Book review : Tim Bonyhady: The Colonial Earth

Abstract

Our colonial forbears were invaders blind to the nature of their new land, antagonistic to its plants and animals, unable to represent the landscape in their art other than by imitation of Europe, and determined to extract wealth without regard for environmental cost. We, by contrast, are enlightened by environmental awareness, armed with the tools of modern science to put matters right, and uplifted by the beauty of our home. Environmental concerns are a recent development, with few if any precedents that promise to direct us to sustainable land uses and protection of our environment. This mythological view of our past and present is in many ways comforting, for it allows us the conceit to view the past as full of mistakes and the future as full of promise. It is a view held by many scientists and others, reflected in recent accounts of our environmental history.