Exploration: The Globe and Beyond

Abstract: Despite its ubiquitous use around the world, the term "biodiversity" is a contested and highly relative term. Daniel Lewis' new book project – a continent-based global history of biodiversity – deals with these difficulties, and will provide a fresh critical perspective on the concept as it has been understood by a world in motion. Continental exchanges, exploration, nativism, and the "exotic" are all actors in this story. The project focuses on eight particular large, biodiverse regions, each with people as well as plants and animals – some introduced, but others with long tenancy on the land.