The history of the twentieth century is most often told through its
world wars, the rise and fall of communism, or its economic upheavals.
In his startling book, J. R. McNeill gives us our first general account
of what may prove to be the most significant dimension of the twentieth
century: its environmental history. To a degree unprecedented in human
history, we have refashioned the earth's air, water, and soil, and the
biosphere of which we are a part. Based on exhaustive research,
McNeill's story--a compelling blend of anecdotes, data, and shrewd
analysis--never preaches: it is our definitive account.
This is a volume in The Global Century Series (general editor, Paul
Kennedy).