Through much of history, humanity's relationship with the earth has been plagued by ambivalence - while enjoying and appreciating the forces of nature, we have also sought to plunder, alter and control them. The author of this study uncovers the cultural roots of our ecological crisis.

Through much of history our relationship with the earth has been plagued by ambivalence--we not only enjoy and appreciate the forces and manifestations of nature, we seek to plunder, alter, and control them. Here Paul Shepard uncovers the cultural roots of our ecological crisis and proposes ways to repair broken bonds with the earth, our past, and nature. Ultimately encouraging, he notes, "There is a secret person undamaged in every individual. We have not lost, and cannot lose, the genuine impulse."