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76 reviews
De bijbel als mythe: opgravingen vertellen een ander verhaal by Bert van Rijswijk, Israel Finkelstein, Neil Asher Silbermann
informative
reflective
Archaeologists and biblical scholars Finkelstein and Silberman, in this Dutch translation of The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts, provide an overview of the archaeological evidence (or lack thereof) concerning the Hebrew Bible. Chapter by chapter, they explain the biblical context and then present their interpretation of what actually happened. This offers an enlightening perspective on how the Hebrew Bible may have been written and compiled within Jewish history.
The first biblical story examined through an archaeological lens is that of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This implicitly suggests that the authors find the stories preceding Abraham so implausible that they don’t even bother addressing them. Honestly, I can’t blame them. However, even today, some people claim there is archaeological evidence for the Great Flood. In that regard, I will follow the authors' lead and refrain from discussing it further in this review.
The book raises significant doubts about the stories of the patriarchs, who, according to many believers, would have lived around 2100 BCE. Several anachronisms are noted. For example, the text sometimes mentions camels, yet camels were not used as pack animals in the ancient Near East during the time of the patriarchs. They were only employed as such long after 1000 BCE. Cities mentioned in the Pentateuch turn out to have been mere villages, and vice versa. The state of Edom, as well as Kedar, only came into existence in the late 8th century BCE, according to archaeologists, so that’s another difference of more than a millennium.
There is also no evidence for the captivity of the Israelites in Egypt. Moreover, God's people supposedly wandered the Sinai desert for 40 years, yet no archaeological traces of their presence have ever been found. The Exodus is traditionally dated to around 1310 BCE. During this event Moses is said to have passed through the lands of Moab and (again) Edom. However, these kingdoms did not yet exist at the time. These territories were sparsely populated.
Joshua is said to have conquered Canaan in the 13th century BCE. However, during the 13th and 12th centuries, Egyptian forces were stationed in the region. Egyptian archaeological sources make no mention of a conquest by the Israelites. Additionally, Ai and many other cities that were supposedly conquered did not even exist at the time.
So who, according to archaeological findings, were the Israelites? Between 3500 and 2200 BCE, the first villages appeared in the eastern highlands of Israel, but they were abandoned around 2200 BCE. From 2000 to 1550 BCE, about 220 egalitarian villages were inhabited, a number that dropped to just 25 between 1550 and 1100 BCE. Only after this period did more villages emerge, gradually growing into cities. Between these settlement periods, the Israelites were primarily nomadic herders. What distinguished the early small villages from other groups was that even then, they did not consume pork. Around 800 BCE, the region became more densely populated and wealthier due to viticulture and olive oil cultivation.
There is evidence for the existence of King David. However, around 1000 BCE, Jerusalem was still just a village, lacking palaces or temple complexes. A fully developed Judah only emerged 200 years after the death of David's son, Solomon. Moreover, for a long time, it was not the southern tribe of Judah that was dominant, as Jacob had prophesied, but rather the northern kingdom of Israel.
Thus, much of the historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible is dissected through the lens of archaeology. One further striking observation is that kings and dynasties portrayed negatively in the Bible (because they engaged in "pagan" practices) actually oversaw periods of prosperity, while those depicted as righteous often did not.
How did the Hebrew Bible come into being? According to the authors, a large portion of it was written under the commission of King Josiah in the late 7th century BCE. The places and peoples mentioned in the first five books had all been established by then or had not yet disappeared. Josiah was a devout follower of the Yahwistic cult and is portrayed very favorably in the Bible. Furthermore, it is claimed that during his reign, the Deuteronomic laws were "rediscovered" in the Jewish temple. In reality, these laws may have been written for the first time rather than rediscovered. Josiah sought to unify the people and legitimize a greater Judah through laws, anti-corruption efforts, the promotion of charity, and the prohibition of other religions.
Josiah met his end in battle against Egypt, which was aiding the faltering Neo-Assyrian Empire. The Bible only briefly mentions this event, as it contradicts the idea that non-pagan kings of Israel would always prosper. Not long after Josiah's death, Judah was conquered by the Babylonian Empire, which was then the dominant power in the region. According to modern theories, the majority of the population was not exiled; at least 75% likely remained. However, significant destruction has been archaeologically confirmed in Jerusalem, including the destruction of the temple.
