Since the Viking ascendancy in the Middle Ages; the Atlantic has shaped the lives of people who depend upon it for survival. And just as surely; people have shaped the Atlantic. In his innovative account of this interdependency; W. Jeffrey Bolster; a historian and professional seafarer; takes us through a millennium-long environmental history of our impact on one of the largest ecosystems in the world. While overfishing is often thought of as a contemporary problem; Bolster reveals that humans were transforming the sea long before factory trawlers turned fishing from a handliner's art into an industrial enterprise. The western Atlantic's legendary fishing banks; stretching from Cape Cod to Newfoundland; have attracted fishermen for more than five hundred years. Bolster follows the effects of this siren's song from its medieval European origins to the advent of industrialized fishing in American waters at the beginning of the twentieth century. Blending marine biology; ecological insight; and a remarkable cast of characters; from notable explorers to scientists to an army of unknown fishermen; Bolster tells a story that is both ecological and human: the prelude to an environmental disaster. Over generations; harvesters created a quiet catastrophe as the sea could no longer renew itself. Bolster writes in the hope that the intimate relationship humans have long had with the ocean; and the species that live within it; can be restored for future generations.
#976934 in Books Tudor Parfitt 2013-02-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.45 x .78 x 5.76l; .93 #File Name: 0674066987240 pagesBlack Jews in Africa and the Americas
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good if you want numerous references about "black Jews" or ...By John C-M WallerGood if you want numerous references about "black Jews" or African Jews. As far as his "opinions" on the FACTS he himself puts forth; he often comes off as a hater. He casts a shadow of doubt on a lot of things; with no just cause other than seemingly not wanting to openly admit that the true jews were/are black skinned people.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Insightful and intelligenceBy anthrogirlTerrific; thoughtful book which I reviewed for a prestigious publication.17 of 21 people found the following review helpful. Black Jews in Africa and te Americas Review.By Francis NThis book seems to give off mixed emotions. The author starts off quoting the existence of black Jews in southern Europe; but fails to give their origin. later he takes the position that black Hebrews of Africa;and the Americas only claim Hebrew lineage through association with slavery or the early church as a means to aquire power; this he does without countering their (claim)with evidence; but only with his opinion. I was looking forward to a well research book that deals with linguistics; anthropology; cultural continuity etc. The author also seem to be of the opinion that the authentic Jews are of European extraction. This can be seen as he illustrated his journey of testing the Lemba people and finding them to be of a particular branch of Israelite priests. Which he later seems to be pessimistic about. Which raises a question in regards to the subject whos genes they claim to be of ancient Israel. The author's lack of confidence in his finding seems to be evident. One can only wonder as he the author is a member of Oxford academia who as an institute of higher learning have in the past opposed some British writers that embraced a non-European origin to North and North East African high- cultures which includes ancient Israel; if this association in any way clouds his historian spectacles. It is quite interesting that this book and that of Mr J.S Dorman seem to be cut from the same cloth. :Peace! Francis N
