Landscapes of Fear

Ever wonder why you or someone you know fears something for no particular reason. Well wonder no longer because Yi-Fu Tuan has applied his geographical mapping skills to the cultural origins of fear. The result is a fascinating reconstruction of how fear originates in humans from our first days as a child to our last days of life. Tuan uses examples from cultures all over the world to help his readers fully understand the similarities/differences of cultural fears and how we express them in our vast and varied, mental and material constructions. Tuan also examines how fear has led to many of the human race's greater advancements and accomplishments. Perhaps the most stunning and interesting facts contained in this book will be the discussions of the rate of crime/violence in earlier ages and how rural/agrarian life was never as quiet and peaceful as we would like to think. This work raises a definite challenge to those who believe that contemporary societies are mired in a moral collapse. This is a must read not only for its brilliant look at the phenomenon of fear, but also for its accessibility to all levels of readers. If you have any interest in cultural studies, crime/justice, psychology, cultural geography, or horror literature then this book demands a spot of honor on your bookcase.