Hydroplutonic Kernow

by Robin Mackay (Editor), Caitlin DeSilvey (Foreword)

A geophilosophical odyssey through the remains of Cornwall's industrial past offers a historical portrait of geotrauma in action. This unique document provides a pioneering case study in post-“site-specific” geophilosophy. Based on a weird field trip into Cornwall's mining heartlands with geologists, philosophers, and ecologists as guides, Hydroplutonic Kernow drills down through nature, industry, and cultural capital to site the local within the global, unfolding the telluric plots that manipulated populations and devastated the landscape during the industrial age. In doing so, it provides a historical portrait of geotrauma in action. This geophilosophical odyssey takes us through the remains of the region's industrial past, reading them through the twisted prism of the geocosmic theory of trauma espoused by legendary “cryptographer” Dr. Daniel Barker and further developed by Iranian philosopher Reza Negarestani, and uncovering the deep plot of the Hydroplutonic Conspiracy, the collusion between water and the depths of the earth. Along with full documentation of the trip, the book also contains exegetical materials including an essay by Reza Negarestani, a poem by Jake Chapman, a preface by Caitlin DeSilvey, and an in-depth interview with Mining Engineer Steve Tarrant.

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2020

Reviews

[melancholinary · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to like? A psychogeographical journey into the history of Cornwall's mining sites that involves the discussion of earth as an organic matter, local and global plexus, some geotrauma, and ends with a discussion on recursive gentrification program of extraction taken from Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.

[Hal Lowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how to review this book - it's certainly an interesting read though.

[Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my worldview