When I came to Queen's, I inherited a course called ‘Human Evolution and it's Environmental Impact’ which was set up by the great dendrochronologist, Mike Baille. He was one of what was originally a very small band of far-sighted scientists who had the vision to understand the fragility of our planet and the increasing levels of anthropogenic damage to it. In the forefront of this band of scientific mavericks (now a mainstream view, not least because of their consistent efforts over many years), were the Ehrlichs. This substantial volume is the course text that Mike never wrote.

This book presents a solid overview of human ecology, and a sustained and carefully-reasoned argument for fundamental changes in global society to enable the equitable and sustainable use of the Earth's resources. It is done, through the synthesis of an immense range of information, as discussions of how we became what we are as a species; what we are; how we came to (mis)manage the planet as we do; and the possibilities for the future if we maintain current trends.

The Ehrlichs present a condensed account of the mechanisms and workings of evolution (chapters 1 and 2) and how these have led to the appearance of the modern human species (chapters 3 and 4). In chapter 4, the evolution of consciousness, the human mind and culture is discussed in the light of the mechanisms of genetics. Chapter 5 deals with social organization and the rise of modern states. The environmental and cultural contexts of human perception, how these limit our ability to perceive environmental change, the biological basis and evolution of belief systems and the general slipperiness of concepts of race are discussed in chapter 6. Chapter 7 deals succinctly with human population biology and dynamics, ending with a discussion of the issues faced by populations which have passed the demographic transition. The concept of human progress and cultural evolution are dissected in chapter 8. Chapter 9 is an introduction to ecological cycles and the functioning and interconnectedness of the planet's systems. This ecological theme is followed in chapters 10–15 where the impact of humans on the biosphere is considered in some detail. Chapter 16 deals with conservation biology, its importance and costs to human society. Governance and the difficulties the global community has with concerted action are explored in chapter 17. Finally, the epilogue argues for the adoption of sustainable ways of managing the Earth through the adoption already-available alternatives to current practice.

The book represents a considerable intellectual achievement and is by two of the most revered names in ecology, but it is difficult to understand quite at whom this book is aimed. The book is written clearly, logically and accurately. The material is well-selected and nearly all current, although I felt that the material on global problems in chapters 10–15 could have been considerably condensed, as much is now very well-known. The real challenge today, given the widespread awareness and discounting of these problems, is to how solutions might be implemented and ‘sold’ to the public, and this is hardly touched upon. The impending fate of the World's ecosystems and populations are unfortunately too remote from most people's experience and day-to-day lives to cause spontaneous behavioural change. The book was, however, written during the Bush presidency, when policy making was explicitly blind to many of the issues explored here and there was a pressing need for the balance to be redressed. The focus of the book is largely on the First World, and in particular the USA, and it would undoubtedly be highly beneficial to the rest of the planet's population if every affluent citizen read and learnt from it. Unfortunately, this is likely to be a vain hope. The Dominant Animal is probably too long and too scholarly to appeal to many policy makers or members of the general public, and too generalized to appeal to many established academics. It has a place in any undergraduate course requiring an accessible overview of human ecology and I have recommended it on this basis to my first year class.

The book is well-produced, easily legible, printed on recycled paper of good quality and with virtually no typographical errors. The illustrations are generally clear, although the typeface in diagrams, such as Fig. 3.3, is a little lacking in impact, and some photographs, such as Figs 13.21 and 15.2, are slightly muddy. The text is supported by endnotes and well-chosen annotated bibliographies and there is a useful index.