The Nature of Geography

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Richard Hartshorne

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9788170336181

• Pages: 526

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches

About the Book

The Nature of Geography by Richard Hartshorne is a landmark work in the philosophy and methodology of geography, offering an in-depth examination of the discipline's scope, characteristics, and evolution. Written with scholarly rigor, this study was initiated to address a critical gap: although American geographers frequently discussed the nature of their field, they were often unfamiliar with earlier, more serious studies—particularly those from European literature—that had explored these foundational questions.

Instead of presenting a purely personal view on what geography should be, Hartshorne approaches the issue as a research problem, investigating how geography has been practiced and conceptualized historically. This allows him to determine the discipline’s core characteristics and qualifications as a branch of knowledge. The book evaluates proposals for reform, comparing the emphasis on certain concepts within American geography with the long-standing traditions of European scholars.

Key topics covered include:

• Historical foundations of geography as a chorographic science

• The concepts of Landschaft and Landscape

• The relationship between history and geography

• The role of sensory perception in defining geographical phenomena

• Logical criteria for data selection in geography

• The concept and organization of regions

• An analysis of what kind of science geography truly is

With its analytical depth, this work continues to serve as a seminal reference for geographers, historians of science, and scholars interested in the theoretical underpinnings of spatial studies.

About the Author:
Richard Hartshorne was a distinguished American geographer whose works The Nature of Geography and Perspectives on the Nature of Geography are internationally acclaimed as pioneering contributions to geographical thought. Serving at the University of Wisconsin, USA, for over two decades, he played a vital role in shaping the discipline through his dedication, intellectual clarity, and commitment to advancing the field.