Land

How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern World

By: Simon Winchester

Narrated by: Simon Winchester

“In many ways, Land combines bits and pieces of many of Winchester’s previous books into a satisfying, globe-trotting whole. . . . Winchester is, once again, a consummate guide.”—Boston Globe

The author of The Professor and the Madman, The Map That Changed the World, and The Perfectionists explores the notion of property—bought, earned, or received; in Europe, Africa, North America, or the South Pacific—through human history, how it has shaped us and what it will mean for our future.

Land—whether meadow or mountainside, desert or peat bog, parkland or pasture, suburb or city—is central to our existence. It quite literally underlies and underpins everything. Employing the keen intellect, insatiable curiosity, and narrative verve that are the foundations of his previous bestselling works, Simon Winchester examines what we human beings are doing—and have done—with the billions of acres that together make up the solid surface of our planet.

Land: How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern World examines in depth how we acquire land, how we steward it, how and why we fight over it, and finally, how we can, and on occasion do, come to share it. Ultimately, Winchester confronts the essential question: who actually owns the world’s land—and why does it matter?

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Very good but not great

Numerous interesting chapters about different historical cultures but some dragged on. Worthwhile despite not being gripping.

Amazing

I’ve read 7 or 8 of Winchester’s books and always enjoy them immensely. Listening to this audio book, narrated by the author, enriched the experience.

As always, Winchester finds incredibly fascinating tales to tell that support his larger narrative.

A poignant and timely examination of the cultural concept of land ownership

Simon Winchester’s clever narrative examines the historical and geographical concept of land ownership and its many discontents. Often times challenging, but ultimately rewarding.

Should authors read their own books?

Simon Winchester is an awesome narrator. I’ve listened to three or four of his books.

More fascinating than the title might imply

Historian/ geologist/journalist Winchester examines hidden stories from all over the world, concerning the many ways humans have stolen land from each other and the fewer ways humans protect the land and the people who have lived on it.