Early Anthropocene Literature in Britain, 17501884

The book explores the concept of the "early Anthropocene," tracing its roots in the literature, art, and science of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain. Organized around the classical elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air—it reveals how writers and artists responded to industrial changes by intertwining scientific insights with their creative works. Through vivid imagery of industrial landscapes and climate phenomena, the text illustrates how these cultural figures perceived humans as influential forces capable of altering the planet's geophysical systems.