An engaging primer of the history of the sustainability movement from the 1600s to the present day, illuminating how sustainability evolved from a relatively marginal idea to the centerpiece of international accords, a top priority for governments and non-profit organizations, and a philosophy of hope and resilience with widespread appeal. Caradonna rapidly traces a thread through centuries of thinkers and political movements. Along the way he ably documents the fact that interest in environmental quality has grown over the last three centuries and that government has as often been used to undermine environmental quality as to support it.