[.ca] On Foot: A History of Walking (ISBN 0814705022)

On Foot: A History of Walking:
On Foot: A History of Walking is an enlightening compelling read. As the title suggests, this book describes the history of walking. Thus, as one would expect, this book looks at how human upright mobility changed the way our ancestors traveled, lived, and thought. Though well explored, this topic is only one small aspect of the myriad of topics contained in this fascinating book. The author outlines the many great migrations, battles, crusades, and pilgrimages that have been made by on foot. Most of these journeys, and the challenges while on these adventures, are simply beyond our modern comprehension. Nonetheless, the author paints an enlightening picture for the modern reader. These topics alone would have made for a captivating book. However, the author has gone beyond all expectations and used this book to discuss the way walking and other means of transportation have been viewed by various social classes and how these views have changed a countless number of times over the centuries. Moreover, this book examines changes in the definition of roads over time; how these roads differed in urban and rural settlements; and these changes effected the development of culture and lifestyle in rural and urban areas. On Foot: A History of Walking is a well researched, well written piece of work. Furthermore, though the book contains a large amount of information, this book reads easily without a lot of documentary like dryness. Time and time again, the reader will find him or herself, sharing some of the entertaining or enlightening facts, historical accounts, and quips with his or her family and friends. Simply put, this book will be enjoyed by anyone who walks, rides, or drives.