When Babylonia was replaced by Persia, Judah became a small province called Yehud. Many exiles were allowed to return. During this period, the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) was revised. The idea that Abraham originally came from the prestigious city of Ur likely originated at this time. Additionally, an explanation was needed for the "upcoming" destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish exile.
This is a highly readable book that makes a compelling case. It has provided me with a much clearer historical context than the Bible alone. I am therefore incredibly glad to have read it. However, I still wouldn’t bet all my money on the idea that everything happened exactly as the authors claim. The events are simply too far in the past, and the available sources too scarce.
The first biblical story examined through an archaeological lens is that of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This implicitly suggests that the authors find the stories preceding Abraham so implausible that they don’t even bother addressing them. Honestly, I can’t blame them. However, even today, some people claim there is archaeological evidence for the Great Flood. In that regard, I will follow the authors' lead and refrain from discussing it further in this review.
The book raises significant doubts about the stories of the patriarchs, who, according to many believers, would have lived around 2100 BCE. Several anachronisms are noted. For example, the text sometimes mentions camels, yet camels were not used as pack animals in the ancient Near East during the time of the patriarchs. They were only employed as such long after 1000 BCE. Cities mentioned in the Pentateuch turn out to have been mere villages, and vice versa. The state of Edom, as well as Kedar, only came into existence in the late 8th century BCE, according to archaeologists, so that’s another difference of more than a millennium.
There is also no evidence for the captivity of the Israelites in Egypt. Moreover, God's people supposedly wandered the Sinai desert for 40 years, yet no archaeological traces of their presence have ever been found. The Exodus is traditionally dated to around 1310 BCE. During this event Moses is said to have passed through the lands of Moab and (again) Edom. However, these kingdoms did not yet exist at the time. These territories were sparsely populated.
Joshua is said to have conquered Canaan in the 13th century BCE. However, during the 13th and 12th centuries, Egyptian forces were stationed in the region. Egyptian archaeological sources make no mention of a conquest by the Israelites. Additionally, Ai and many other cities that were supposedly conquered did not even exist at the time.
So who, according to archaeological findings, were the Israelites? Between 3500 and 2200 BCE, the first villages appeared in the eastern highlands of Israel, but they were abandoned around 2200 BCE. From 2000 to 1550 BCE, about 220 egalitarian villages were inhabited, a number that dropped to just 25 between 1550 and 1100 BCE. Only after this period did more villages emerge, gradually growing into cities. Between these settlement periods, the Israelites were primarily nomadic herders. What distinguished the early small villages from other groups was that even then, they did not consume pork. Around 800 BCE, the region became more densely populated and wealthier due to viticulture and olive oil cultivation.
There is evidence for the existence of King David. However, around 1000 BCE, Jerusalem was still just a village, lacking palaces or temple complexes. A fully developed Judah only emerged 200 years after the death of David's son, Solomon. Moreover, for a long time, it was not the southern tribe of Judah that was dominant, as Jacob had prophesied, but rather the northern kingdom of Israel.
Thus, much of the historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible is dissected through the lens of archaeology. One further striking observation is that kings and dynasties portrayed negatively in the Bible (because they engaged in "pagan" practices) actually oversaw periods of prosperity, while those depicted as righteous often did not.
How did the Hebrew Bible come into being? According to the authors, a large portion of it was written under the commission of King Josiah in the late 7th century BCE. The places and peoples mentioned in the first five books had all been established by then or had not yet disappeared. Josiah was a devout follower of the Yahwistic cult and is portrayed very favorably in the Bible. Furthermore, it is claimed that during his reign, the Deuteronomic laws were "rediscovered" in the Jewish temple. In reality, these laws may have been written for the first time rather than rediscovered. Josiah sought to unify the people and legitimize a greater Judah through laws, anti-corruption efforts, the promotion of charity, and the prohibition of other religions.
