The Edge of the Plain - James Crawford

In “The Edge of the Plain”, James Crawford explores the rich history and culture of the borderlands and sheds light on the complexities of identity and belonging of communities living in the shadow of borders. This wonderfully written book will take you around the world to explore separations from Hadrian’s Wall to China’s Great Firewall, to the Gaza-Israel barrier, and the “Great Green Wall” of trees in Africa. In doing so, it will invite you to ponder why these separations exist and what their role is in shaping the world and ourselves. Despite its focus on boundaries and borders, “The Edge of the Plain” is also a reminder of the power of human connection and the potential for unity in a divided world.

No matter where you turn, it seems that the taut lines of borders are vibrating to – or even calling – the tune of global events

Today, there are more borders in the world than ever before in human history. Beginning with the earliest known example, Crawford travels to many borders old and new: from a melting glacial landscape to the conflict-torn West Bank and the fault-lines of the US/Mexico border. He follows the story of borders into our fragile and uncertain future – towards the virtual frontiers of the internet and the shifting geography of a world beset by climate change.

As nationalism, climate change, globalisation, technology and mass migration all collide with ever-hardening borders, something has to give. And Crawford asks, is it time to let go of the lines that divide us?

“A richly essayistic account of how borders make and break our world, from Hadrian’s Wall to China’s Great Firewall”
guardian

“The borders that mark our world are either ineffective, inhumane, or both. The Edge of the Plain asks us to envision alternatives”
new York Times

“Erudite and engaging … [A] fine book”
the Irish Times

“Why do lines on a map hold such power over humanity? Will we ever do away with them? These are some of the questions pondered - and answered - by James Crawford. Fascinating”
CNN

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