Doctor Meeker’s premise is that ecology is an ancient theme in art and science. He begins by defining the differences between the tragic and comic views of mankind found in art and literature and explains how these differences have influenced our relationship with the environment. Along the way, the reader is treated to comparisons from Shakespeare to Joseph Heller, just to name a few.

Briefly summarized, the tragic view, invented by Western culture, supports the view that nature exists for the benefit of mankind; while the comic view favors ecological adaption. In literature, the tragic view influenced the development of “pastoral” themes; whereas the comic view instigated “picaresque,” or “rogue” themes and characters. Hamlet, for example, personifies the tragic perspective while Yossarian, of Catch-22 fame, typifies the comic.

Doctor Meeker unequivocally suggests that the comic model is the best fit to “end the long strife” between “man and nature,” but he does so in a diplomatic and artful manner that is edifying without vilifying the early influences of Greek and Judeo-Christian traditions granting mankind “special privileges over nature.” As a result, this is an instructive book with a balanced perspective and a pleasure to read.