The New Oxford Progressive Geography: Certificate Physical and Human Geography

by Goh Cheng Leong

"Certificate Physical and Human Geography" brings together all the main aspects of physical geography, world climatic and vegetational regions and human geography so that the relationships between them can be easily appreciated. Local examples have been used as often as possible to give students a more thorough understanding of the principles involved. Maps, diagrams, graphs and photographs assist students in their interpretation of geographical facts. Questions and exercises are included to enable students to test their own understanding of the subject.

Genres: Geography, Academic, Nonfiction, India, Science

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 1979

Reviews

[Raovarinder Singh]

This book is an indispensible tool for preparing core concepts of psysical geography for Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
Gives a lucid and crystal clear explanation of concepts.Presentation is excellant. One of the best book availiabale in the market.Serious aspirants just go for it.!!
Hats off to flipcart for their service.

[Shubham Agnihotri]

This book is lucid and helps in understanding basics of physical geography. Love it.

[Parag Vade]

While there’s no doubt regarding authority of the writer on the subject, throughout the chapters one thing constantly made me uncomfortable. Geography as a subject is closely related to environment. It can not be viewed as an isolated discipline independently from the surrounding. Still author has maintained apathetic views towards environment and climate change across the chapters. It is understandable that book was first published in 1974, still uses obsolete terms like USSR and Yugoslavia and the fact that climate change and sixth mass extinction was not at the forefront of global concerns then but ignoring these vital issues is not expected from someone who knows the earth inside out. I mean no disrespect to the competence of the author but I can’t even hold the anxiety that stems from writing that put only human needs, rather human luxuries as the top priority while turning a blind eye towards the fact that earth is equally shared by other living and non living beings.
I believe that environmental considerations should be made inseparable part of every academic work if we want future generations to understand the magnitude of threat that human existence faces today.

Lastly, book has brilliantly explored all physical and climatological aspects of world geography in a succinct manner. It can be referred by every student of geography and also by anyone who wants to know the earth and the climate in general.

[Rakesh]

Please let me read..nt able to read it

[PRIYODEEP DEY]

i didnt get this book to read

[Malvika]

I have slightly mixed opinions. To grasp basics of geography, it is beyond doubt, a fantastic book. However, you'll need a reference book for world and Indian geography (assuming that you are not referring to the Atlas). I'm also saying this purely from prelims + GS paper perspective.

The reason why I'm giving it a low score is because the book hasn't been updated. I bought it in 2019, and it said that there are 9 planets. I found out that the recent ones in the market are not updated either (I might be wrong though).
Secondly, I agree with the other reviewer that there are obsolete terms used. While you probably can different/grasp what the author is trying to convey, the problem is that when such mistakes persist, you'll end up reflecting that in your paper and Dun dun. There goes your marks down the drain. Considering that it is highly recommended for UPSC, I think it is for the best that you cross check.

Another thing I'd like to add is a personal opinion. Leong's language is slightly problematic at times (to put it delicately). While it may not reflect your personal opinion, it might crop up unconsciously when writing an answer, and in turn, affect your score negatively.

Final remark: Go for it. BUT cross check and be diligent while reading.

[Partho Ghosh]

It is the technical architecture for understanding our planet's physical systems. As someone who values high-resolution data and sophisticated frameworks, I find this book to be a masterpiece of clarity and precision.

For UPSC aspirants, it is an indispensable strategic asset for Prelims and GS Paper I. It provides a polished and systematic breakdown of everything from geomorphology to climate zones and human geography. What makes it special is its "agentic" ability to explain complex atmospheric and geological processes using humble, easy-to-understand diagrams and clear, academic language.

It offers the technical depth required to master the conceptual parts of Geography, ensuring your preparation has the academic class needed for the Mains. It is not just a textbook; it is the definitive "map" for navigating one of the most scoring sections of the syllabus.

[Prakhar Ranjan]

This is a great book. Very concise but sufficient for anyone trying to get their basics of geography clear. It has beautiful illustrations and and examples. If one complements the examples with images on google, one is sure to appreciate the geographical features of the world. The only drawback is that it is outdated. So any reliance on figures and statistics is futile and data should be self-checked. Highly recommended.

[Pk]

Must read for geography for upsc aspirants
covers human and physical geography well

[S S GHOSH]

Enough for a head start...

[Abhishek Kumar]

Basic world geography can't be made simpler and clearer.

[Rohit Kumar Gautam]

It's hard to capture so much as every lines something to say.

[Aman Tiwari]

excellent for an introductory course on university geography.

[Jims Chacko]

Must read for general knowledge and UPSC aspirants.

[Anil Kumar]

Good

[Somesh Dhavala]

4 Star for part 2
3 Star for part 1

[Aayushi Tyagi]

"The most concise form of notes" is what I can describe the book as. No unnecessary mumble to litter the useful information, well explained diagrams and concepts. Overall a great time saver.

[Prateek Surisetti]

Good introductory book that flows well. Provides a good overview of the larger geographical phenomena and climates on earth.

Since the Imperial System was used, it is a pain to convert all the quantities into the Metric System. But was still less painful than going through the NCERT on Physical Geography.

[Muhsin Lateef]

Great Book!!!

[Divya]

gdf

[Hina]

Good Book for Beginners, who wants to know about basic geography of earth.

[Abhi]

its a great book ,

[Bhanuj]

A good book for physical geography especially the biomes and exogenic processes. Not so much for climate and oceanography.

[Anil]

Heard good comments on this book. want to go throgoly

[Krupamahima]

goh cheng leong

[Vinod]

very good

[Gaurav Dixit]

i would recommend it to everyone preparing for civil services or similar exams.

[Ankit Kumar]

best for civil services

[Manjula]

daily i want reading

[मीतिका वशिष्ठ]

i wana study