Josiah met his end in battle against Egypt, which was aiding the faltering Neo-Assyrian Empire. The Bible only briefly mentions this event, as it contradicts the idea that non-pagan kings of Israel would always prosper. Not long after Josiah's death, Judah was conquered by the Babylonian Empire, which was then the dominant power in the region. According to modern theories, the majority of the population was not exiled; at least 75% likely remained. However, significant destruction has been archaeologically confirmed in Jerusalem, including the destruction of the temple.
When Babylonia was replaced by Persia, Judah became a small province called Yehud. Many exiles were allowed to return. During this period, the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) was revised. The idea that Abraham originally came from the prestigious city of Ur likely originated at this time. Additionally, an explanation was needed for the "upcoming" destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish exile.
This is a highly readable book that makes a compelling case. It has provided me with a much clearer historical context than the Bible alone. I am therefore incredibly glad to have read it. However, I still wouldn’t bet all my money on the idea that everything happened exactly as the authors claim. The events are simply too far in the past, and the available sources too scarce.
Assyria: The Rise and Fall of the World's First Empire by Eckart Frahm
I found this book particularly readable. Eckart Frahm undoubtedly possesses extensive knowledge about Assyria, but he also narrates his story in a clear manner. What stands out to me the most is the immense, uninterrupted series of native kings that endured for hundreds of years, even spanning more than a millennium. The author actually confirms Assyria's reputation as a bloody, ruthless state. The kings were figures you'd prefer to have as little involvement with as possible: gruesome dictators capable of the worst things. But to be fair, the passages about Sargon II, Senacherib, Esarhaddon, and Ashurbanipal were gripping and fascinating for me as well.
Equally intriguing is how many people and events from Assyrian times have been distorted by the ravages of time. It's also amusing how the Enuma Elish was reshaped after Babylon's defeat: replace the God Marduk with the god Ashur and city of Babylon with the city of Ashur, keep the rest the same, and voila! A new usable version is born. It makes me reflect on how seriously the leaders took their religion: did they use it for propaganda, or did they genuinely believe in it? It's likely a combination of both. What was peculiar and eerie is the frequent use of liver omens. Many Assyrians and Babylonians attempted to predict their future by studying the livers of slaughtered sheep. It seems that many kings also believed in this practice.
I'm glad that nowadays we have science, even though it's still not adept at predicting the future. What modern science can do, however, is provide an increasingly clearer picture of the centuries before 0 BCE. Eckart Frahm's "Assyria" serves as a perfect example of this.
Equally intriguing is how many people and events from Assyrian times have been distorted by the ravages of time. It's also amusing how the Enuma Elish was reshaped after Babylon's defeat: replace the God Marduk with the god Ashur and city of Babylon with the city of Ashur, keep the rest the same, and voila! A new usable version is born. It makes me reflect on how seriously the leaders took their religion: did they use it for propaganda, or did they genuinely believe in it? It's likely a combination of both. What was peculiar and eerie is the frequent use of liver omens. Many Assyrians and Babylonians attempted to predict their future by studying the livers of slaughtered sheep. It seems that many kings also believed in this practice.
I'm glad that nowadays we have science, even though it's still not adept at predicting the future. What modern science can do, however, is provide an increasingly clearer picture of the centuries before 0 BCE. Eckart Frahm's "Assyria" serves as a perfect example of this.
Tutankhamun's Trumpet: Ancient Egypt in 100 Objects from the Boy King's Tomb by Toby Wilkinson
A hundred objects from Tutankhamun's tomb give Toby Wilkinson plenty of room to freely associate and tell stories about ancient Egypt. He does this in ten clear chapters with various subjects. The result is a wonderful story about Ancient Egypt that is hard to put down.
Different objects illustrate the wealth of Ancient Egypt: beautiful jewelry, six chariots, makeup, glassware, a mirror, and yes: even trumpets! Due to a historical fluke, Tutankhamun's tomb was only broken into twice in antiquity and was probably robbed only once (excluding the last official 'robbery'). Who knows what else might have been there if the tomb had never been plundered! With more than 5,000 objects, Howard Carter's (or, to be precise, his 12-year-old assistant Hussein Abdel Rassul's) tomb discovery now ranks among the greatest archaeological finds ever.
