Description
The proposed book is not only a tribute to the work of Brckner (and indeed also a personal tribute, since Brckner wrote his book at the Institute of Geography of the University of Bern), but references to Brckner’s book are also a conceptual tool in the proposed book, though used sparingly and thoughtfully. Apart from providing historical context, references may facilitate introducing some complex topics, for instance by first presenting Brckner’s view and then complementing the picture with today’s understanding. References can be used for contrast: Comparing Brckner’s methods and data with today’s research concepts makes the progress in the field easily understandable. The enormous growth of information since Brkner’s time allows a much more detailed perspective on some scientific problems. Or references can be used to highlight similarity. Some aspects have not changed over time. Finally, the book complements Brckner’s studies by adding the arguably most interesting and certainly most relevant period, the past 120 years.
