You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon, but Get Lost in the Mall

By Colin Ellard

Book Overview

Psychologist Colin Ellard explains how, over centuries of innovation, we have lost our instinctive ability to find our way and suggests that architects and city planners need to consider human... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038552806X
• ISBN13: 9780385528061
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Doubleday
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.2" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

A lively, fun read

You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon But Get Lost in the Mall comes from a psychologist who discusses how humans have found their way traditionally and how this directional sense has changed with the advent of new technologies to assist, and wider global approaches to directions. Despite all innovations humans still get lost - even going to places very familiar. You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon But Get Lost in the Mall examines how people think about space, environment, and the process of mental maps used for everyday direction. Both psychology and general libraries will find it a lively, fun read.

A Superb Book

Scientists often attempt to write books for the "intelligent layperson." Such books frequently miss the mark because the authors aim either too high or too low and their writing is pedestrian. Ellard nails it. This is not a book that you will buy and put off reading. Start it and you will be hooked. Ellard manages to be both funny and informative. This book will appeal to both spatial idiots like me who are forever losing their way and competent navigators. After you read the book, you will amaze your friends and neighbors with your new-found erudition on a host of topics, ranging from animal navigation to architecture. You may also amaze your spouse and children with your new path-finding skills.