Just as in "The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt," Wilkinson describes Ancient Egypt from prehistory to Cleopatra. Of course, the focus here was on Tutankhamun, a previously obscure pharaoh who didn't even appear on the king lists, probably because he reminded too much of his heretic father Akhenaten. Nevertheless, orthodoxy was largely restored under Tutankhamun's reign.
Additionally, I recognized several fragments from his other work, "Writings From Ancient Egypt." The final chapter concludes with what Ancient Egypt and the discovery of the tomb have meant for the modern world. Thanks to this book, I am certainly planning to visit the British Museum and pay more attention the next time I am at the Louvre.
Different objects illustrate the wealth of Ancient Egypt: beautiful jewelry, six chariots, makeup, glassware, a mirror, and yes: even trumpets! Due to a historical fluke, Tutankhamun's tomb was only broken into twice in antiquity and was probably robbed only once (excluding the last official 'robbery'). Who knows what else might have been there if the tomb had never been plundered! With more than 5,000 objects, Howard Carter's (or, to be precise, his 12-year-old assistant Hussein Abdel Rassul's) tomb discovery now ranks among the greatest archaeological finds ever.
Just as in "The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt," Wilkinson describes Ancient Egypt from prehistory to Cleopatra. Of course, the focus here was on Tutankhamun, a previously obscure pharaoh who didn't even appear on the king lists, probably because he reminded too much of his heretic father Akhenaten. Nevertheless, orthodoxy was largely restored under Tutankhamun's reign.
Additionally, I recognized several fragments from his other work, "Writings From Ancient Egypt." The final chapter concludes with what Ancient Egypt and the discovery of the tomb have meant for the modern world. Thanks to this book, I am certainly planning to visit the British Museum and pay more attention the next time I am at the Louvre.
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals: A New History, from the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us by Steve Brusatte
An excellent book that puts everything into perspective. Very informative. :-) In my personal view, in 20 million years, nature will likely have fully recovered with numerous 'new' species evolved from the vestiges of surviving mammals of the human carnage.
Ancient Nubia: A Captivating Guide to One of the Earliest Civilizations in Africa and African Kingdoms, Such as the Kingdoms of Kerma and Kush by Captivating History
Too little is known about Ancient Nubia. Most of what we know about the ancient history of this region comes, in addition to the relatively scanty archaeological finds, from the sources of Ancient Egypt. Nubia's northern neighbour appears frequently in this story. This book is largely about how Nubia related to Ancient Egypt in their struggle for power.
One aspect in which Nubia can surprisingly somewhat compare to Egypt is the pyramids: In Ancient Nubia, there were more than twice as many pyramids as in Egypt. Why are Nubia's pyramids so obscure? One important aspect is that the pyramids are lower. The highest standing pyramid is about 30 meters high, compared to 138 meters in Giza. The pyramids in Nubia were also much narrower and therefore steeper. Another reason is that in the 19th century, about 40 pyramids were blown up by a notorious Italian treasure hunter who indeed found valuable objects. The last reason is that the unstable political situation in Sudan makes tourism and thorough scientific research much more difficult.
The kingdom of Kush, successor of Kerma (also discussed in this book), which dominated Nubia for much of its history, was long closely intertwined with Egypt. The Egyptian God Amun was worshipped, Egypt extracted many minerals from Kush, there was extensive trade with Kush, and when Egypt was politically unstable, Kush restored order by installing the 25th (Kushite) dynasty. This dynasty is also referred to by the term "black pharaohs." Of course, Egypt attacked Kush in other periods as well, and the area between the first and third cataracts belonged to Kerma or Kush at one time and then to Egypt at another.
After Ancient Egypt was defeated by first Assyria, then Persia and later the Roman Empire, Kush maintained elements of Egyptian religion and culture for a long time. These three great powers warred with Kush but could not overthrow this tough African kingdom. The final blow came only in the 4th century CE, when Aksum, located in what is now Eritrea, northern Ethiopia, and part of Yemen, brought Kush to its knees.
Other notable facts are that Kush had many female rulers in the centuries around the year 0, some of whom were certainly not pacifist, and that the region developed its own script, consisting of Meroitic Cursive for regular texts and Meroitic Hieroglyphic, which was used for religious purposes. Both scripts are not deciphered.
