Introduction. 1. Spatial Systems and Spatial Order 2. The National System 3. The Urban Place as a System 4. The International System.

Ron Johnston was one of the most influential geographers of his generation. At the time of his death he was Professor of Geography at Bristol University. He received numerous awards, including the Royal Geographical Society's Murchison award and the Victoria Medal, and the Association of American Geographers' lifetime achievement award. In 1999, he received the Vautrin Lud prize, geography's highest award, and was elected a fellow of the British Academy the same year.