Introduction to Landscape

Landscape is visceral, not rational. It inspires deep emotion, and is very popular, although its meanings are varied. This text is not a history of the landscape, nor is it concerned with the practicalities of landscape design. Rather, it follows the development of the several threads of the concept of landscape as they have evolved across disciplines and across countries, leading to the European Landscape Convention, and the designation of Cultural Landscapes as World Heritage Sites. Divided into three sections, it first of all introduces the key notions of landscape, such as landscape as meaning, as picture, as scale, as scenery and as place. The second part turns to the various factors which influence the way in which landscape is perceived now and in the past, with all of the senses. Finally, there is a consideration of the various ways of protecting, managing and enhancing the landscape, especially considering a future of climate change. Beautifully illustrated and including numerous 'capsules' in each section which provide fascinating insights into subjects from reading pictures, to mapping and GIS, through a discussion of the range of types of landscape to issues such as eco-museums, this book provides an excellent introductory overview for any students with an interest in the landscape around us.