Originally published in 1982, this book offered a new approach to an ever-popular subject. Throughout the text, the relevance of physical geography to the human side is stressed. The book uses material drawn from the events of the real world and each chapter begins with a 'story' revealing a geographical message and the treatment is developed through examples, topics and analysis to provide factual and conceptual information. The chapters are written largely in a narrative style which is complemented by special topics, data-response exercises, chapter summaries to aid revision and exam questions. Part 1 covers the global geological foundations of the subject; Part 2 deals with atmosphere and ocean, including meteorology and the world's climates; Part 3 is concerned with soils and vegetation; and Part 4 introduces geomorphology, with an emphasis on processes. There are sections on power and mineral resources, fishing, types of agriculture, environmental conservation, communications and urban location.

Brian J. Knapp taught Geography at Leighton Park School in Reading for many years.