Eisenberg sheds a bold new light on present-day environmental problems by examining the bedrock place the myth of Eden holds in the Western psyche, and how it has both reflected and disguised our actual dealings with nature.

Through an amazingly broad range of discussion, spanning evolution, ecology and molecular biology, myth and anthropology, religion and Bible studies, history and literature, landscape and urban studies, farming and gardening, Eisenberg explores the actual circumstances of the exile from Eden. He also shows how we can make our peace with that exile -- not by going back, but by looking forward.

Beyond its ideas much of the book's value and pleasure lies in the richness of its scholarship, in the surprise of its associations, in the authority of its engaging voice. Eisenberg's humor and passion make his story breathe.