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.

B.W. Clapp

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.