Traces the intellectual roots of the environment movement in terms of its scientific, economic and aesthetic aspects. It examines industrial pollution of land, air and water; action taken to prevent further damage; and economic implications of using up exhaustible resources.

The present and future state of the environment gives rise to ever increasing concern, but much less is known as yet about the past: the damage that has been done since, and by, the Industrial Revolution; how far our predecessors were aware of it; the steps they took; and the gradual development of a wider concern for the state of the world and our impact on it. This timely and pioneering survey, designed for general readers as well as students and scholars, is a substantial contribution to that understanding.

List of Abbreviations.
List of Illustrations.
Acknowledgements.
Preface.
1. Introduction.
Part One: Pollution and amenity.
2. The age of smoke and smells.
3. From smoke abatement to global warming.
4. Water resources under strain.
5. Land loss and reclamation.
6. Towards a green and pleasant land.
Part two: The Prodigal Economy - and its reform?
7. Energy.
8. Metals and minerals.
9. Any old iron?
10. By products.
11. Conclusion: economic growth and the environment.
Index.