This book surveys major environmental writings on a wide range of subjects, from the origin and evolution of plants and animals to such recent environmental philosophies as deep ecology and the Gaia hypothesis.
Environmental Literature examines works such as The Origin of Species, The Anatomy of Plants, Climate and Evolution, The Descent of Man, The Living Sea, Natural History, Playing God in Yellowstone, and Silent Spring. Each entry summarizes the work's main points and notes its reception and impact.

Other entries include animal ecology, biodiversity, Chernobyl, Alexander von Humboldt, forest management, Stephen Jay Gould, nature writing, Charles Darwin, and the simple living movement.