Food and Famine in the 21st Century [2 volumes]

by William A. Dando (Editor)

Overview

This comprehensive two-volume encyclopedia examines specific famines throughout history and contains entries on key topics related to food production, security and policies, and famine, giving readers an in-depth look at food crises and their causes, responses to them, and outcomes.

Famines have claimed more lives across human history than all the wars ever fought.

This two-volume set represents the most comprehensive study of food and famine currently available, providing the broadest analysis of hunger and famine causes as well as a detailed examination of the ramifications of cultural and natural hazards upon famine.

Volume one focuses upon 50 topics and issues relating to the creation of hunger and famines in the world from 4000 BCE to 2100, including an overview of how agriculture has evolved from primitive hunting and gathering that supported limited numbers of people to a worldwide system that now feeds over seven billion people. Volume two, entitled Classic Famines, begins with famines of the past, from 4000 BCE to 2100 CE, includes ten classic famine case studies, and concludes with predictions of famines we could see in the 21st century and beyond.

• Contributions from professors at West Point, Rutgers University, and other universities and colleges; specialists at nutrition centers, hospitals, and the Population Reference Bureau; and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) World Food Day participants
• Original data, diagrams, photographs, charts, and tables
• Illustrations include maps, many designed by the author of the entry or book chapter; and graphics secured from U.S. government source material, UN publications, and historic texts
• A "further readings" section accompanies each entry or book chapter
• Concluding bibliographies at the end of each volume

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781598847307
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/13/2012
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	860
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 10.30(h) x 2.60(d)

About the Author

William A. Dando, PhD, is distinguished professor of geography and chairperson emeritus of the Department of Geography, Geology, and Anthropology at Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN. His published work includes The Geography of Famine.

Editorial Reviews

"Students interested in international politics and also interested in doing business in other areas of the world would benefit from this book." - ARBA

"This set should be required reading for elected officials in industrialized nations. . . . Highly recommended for public and academic libraries, especially those that support agricultural, geographical, or social studies curricula." - Library Journal

"This two-volume set offers a broad, informative survey of famines and their causes. . . . This set will be especially useful to those just beginning their study of famines and famine issues. Recommended." - Choice

From the Publisher

Dando (geography, Indiana State Univ.) offers a comprehensive look at the complex topics and issues surrounding food and world famines. In Volume One, 50 in-depth articles provide readers with a general understanding of the significance of the world's agriculture systems, food supply, safe food storage, hunger, disease, nutrition, climate, and famine response. Articles are arranged alphabetically, but an opening subject guide suggests related pieces. The articles stand alone and can be read and understood independently. Volume Two begins with an introduction to famines of the past and contains chapters that more thoroughly investigate particular such disasters across time in specific geographical regions. The final chapters address the uncertainty regarding famine in the United States and abroad in the future. The text is clear and is enhanced with maps, charts, graphs, and interesting sidebars. VERDICT Recommended for libraries that support advanced courses in world history and world cultures.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Library Journal