Escape from Bubbleworld by Keith Skene - Revision history

Sue at 11:41, 15 April 2018

2018-04-15T11:41:27Z

Sue at 16:45, 21 January 2015

2015-01-21T16:45:27Z

Sue at 13:02, 22 December 2011

2011-12-22T13:02:27Z

Sue at 13:00, 22 December 2011

2011-12-22T13:00:45Z

Sue at 12:59, 22 December 2011

2011-12-22T12:59:50Z

Sue: Created page with '{{infobox |title=Escape from Bubbleworld |author=Keith Skene |reviewer=Andy Lancaster |genre=Popular Science |rating=4.5 |buy=Yes |borrow=Yes |isbn=978-0956250124 |paperback=095…'

2011-12-22T12:58:09Z

Created page with '{{infobox |title=Escape from Bubbleworld |author=Keith Skene |reviewer=Andy Lancaster |genre=Popular Science |rating=4.5 |buy=Yes |borrow=Yes |isbn=978-0956250124 |paperback=095…'

New review

{{infobox
|title=Escape from Bubbleworld
|author=Keith Skene
|reviewer=Andy Lancaster
|genre=Popular Science
|rating=4.5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|isbn=978-0956250124
|paperback=0956250122
|hardback=
|audiobook=
|ebook=
|pages=433
|publisher=Ard Macha Press
|date=September 2011
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0956250122</amazonuk>
|amazonus=<amazonus>0956250122</amazonus>
|website=
|video=
|summary=Creating renewed interest in the science of apocalyptic world catastrophe created by mankind's own foolishness isn't an easy task when we have read and seen so much about this. But Dr Keith Skene produces a highly informative, challenging and even entertaining book which while not pulling any punches, still manages to generate the feeling that there is a way forward.
}}

Before you stifle the inward groan that comes from the thought of another book assaulting population growth, western greed and reckless exploitation of the environment, take time to read the first chapter of Keith Skene's 'Escape to Bubbleworld'. Because this is as entertaining and amusing book as you are likely to read on the subject, while at the same time taking us into to some deep science and fascinating exploration of what turn out to be less certain certainties. For Skene’s writing has two attributes which I can almost guarantee will keep even the non-scientific reading.

Firstly, he has a fascinating approach to examples and allusions which calls forth bizarre but revealingly relevant comparisons and ways into complex subjects. Reading about population growth isn't fun for most of us, but by contextualising this within the mysteries of Easter Island we are immediately engrossed in a detective story of epic proportions. And this approach also reveals Skene's other great strength, an eclectic mind. For throughout the text it feels as if we are not reading one (however complex) explanation of the effects of Man's exploitation of the planet, but a mix of ides from science, arts, history and literature which all coalesce to both explore and aid understanding. He leads us through a labyrinth of ideas and study to bring us to a richer understanding of the consequences of our actions.
The book is not mere speculation and style, however, but founded on detailed information exemplified in copious references. And we are confronted not merely with standard fare, but with some very challenging and up-to-the-minute theories and research which frankly I wasn't expecting. For Skene's case is that we have allowed ourselves to be seduced by certain key (and dated) ideas, such as, controversially, the survival of the fittest, which have framed our world view to the detriment of the way in which the biosphere really works. Skene attacks these conventional approaches of bioscience, which have created a 'human-centric' view of the planet.

But if it isn't 'science-as-we-have-been-taught-it' neither is it Planet Gaia's holistic approach to ecological stasis. Skeen expounds a more complex dynamic theory of evolution and ecology based on energy and the flow of energy across the planet. He reveals how much of what we are involved in scientifically (and economically) is aimed at disrupting the natural pattern of energy, constantly looking for solutions which start from a false premise, that we must maximise everything (our economy, wealth, control, production) to survive.

Ultimately this is a book which demands more than one reading, not least because, clear and dynamic as this book is, there is no quick fix, no simple solution proposed here, and the 'Seven Curves to save the Earth' (the subtitle) emerge as tools of analysis primarily rather than calls to action. To translate this exciting insight into practical steps, governmental or local policies, individual life choices still needs more work, but Skene provides as with the underpinning understanding needed for our future.

Escape from Bubbleworld' is a step into the complexities of our environmental role – a more straight-punching, anger-inducing and in an odd way lyrical text for any of us who need convincing (or reminding) of the ultimate price to pay, is [[Silent Spring by Rachel Carson]].

{{amazontext|amazon=0956250122}} {{waterstonestext|waterstones=8698180}}

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@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 Before you stifle the inward groan that comes from the thought of another book assaulting population growth, western greed and reckless exploitation of the environment, take time to read the first chapter of Keith Skene's 'Escape to Bubbleworld'. Because this is as entertaining and amusing book as you are likely to read on the subject, while at the same time taking us into to some deep science and fascinating exploration of what turns out to be less certain certainties. For Skene’s writing has two attributes which I can almost guarantee will keep even the non-scientific reading.
-Firstly, he has a fascinating approach to examples and allusions which calls forth bizarre but revealingly relevant comparisons and ways into complex subjects. Reading about population growth isn't fun for most of us, but by contextualising this within the mysteries of Easter Island we are immediately engrossed in a detective story of epic proportions. And this approach also reveals Skene's other great strength, an eclectic mind. For throughout the text it feels as if we are not reading one (however complex) explanation of the effects of Man's exploitation of the planet, but a mix of ides from science, arts, history and literature which all coalesce to both explore and aid understanding. He leads us through a labyrinth of ideas and study to bring us to a richer understanding of the consequences of our actions.
+Firstly, he has a fascinating approach to examples and allusions which calls forth bizarre but revealingly relevant comparisons and ways into complex subjects. Reading about population growth isn't fun for most of us, but by contextualising this within the mysteries of Easter Island we are immediately engrossed in a detective story of epic proportions. And this approach also reveals Skene's other great strength, an eclectic mind. For throughout the text it feels as if we are not reading one (however complex) explanation of the effects of Man's exploitation of the planet, but a mix of ideas from science, arts, history and literature which all coalesce to both explore and aid understanding. He leads us through a labyrinth of ideas and study to bring us to a richer understanding of the consequences of our actions.
 The book is not mere speculation and style, however, but founded on detailed information exemplified in copious references. And we are confronted not merely with standard fare, but with some very challenging and up-to-the-minute theories and research which frankly I wasn't expecting. For Skene's case is that we have allowed ourselves to be seduced by certain key (and dated) ideas, such as, controversially, the survival of the fittest, which have framed our world view to the detriment of the way in which the biosphere really works. Skene attacks these conventional approaches of bioscience, which have created a 'human-centric' view of the planet.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{infobox
+{{infobox1
 |title=Escape from Bubbleworld
 |author=Keith Skene
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 |publisher=Ard Macha Press
 |date=September 2011
 |summary=Creating renewed interest in the science of apocalyptic world catastrophe created by mankind's own foolishness isn't an easy task when we have read and seen so much about this. But Dr Keith Skene produces a highly informative, challenging and even entertaining book which while not pulling any punches, still manages to generate the feeling that there is a way forward.
 }}

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 |borrow=Yes
 |isbn=978-0956250124
 |pages=433
 |publisher=Ard Macha Press
@@ Line 34: / Line 30: @@
 'Escape from Bubbleworld' is a step into the complexities of our environmental role – a more straight-punching, anger-inducing and in an odd way lyrical text for any of us who need convincing (or reminding) of the ultimate price to pay, is [[Silent Spring by Rachel Carson]].
-{{amazontext|amazon=0956250122}} {{waterstonestext|waterstones=8698180}}
+{{amazontext|amazon=0956250122}}
 {{commenthead}}