Fire and Civilization
Fire and Civilization by Johan Goudsblom, published by Penguin Books in 1994, explores the profound impact of fire on human development and civilization. This 248-page work delves into historical narratives, examining how the mastery of fire has shaped humanity, from ancient mythologies to modern technological advancements. Goudsblom discusses significant transformations, including the birth of agriculture and the industrial revolution, highlighting the pivotal role fire has played throughout history.
Readers will find a comprehensive analysis that connects various cultural and historical elements, such as references to Homer, the Hebrew Bible, and the evolution of fire management practices in ancient Rome. The book also addresses contemporary issues related to fire, including environmental concerns stemming from agricultural practices and the ongoing challenges of resource management. Through this scholarly examination, Goudsblom invites readers to reconsider the trajectory of human history in relation to fire, making connections between past events and present-day implications.
Official synopsis Publisher
According to mythology, people became truly “human” by learning to domesticate fire and cook food. Other great transformation – the birth of agriculture and the industrial revolution – represent huge leaps forward in our relations with fire. This book examines Homer and the Hebrew Bible, the Vestal Virgins and pioneering Roman fire brigades, the role of Hell-fire in Christianity’s “civilizing campaign” and developments from the age of steam to “fire-powered” cars and nuclear fusion. Even today, bush and forest fires caused by short-sighted farming policies or sheer high spirits contribute to the disastrous international wood shortage. This work of wide-ranging scholarship both illuminates such current concerns, and makes readers look again at the whole course of human history. Johan Goudsblom is the author of “Dutch Society”, “Sociology in the Balance”, “Nihilism and Culture” and “Human History and Social Process”.
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