This volume explores how various cultures in different historical moments have responded to calamity, offering insight into the complex relationship between society and environment. In the second edition, each chapter has been updated with an addendum to reflect on recent developments in the field. There is also new material on key present-day topics including epidemics, drought, famine, non-governmental organizations, and displacement and resettlement. This book demonstrates the relevance of studying disaster from an anthropological perspective and is a valuable resource not only for anthropologists but for other fields concerned with education, policy and practice.