Although it was disappointing that the daily life of the ordinary Nubian was not really discussed, I am glad I read this book. This little book contained some interesting facts I didn't know and it was nice to read about another ancient African Kingdom than Ancient Egypt for a change.
One aspect in which Nubia can surprisingly somewhat compare to Egypt is the pyramids: In Ancient Nubia, there were more than twice as many pyramids as in Egypt. Why are Nubia's pyramids so obscure? One important aspect is that the pyramids are lower. The highest standing pyramid is about 30 meters high, compared to 138 meters in Giza. The pyramids in Nubia were also much narrower and therefore steeper. Another reason is that in the 19th century, about 40 pyramids were blown up by a notorious Italian treasure hunter who indeed found valuable objects. The last reason is that the unstable political situation in Sudan makes tourism and thorough scientific research much more difficult.
The kingdom of Kush, successor of Kerma (also discussed in this book), which dominated Nubia for much of its history, was long closely intertwined with Egypt. The Egyptian God Amun was worshipped, Egypt extracted many minerals from Kush, there was extensive trade with Kush, and when Egypt was politically unstable, Kush restored order by installing the 25th (Kushite) dynasty. This dynasty is also referred to by the term "black pharaohs." Of course, Egypt attacked Kush in other periods as well, and the area between the first and third cataracts belonged to Kerma or Kush at one time and then to Egypt at another.
After Ancient Egypt was defeated by first Assyria, then Persia and later the Roman Empire, Kush maintained elements of Egyptian religion and culture for a long time. These three great powers warred with Kush but could not overthrow this tough African kingdom. The final blow came only in the 4th century CE, when Aksum, located in what is now Eritrea, northern Ethiopia, and part of Yemen, brought Kush to its knees.
Other notable facts are that Kush had many female rulers in the centuries around the year 0, some of whom were certainly not pacifist, and that the region developed its own script, consisting of Meroitic Cursive for regular texts and Meroitic Hieroglyphic, which was used for religious purposes. Both scripts are not deciphered.
Although it was disappointing that the daily life of the ordinary Nubian was not really discussed, I am glad I read this book. This little book contained some interesting facts I didn't know and it was nice to read about another ancient African Kingdom than Ancient Egypt for a change.
Worn: A People's History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser
Worn: A People's History of Clothing has convinced me to pay closer attention to the clothing I purchase. As a vegan, I already avoid leather, wool, and silk, but this book reveals that cotton and many synthetic fabrics also have disastrous impacts on humans and animals. The story about viscose, which can be harmful to factory workers, was particularly compelling. The relentless pursuit of cheap clothing due to capitalism has devastating consequences for both people and animals.
The clothing industry takes a heavy toll on the environment, contributing to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, 20% of water pollution (especially in dyeing processes), and the release of numerous microplastics into sewers and oceans from synthetic fabrics during washing. Additionally, cotton alone accounts for 24% of insecticide use. Not to mention the existence of sweatshops, where factory workers endure monotonous and strenuous work for meager wages. These facts prompt me to delve deeper into ethical clothing choices that prioritize the well-being of both humans and nature.
While I wished the book delved into the suffering of sheep in the wool industry, it was still a compelling read. The author explores various locations within and outside the U.S., presenting a captivating narrative about clothing. The section on the origins of Paris's chic fashion culture was particularly enlightening. The book also provides an interesting insight into small groups of people embracing a romanticized return to the roots of clothing-making, contrasting with the overwhelming mass of the global clothing industry.
The clothing industry takes a heavy toll on the environment, contributing to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, 20% of water pollution (especially in dyeing processes), and the release of numerous microplastics into sewers and oceans from synthetic fabrics during washing. Additionally, cotton alone accounts for 24% of insecticide use. Not to mention the existence of sweatshops, where factory workers endure monotonous and strenuous work for meager wages. These facts prompt me to delve deeper into ethical clothing choices that prioritize the well-being of both humans and nature.
While I wished the book delved into the suffering of sheep in the wool industry, it was still a compelling read. The author explores various locations within and outside the U.S., presenting a captivating narrative about clothing. The section on the origins of Paris's chic fashion culture was particularly enlightening. The book also provides an interesting insight into small groups of people embracing a romanticized return to the roots of clothing-making, contrasting with the overwhelming mass of the global clothing industry.
