History of Geography

"History of Geography" by Sir John Scott Keltie and O. J. R. Howarth is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the evolution of geography as a discipline, outlining its development from ancient times through to the modern era. The book emphasizes the significance of geographical knowledge in advancing various fields of human understanding and its vital role in society. The opening of this text provides an introduction to the concept of geography, describing it as a fundamental science that traces humanity's interaction with the Earth’s environment. The authors clarify that while the book does not focus on geographical exploration per se, it acknowledges pivotal events in the history of geography as a scientific practice. They discuss the primitive instincts of early humans as unintentional geographers, noting early practices like map-making among various civilizations, including the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of geographical concepts developed by the Greeks and Romans.