Governing the Environment in the Early Modern World

This book examines the evolving relationship between cultural views of the environment and efforts at regulation from 1500 to 1800, highlighting how these interactions shaped perceptions of nature in society.

Governing the Environment in the Early Modern World examines the evolving relationship between cultural perceptions of the environment and the practical efforts to regulate and transform it from 1500 to 1800. During the early modern period, discussions surrounding scientific inquiry and governmental policies increasingly focused on environmental issues, prompting debates across Europe and beyond about how to enhance land and climate for human benefit. This shift in discourse led to a reevaluation of established beliefs regarding climate's influence on social structures, economic systems, and public health.

The book adopts a cultural and intellectual lens to explore the dynamics of environmental governance during this era. By combining interpretative analysis with fresh insights, it sheds light on a period that remains relatively unexplored by environmental historians. The authors delve into how initiatives aimed at improving the environment were informed by and, in turn, reshaped contemporary understandings of nature's role within human society. This multifaceted narrative provides a deeper comprehension of the interplay between human actions and environmental conditions.

Overall, Governing the Environment in the Early Modern World will appeal to environmental, cultural, and intellectual historians, as well as anyone interested in the intersections of culture and politics in environmental governance. The book encourages readers to reflect on the historical context of environmental regulation and its implications for contemporary discussions about sustainability and ecological stewardship.