Jean Gottmann's Atlantic 'transhumance' and the development of his spatial theory

Abstract

This paper analyses Gottman's spatial model in relation to his complex biography which took place during some of the great historical changes of the 20th century. In particular, it relates the concept of Megalopolis to his theoretical writings in political geography. The development of the latter ones could not be fully understood without reference to his 'transhumance' between the two sides of the Atlantic from 1941 to 1961.