Maxim Samson explores the boundaries and belts which bring populations together, but also apart. They range from the obvious – oceans to mountain ranges, but to subtle differences including languages to climate. These boundaries can be subjective as our perceptions of a boundary may not be shared by others. But, yet shape the world we engage in the world. Maxim explores the ways in which these boundaries can keep us apart ranging from the equator line, ecology of race and religion and how they allow us to define ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’, to identify places where attention and resources are crucial, distinguish two groups.
This book is particularly useful for students in all Key Stage 3 groups, as Maxim explores the different aspects of geography. For example, in one chapter you could be reading about the Arctic Tree Line and the next minute you can be exploring how football in Bueno Aires allows people to claim territory as their own.
In this book, Invisible Lines, Maxim explores 30 unseen boundaries. As geographers, it is crucial that we explore these boundaries because they shape the lives of all human beings and allow us to know how we think about planet earth. For example: Maxim notes that the equator is arguably the most important invisible line for us all, as it divides the earth into two hemispheres, has key biomes along it including hot deserts and tropical rainforests. Another example would be the Malaria Belt, as it allows us geographers to monitor such a disease and help to save lives.
This book goes beyond the GCSE Specification. It discusses and brings aspects of geography together, including health, population and globalisation when discussing the spread of malaria and the implications it causes on different populations. It is well written with up-to-date case studies, making it an invaluable geography resource for students and teachers.
Mrs Geography 