The Nature of Mediterranean Europe: An Ecological History

by A.T. Grove, Oliver Rackham

This large volume draws on evidence from fieldwork, historical records, archaeology, pollen analysis and recent research in discussing the ecology of Mediterranean Europe from the past to the present day. Grove and Rackham provide clear explanations and discussions of different ecosystems, of ruined landscapes, climate fluctuations and vegetation change, the impact of fire, terracing, agriculture and man's changing subsistence strategies, of coastal erosion and deforestation. A highly readable book, packed full of information, which also assesses the pessimistic view that many people hold over the future of the landscape and environment.

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2001

Reviews

[Henry DeForest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was essentially a textbook, and as such, it was not necessarily the most thrilling read I've had in a while. With that said, the authors were so incredibly thorough in terms of their treatment and consideration of the Mediterranean landscape, both past and present, that it would be unfair to rate it any less than five stars. Definitely a must-read if you have any interest in doing ecology work in this system.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.T. Grove and O. Rackham's Nature of Mediterranean Europe: An Ecological History is a history of the European Mediterranean with respect to its environment, to its cultural landscape. It opens with presenting its clear ideological goal, which is to provide a counter narrative to what the authors called 'Ruined Landscape' theories (a type of ecological disaster-narratives where human societies always and progressively play a negative role on the otherwise pristine and harmonious Nature) and to argue for the sustainability of traditional land practices. For the authors the fundamental ecological issues the European Mediterranean faces are distinctly modern in origin: depopulation, over use of ground-water, the use of bulldozers or sometimes ill-advised conservation management. Their view is substantiated in +-20 topical chapters (e.g. the role of Fire, Mediterranean Badlands, the Cultivation Terraces etc.) and is based upon the expert knowledge of both authors. This shows throughout the book: a plethora of well-researched arguments with often spurts of erudition, copious use of examples, case-studies, a lavish set of pictures, illustrations etc. often collected by the authors themselves throughout their career.

Though reviewers elsewhere considered the book's somewhat idiosyncratic perspective an unfortunate flaw, certainly when it was published it would have provided a fresh addition to the discussion in the field of ecological history. Fifteen years on however some of the authors' claims have perhaps become untenable. For example: palynological studies throughout the Mediterranean have shown the impact the Roman era civilizations had upon the Mediterranean forests with respect to species composition, the impact of desiccation and the creation of badlands (which the authors argue are not necessarily bad), etc. Furthermore, because the book places its focus on the European Mediterranean, findings in this trend that already existed at the time of the book's publication for the Eastern Mediterranean were left aside.

The book however offers an otherwise in-depth history of the Mediterranean environment and its human inhabitants. Though both authors have a background in science (Geography and Botany), the book combines the ecological and historical perspectives superbly. It is written in a light, widely-accessible style, and is clear and to the point with its arguments. As noted above, it is lavishly illustrated. The erudition and perspectives of traditional Mediterranean agricultural practices, often collected first hand, are still a treasure trove for those who seek to increase their understanding of the ecological history of the Mediterranean landscape. For these reasons I would definitely still recommend it.