This work investigates the fundamental shift in human perception of the natural world in England between 1500 and 1800. Sir Keith Thomas, a distinguished historian, utilizes an extensive array of primary sources—including diaries, agricultural records, and literature—to document how the early modern period transitioned from a utilitarian view of nature to one characterized by sentimentality and conservation. He argues that this historical evolution provides the necessary context for understanding contemporary environmental dilemmas.

Historians and scholars widely regard this text as a foundational work in the field of environmental history due to its meticulous research and broad cultural scope. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which provides a comprehensive look at the intellectual history of human-nature relations.