Review by Martin Koenigsberg
Ian D Rotherham is a professor of Environmental Geography, and a writer on all things geographic and cultural . In Battlescapes, he takes on Geography in War, with all its cultural, social and environmental effects. Meandering from one feature to another , with a particular focus on wetlands, he tells us about the general effect of the ground- or lack of it it wartime- often choosing one or two particular case studies to prove his points. He’s covering wars from the ancient times to the 21st Century- so be prepared to shift lenses often. The canvas is wide- and Rotherham likes to bounce around, so it’s a good read for both Military History buffs and the more general interest reader. I have to say, I was totally enchanted by the myriad of b/w pictures that appear everywhere in the text. Photos, drawings, paintings, prints, and other representations of man’s struggle with each other and the environment at the same time. Sometimes they are well synced up with the text, other times seemingly more random, but always interesting and engaging. I thought the curated collection added to the narrative, even when the tie in was not so obvious. A good package. There are some adult themes, and some graphic discussion of injuries and diseases, so this a good book for the Junior Reader over 12/13 years. The Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast crowd gets a mixed bag. For the Gamer- the scenarios are interesting and the art motivating – but for the specifics of the battles/skirmishes- one will need more- and probably colour sources. The Modeler will get Build/Diorama ideas- but again will need more supporting sources. The Military Enthusiast will get a new lens to view the history we all learn- focused on the location and environment, rather than the political or military motives. It’s more of a think piece, getting the reader to understand how the nature imposes its own rules on military art and culture. An interesting and challenging read.
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