Spirit of Place

Synopsis

When we look at the landscape, what do we see? Do we experience the view over a valley or dappled sunlight on a path in the same way as those who were there before us? We have altered the countryside in innumerable ways over the last thousand years, and never more so than in the last hundred. How are these changes reflected in - and affected by - art and literature?

Spirit of Place offers a panoramic view of the British landscape as seen through the eyes of writers and artists from Bede and the Gawain-poet to Gainsborough, Austen, W. G. Sebald and Barbara Hepworth. Shaped by these distinctive voices and evocative imagery, Susan Owens describes how the British landscape has been framed, reimagined and reshaped by each generation. Each account or work of art, whether illuminated in a manuscript, jotted down in a journal or constructed from sticks and stones, holds up a mirror to its maker and their world.

With 80 illustrations

Summary

Chapter 1: The Spirit of Place

* Defines the "spirit of place" as the unique and intangible character of a specific location.
* Explores the influence of geography, history, and culture on shaping place.
* Example: The bustling streets of Tokyo, where the modern skyscrapers juxtapose with traditional shrines, embody the city's fusion of past and present.

Chapter 2: The Natural Environment

* Examines the role of the physical environment in shaping a place's spirit.
* Explores how factors such as climate, topography, and natural resources contribute to place identity.
* Example: The rugged coastline of Cornwall, England, with its crashing waves and windswept cliffs, evokes a sense of wildness and isolation.

Chapter 3: The Built Environment

* Discusses how the physical structures and infrastructure of a place influence its spirit.
* Explores the ways in which buildings, streets, and parks contribute to a sense of place.
* Example: The winding alleys and cobblestone streets of the historic center of Rome evoke a feeling of timelessness and grandeur.

Chapter 4: The Social Environment

* Examines how the people who live in a place shape its character.
* Explores the role of demographics, culture, and social interactions in creating a sense of community.
* Example: The vibrant markets and diverse neighborhoods of Dubai showcase the city's multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Chapter 5: The Cultural Environment

* Discusses how the arts, music, and traditions of a place contribute to its spirit.
* Explores the ways in which festivals, museums, and cultural institutions foster a sense of place.
* Example: The annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival transforms the Scottish capital into a global hub for theater, comedy, and art.

Chapter 6: The Psychic Environment

* Examines the intangible and subjective experiences associated with place.
* Explores the ways in which sensory impressions, memories, and emotions shape our perceptions of place.
* Example: The haunting ruins of ancient Angkor Wat in Cambodia evoke a sense of awe and mystery that transcends the physical realm.

Chapter 7: The Future of Place

* Considers the challenges and opportunities facing the spirit of place in the modern world.
* Explores the impact of globalization, urbanization, and technology on place identity.
* Example: The rapid growth of Silicon Valley in California has transformed the region into a global hub for innovation, but also raises concerns about preserving its distinct character.