What is Environmental History? 2nd Edition

J. Donald Hughes. (2015). Cambridge: Polity Press.

The central aims of this book are to introduce the field of environmental history and to demonstrate the importance that the study of the environment plays in producing a detailed account of the historical world. Indeed, the ‘living connections of humans to the communities of which they are part must be integral component of the historical account’ (p. 16). The organisation of the book begins with how the subject of environmental history is defined and its relation to other forms of history (Chapter 1) and then the history of environmental history, including the origins of environmental thought, with reference to ancient, medieval, and early modern texts (Chapter 2), the emergence of environmental history in America (Chapter 3) and the rest of the world (Chapters 4 & 5). The final two chapters focus on environmental history now; where the field is going and the issues it’s facing (Chapter 6) and how to approach historical sources and methodologies from an environmental perspective (Chapter 7).

Example quotation

in search for an answer, environmental history can offer an essential perspective, offering knowledge of the historical process that led to the present situation, examples of the past problems and solutions, and an analysis of how the historical forces must be dealt with. Without that perspective, decision-making falls prey to short-term political consideration based on narrow special interests. Environmental history can be a salutary corrective for easy answers.

(p.135)