Who We Are and How We Got Here: Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past by David Reich
Who We Are and How We Got Here describes what we do and do not know about the origins of different world populations. There were many surprising and interesting facts.
An example of this is a tribe in Brazil that shows more genetic affinity with Andaman Islanders from India than with other American populations.
The fact that Europeans and Indians descend from the peoples of the Pontic-Caspian Steppes is something I had read about before. However, what was new to me was that this can make up to 70% of the genetic material of Europeans, especially from a relatively small group of men who left many descendants in different waves.
It was very interesting to read about sex bias, the uneven ethnic distribution of male and female ancestors in different populations. Especially during the Bronze Age, when significant power disparities emerged among men and different ethnic groups, this left deep traces.
This has been relatively recent in the case of several minorities in America, who have far more male European ancestors at a certain point in the family tree than female European ancestors.
Additionally, it was remarkable to read that thousands of years ago, peoples were already quite mixed, and based on recent DNA alone, you cannot determine someone's original ancestry: migration was widespread even thousands of years ago.
Who would have thought that a standard European population had dark skin and dark hair but blue eyes? Facts like these make the book definitely worth reading, as well as the author's refined personal views on Ancient DNA research.
Although it is regrettable that there is less available or researched data on prehistoric DNA from Native Americans, Chinese, and Africans, and this book would undoubtedly be much more extensive in 20 years, it was definitely worth reading.
An example of this is a tribe in Brazil that shows more genetic affinity with Andaman Islanders from India than with other American populations.
The fact that Europeans and Indians descend from the peoples of the Pontic-Caspian Steppes is something I had read about before. However, what was new to me was that this can make up to 70% of the genetic material of Europeans, especially from a relatively small group of men who left many descendants in different waves.
It was very interesting to read about sex bias, the uneven ethnic distribution of male and female ancestors in different populations. Especially during the Bronze Age, when significant power disparities emerged among men and different ethnic groups, this left deep traces.
This has been relatively recent in the case of several minorities in America, who have far more male European ancestors at a certain point in the family tree than female European ancestors.
Additionally, it was remarkable to read that thousands of years ago, peoples were already quite mixed, and based on recent DNA alone, you cannot determine someone's original ancestry: migration was widespread even thousands of years ago.
Who would have thought that a standard European population had dark skin and dark hair but blue eyes? Facts like these make the book definitely worth reading, as well as the author's refined personal views on Ancient DNA research.
Although it is regrettable that there is less available or researched data on prehistoric DNA from Native Americans, Chinese, and Africans, and this book would undoubtedly be much more extensive in 20 years, it was definitely worth reading.
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is an engaging and captivating read. It never loses your interest, weaving fascinating facts about dinosaurs seamlessly with personal anecdotes that truly enhance the reading experience. The final chapter, which delves into the demise of these ancient creatures, is both intriguing and thought-provoking. It leaves you pondering how profoundly different the course of mammalian evolution might have been if the asteroid hadn't impacted Earth.
Writings from Ancient Egypt by
It's remarkable that thousands of years later, it is still largely possible to determine what was written in various Ancient Egyptian texts. What I will remember is that Ancient Egypt was a masculine, boastful, stratified society, but therefore also humble in other contexts. The highlight of the many texts for me was Be a Writer, which highlights the disadvantages of many professions. This text makes clear what professions existed in Ancient Egypt and that all these professions involved a tough or dangerous lifestyle. If, on the other hand, you were a scribe, you had a respectable profession and an easy life. The war reports were also impressive, although I do not envy the protagonists.
Islands: From Atlantis to Zanzibar by Steven Roger Fischer
Islands provides a bird's-eye view of numerous islands. The book hops from island to island, covering various themes from a historical perspective, spanning millions of years up to the present day: geology, biology, the first inhabitants, the discovery of many islands, trade and livelihoods, politics, and the unfortunate wars and colonization that often followed. It also explores islands in literature and film, as well as art, dance and music forms native to islands. Fischer discusses how islanders and non-islanders perceive islands, and concludes with a chapter that briefly touches upon many diverse themes, also highlighting the constants found in the earlier chapters. The closing message is a familiar one in non-fiction works with a global historical-geographical perspective: the future dangers of climate change, rising sea levels (especially relevant for islands), and pollution. In my opinion, the familiarity of these threats should make us take them even more seriously, despite becoming desensitized to them.
