell's first name is the name of a geography lecturer I hated during my time at university, hence the 4 stars.

I know it's not something he can control but I have to be honest during a review, right? And if I'm being honest again, this book left me feeling empty once I finally shut it after reading it all. Hungry for more geographic knowledge.

[thewordlover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear, thorough, and dense introduction to geographic thought. Cresswell’s passion is infectious. The bibliographies at the end of each chapter are an exciting place to turn for more on each topic.

[Grinjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear introduction to geographic thought through ages.

[Robert Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exceptionally well written and a must read for geography students. I read it 2-3 times over the last few years.

[henrique cerqueira · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that every Geography undergraduate should read.

[Nicholas Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and well written explanation of key developments in Geographic thought

[Yujing He · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very recommended book for those who study geography and geography education. The author briefly introduced the mainstream approaches of academic geography. The language is easy to understand when reviewing the evolution of different approaches and philosophical schools to geography, even though it became more and more sophisticated. Some chatpers are too abstract, expecially the post-structuralist geography, but it is still attractive because it reflects a lively and dynamic discipline. To understand such approaches needs experience with age. I will keep in mind that there are some powerful concepts and ideas in this book that can help me to understand the world better when someday I need to use them, though now I am still confused. I believe oneday these concepts and ideas will suddenly enlighten me. These book I will read again and agian. I really appreciate the author professor Tim Cresswell who organized the geographic thoughts so well! This is the best book of the history of geographic thoughts that I have read:)

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a text for a seminar class in geography. Coming from a largely physical geography background it was a big jump in my exposure to the varying formalized ways of viewing the world. For me it was really the conversations that spurred from the readings that I remember. In general I found the text reachable but was in no way a light read for me. This really seems like a book you need to approach with a purpose. The text and all the conversations that came with it firmly set me into geography as a study.

[Aparna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive, if a bit dry, introduction to critical thought and theory for both human and physical geographies. Unfortunately, Cresswell's background in human geography shines through, and he drops the ball a little on the physical side. I'd love to find an equivalent text that uses examples in physical geography that extend past geomorphology.