Publisher's Synopsis
This collection is concerned with the interrelationship of literature, agriculture, philosophy and society from the 16th to the end of the 17th century. Its importance lies in the range of issues it addresses: from agricultural influences on literature through literary readings of agricultural texts, to classical and theological influences on agricultural practice.;The essays challenge conventional understanding of politics, religion, science and literature and also alter perceptions of the work of such major literary figures as Spenser, Milton, Marvell, Dryden, Cowley and Evelyn, and scientists such as Samuel Hartlib and Christopher Wren.