One striking observation is the way exotic islands have been perceived in Western historical thought, oscillating between two extremes: either heavenly or hellish. Through Robinson Crusoe and other literary works, the original fearsome image of islands was replaced with an idyllic one. However, after many islands were colonized, Europeans soon realized it wasn’t all paradise: massacres, tropical mosquitoes, a lack of resources, isolation, torrential rain, hard labor, and hostile indigenous populations (many of whom also perished in large numbers due to diseases and atrocities brought by Europeans) quickly replaced the idyll with a new image of horror in the 19th century. Only in the 20th century, with the advent of electricity, connectivity, planes, and vaccines, did exotic islands regain their appeal.
Another prominent theme is how colonialism, imperialism, and globalization have permanently altered islands and continue to do so. In many cases, First Nations have suffered even more than the local environment. While explorers and their crews sometimes also died en masse, it was still a highly profitable business: just one shipment of imported cloves could bring in more than Magellan's entire three-year expedition had cost.
Islands, of course, host vast biodiversity that is rapidly declining. Is this a problem? Perhaps in more ways than we think. The author cites an example of an exotic plant in Madagascar that produces compounds with healing properties against leukemia. Without this plant, which was on the brink of extinction, leukemia would be an even more dangerous condition than it already is. Many exotic plant species could have similar, yet unknown, importance for humanity.
Islands also play a significant role on the world stage: Japan is the third-largest economy in the world, and the United Kingdom the sixth. Several events that shaped human history took place on islands: the battle of Syracuse, Columbus's discovery of America at the Bahamas, Darwin's expedition, the Battle of Guadalcanal (1942-1943), the Cuban Missile Crisis, and September 11th (Manhattan is an island). Future tensions concerning Taiwan could also have far-reaching consequences.
Islands is an engaging work with a global perspective, filled with entertaining, peculiar, and occasionally eerie anecdotes. I certainly enjoyed reading it.
One striking observation is the way exotic islands have been perceived in Western historical thought, oscillating between two extremes: either heavenly or hellish. Through Robinson Crusoe and other literary works, the original fearsome image of islands was replaced with an idyllic one. However, after many islands were colonized, Europeans soon realized it wasn’t all paradise: massacres, tropical mosquitoes, a lack of resources, isolation, torrential rain, hard labor, and hostile indigenous populations (many of whom also perished in large numbers due to diseases and atrocities brought by Europeans) quickly replaced the idyll with a new image of horror in the 19th century. Only in the 20th century, with the advent of electricity, connectivity, planes, and vaccines, did exotic islands regain their appeal.
Another prominent theme is how colonialism, imperialism, and globalization have permanently altered islands and continue to do so. In many cases, First Nations have suffered even more than the local environment. While explorers and their crews sometimes also died en masse, it was still a highly profitable business: just one shipment of imported cloves could bring in more than Magellan's entire three-year expedition had cost.
Islands, of course, host vast biodiversity that is rapidly declining. Is this a problem? Perhaps in more ways than we think. The author cites an example of an exotic plant in Madagascar that produces compounds with healing properties against leukemia. Without this plant, which was on the brink of extinction, leukemia would be an even more dangerous condition than it already is. Many exotic plant species could have similar, yet unknown, importance for humanity.
Islands also play a significant role on the world stage: Japan is the third-largest economy in the world, and the United Kingdom the sixth. Several events that shaped human history took place on islands: the battle of Syracuse, Columbus's discovery of America at the Bahamas, Darwin's expedition, the Battle of Guadalcanal (1942-1943), the Cuban Missile Crisis, and September 11th (Manhattan is an island). Future tensions concerning Taiwan could also have far-reaching consequences.
Islands is an engaging work with a global perspective, filled with entertaining, peculiar, and occasionally eerie anecdotes. I certainly enjoyed reading it.