Review: The greater the move towards integration of environmental topics the greater the need for a single text that provides detail for one area. This is important. It's not to decry holistic analysis (it's what much of ecological and environmental work is predicated upon) but to suggest that there is a need for a clear overview of key concepts within one area of study. This is the aim of this substantial text now in its fourth edition.

Physical geography has always had a unity of structure that its human counterpart has lacked since the 1960s. To some extent the subject matter is clearer, more easy to define. In another sense it's a question of the type of work going on - to bring together the key principles of the abiotic environment. Whichever way you take it this book is going to help you find the answers. Its 28 chapters are divided into five parts. The first is a general overview of the topic. Starting with a case study of Wharfedale and continuing with a brief development of the subject, the reader is given some idea of how we got started. Energy is the key unifying force and so chapter two looks at the earth as an energy system. Part two focusses on the atmosphere. It takes a fairly standard view through the topic dividing according to radiation, moisture, hydrology and circulation in the early chapters of this part. This is followed with an explanation of weather systems and forecasting. A further two chapters look at variations spatially (microclimates) and temporally (climate change). Part three look at the geosphere. It starts with a description of global geological processes moves on to oceanic process and returns to rock formation. Although one might argue with the order of chapters there is no doubt that all the key geological and lithospheric processes are covered. From this introduction to processes, the next four chapters cover the standard divisons of geomorphology - erosion/weathering, rivers, ice and wind. A final chapter looking at coastlines illustrates the importance of this area for human occupation. Part four moves to the biosphere. This focusses purely on the processes. We start with a detailed look at soil formation and geochemistry (mainly surrounding ideas of fertility, chemical properties of soil and conservation). This is followed by an examination of the basics of biogeography - ecosystem theories, zones and temporal/spatial changes. Some of the key factors underlying biogeography are the patterns and processes of the biogeochemical cycles and these areas, aalong with biodiversity finish this part. The final part takes the previous chapters and turns to the main global biomes. It starts though with a temporal perspective outlining the principles by which we construct past environments. Four chapters follow this looking at polar, Mediterannean, desert and humid tropical biomes respectively. Each chapter covers more than one of the usually recognised 9-12 global biomes. The last chapter mirrors the first by commenting on future environmental change.

By any standards this text covers an impressive range of subject matter in some depth taking examples from around the world. However, it's a crowded market place for such books with 3 or 4 excellent examples already available. The key question is how this book compares. The most obvious change with earlier editions is the production standard. Diagrams, maps and graphs are copious and in full colour providing a lively interest to go with the text. The text itself is clear and accessible to the less advanced student. The coverage is comprehensive and deals with both the background to the subject and key current issues. Taking all these aspects into account, this book must be seen as one of the best and should certainly be a 'must-buy' for the library.