Book excerpt: First published in 1988. A Dictionary of Green Ideas collects together the concepts which go to make up a green view of the world. Ecology and the environment, conservation and appropriate technology, politics and philosophy, peace and health, spirituality and world development - all these areas and more are reflected in nearly 1500 entries. The entries range from the very short to full-length essays, reflecting the diversity of the subject matter. All give a clear definition of the meaning of the term and an indication of its etymology and earliest use. But the Dictionary of Green Ideas is much more than simply a list of definitions. The concepts discussed are elaborated upon, interpreted, set in context, exemplified by quotations from a wide range of sources, and related to other entries by means of an extensive network of cross-references. The result is a fascinating and immensely readable book which successfully fulfils a double role as an accessible introduction to green thought, and as a source of reference offering new insights to green thinkers of long standing.