The Pulse of the Earth: Political Geology in Java

The Pulse of the Earth explores how modern theories of the earth emerged from the slopes of Indonesias volcanoes, blending Western and non-Western cosmology, theology, anthropology, and geology. It shows how Indonesian Islam shaped plate tectonics, Dutch colonial volcanologists learned to see the earth in new ways, and new scientific technologies recast notions of the human body, distance, and the earth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

The Pulse of the Earth is a captivating journey that delves into the origins of modern theories about our planet. Author Adam Bobbette takes us on a captivating expedition, tracing the evolution of earth sciences from the slopes of Indonesia's volcanoes. Beginning in the late 19th century, scientists became increasingly concerned with safeguarding the colonial plantation economy from the unpredictable eruptions and tremors of these majestic natural phenomena. Bobbette skillfully weaves together a rich tapestry of knowledge traditions, colonial geologists, volcanologists, mystics, Theosophists, orientalists, and revolutionaries, showcasing how the earth sciences emerged as a harmonious blend of Western and non-Western cosmology, theology, anthropology, and geology. Through meticulous archival research, insightful interviews, and immersive fieldwork at Javanese volcanoes and scientific observatories, he unravels the profound influence of Indonesian Islam on the development of plate tectonics, the transformative insights Dutch colonial volcanologists gained from Javanese spiritual traditions, and the revolutionary impact of new scientific technologies on our understanding of the human body, distance, and the earth. By centering the narrative on the contributions of non-Western thinkers and practitioners, Bobbette challenges the traditional Western-centric perspective and offers a fresh and insightful reevaluation of the politics of geological knowledge. Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, The Pulse of the Earth provides a profound exploration of the evolution of planetary thought and offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between science, culture, and society.

Weight: 445g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478025054