Paul Warde is a Reader in Environmental History at the University of Cambridge. His previous publications include Ecology, Economy and State Formation in Early Modern Germany (Cambridge, 2006), Power to the People. Energy in Europe over the Last Five Centuries (2013), and The Future of Nature: Documents of Global Change (2013).

'This is an important book. A history of ideas that ranges widely over political economy, the state and the environment, The Invention of Sustainability is a great example of how to present a compelling argument while respecting complexity. Paul Warde brings together wonderfully rich evidence and makes his case lucidly. The result is a bold and very satisfying work.' David Blackbourn, author of The Conquest of Nature

• 1. Living from the land, c.1500–1620; 2. Governing the woods, c.1500–1700; 3. Ambition and experiment, c.1590–1740; 4. Paths to sustained growth, c.1650–1760; 5. Nature translated, c.1670–1830; 6. Theories of circulation, c.1740–1800; 7. Political economies of nature, c.1760–1840; 8. History and destiny, c.1700–1870; Conclusion: ends and beginnings.

Paul Warde is a Reader in Environmental History at the University of Cambridge. His previous publications include Ecology, Economy and State Formation in Early Modern Germany (Cambridge, 2006), Power to the People. Energy in Europe over the Last Five Centuries (2013), and The Future of Nature: Documents of Global Change (2013).

'This is an important book. A history of ideas that ranges widely over political economy, the state and the environment, The Invention of Sustainability is a great example of how to present a compelling argument while respecting complexity. Paul Warde brings together wonderfully rich evidence and makes his case lucidly. The result is a bold and very satisfying work.' David Blackbourn, author of The Conquest of Nature

• 1. Living from the land, c.1500–1620; 2. Governing the woods, c.1500–1700; 3. Ambition and experiment, c.1590–1740; 4. Paths to sustained growth, c.1650–1760; 5. Nature translated, c.1670–1830; 6. Theories of circulation, c.1740–1800; 7. Political economies of nature, c.1760–1840; 8. History and destiny, c.1700–1870; Conclusion: ends and beginnings.

Paul Warde is a Reader in Environmental History at the University of Cambridge. His previous publications include Ecology, Economy and State Formation in Early Modern Germany (Cambridge, 2006), Power to the People. Energy in Europe over the Last Five Centuries (2013), and The Future of Nature: Documents of Global Change (2013).

'This is an important book. A history of ideas that ranges widely over political economy, the state and the environment, The Invention of Sustainability is a great example of how to present a compelling argument while respecting complexity. Paul Warde brings together wonderfully rich evidence and makes his case lucidly. The result is a bold and very satisfying work.' David Blackbourn, author of The Conquest of Nature

• 1. Living from the land, c.1500–1620; 2. Governing the woods, c.1500–1700; 3. Ambition and experiment, c.1590–1740; 4. Paths to sustained growth, c.1650–1760; 5. Nature translated, c.1670–1830; 6. Theories of circulation, c.1740–1800; 7. Political economies of nature, c.1760–1840; 8. History and destiny, c.1700–1870; Conclusion: ends and beginnings.