Overview

In this far-reaching book, Philip Conford continues the survey of the British organic movement which he began in The Origins of the Organic Movement (2001). This second volume covers the period from 1945 to the mid-1990s, by which point the movement was about to enjoy a much higher public profile than previously. This is the most thorough account of organic history to appear so far. Wide-ranging but closely detailed, the book begins by examining the ways in which agriculture and food production became increasingly industrialised and technological during the post-war decades. In response to these developments, the organic movement urged an approach to agriculture based on awareness of ecological restraints and of the finitude of natural resources, seeking to co-operate with nature rather than dominate it. Conford describes the movement's various organisations, journals and leading personalities, looking at their attitude to farming, horticulture, health, science, the environment and consumerism, considering in particular what links them together into a conjoining network. He also discusses the controversial areas of the movement's political and religious affiliations. The book will interest anyone concerned about Green issues, food quality, and the future of British farming.

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9780863158032

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Reviews

'Once again Philip Conford has produced a book in which the clarity and elegance of the writing parallels the clarity and elegance of his thought. In a tour de force mercifully free of theoretical musings he examines the complexities, tensions and contradictions within the modern organic movement and in considering its varied dramatis personae reflects upon the broader philosophical issues. A wide-ranging and often controversial account, it is essential reading for all those concerned with Green issues, food quality and the modern history of British agriculture.' -- Richard Moore-Colyer, Professor of Agrarian History at the University of Wales 'An authoritative, comprehensive and wide-ranging account of the development of organic agriculture and horticulture during the second half of the twentieth century. The author identifies the key individuals and organizations responsible for transforming organic growing from an unappreciated fringe activity into the force it is today, detailing its philosophical, scientific and spiritual underpinnings. Conford explores the influence on, and cross-fertilisation with, the environmental movement, the wholefood tradition, and issues such as animal welfare, vegetarianism and food safety. Thoroughly enjoyable, utterly engrossing, and magisterial in scope, this book should be read by everyone who cares about how our food is produced.' -- Alan Gear, former Director of the Organic Gardens, Ryton 'Philip Conford is the great historian of the organic movement, and this book brings the story almost to the present day. Anyone hoping to understand the idealism, contradictions, and fundamental importance of the movement must read Conford's work.' -- Eric Schlosser, journalist and author of Fast Food Nation 'Philip Conford is without question our movement's most authoritative living historian. It has been a source of great comfort to me to know that as a chapter of agricultural history in which I have been personally involved has unfolded, Philip has been there quietly observing and accurately recording the events. In bearing witness to this important story, it touches me, that despite the strength of his own opinions in relation to what he has observed, which occasionally almost surface between the lines, as my army uncle used to say, 'he keeps a lid on them', his first allegiance always being to the truth.' -- Patrick Holden, Director of the Sustainable Food Trust and former Director of the Soil Association 'With his extensive knowledge. Insight and intellect, Phillip Conford should be considered a treasure to the organic movement. No one else is able to write with such authority or such a broad view on our movement, past and present. This book really is a must for anyone who considers themselves a part of the organic network. It's likely this will become one of the classic texts on organic food and farming, sitting alongside the likes of The Living Soil and An Agricultural Testament in its importance and impact on the network in the present and future. The combination of story-telling with reasoning is the real strength of this book, underpinned by true academic rigour and extensive research.' -- The Organic Grower Magazine

'Once again Philip Conford has produced a book in which the clarity and elegance of the writing parallels the clarity and elegance of his thought. In a tour de force mercifully free of theoretical musings he examines the complexities, tensions and contradictions within the modern organic movement and in considering its varied dramatis personae reflects upon the broader philosophical issues. A wide-ranging and often controversial account, it is essential reading for all those concerned with Green issues,food quality and the modern history of British agriculture.' -- Richard Moore-Colyer, Professor of Agrarian History at the University of Wales 'An authoritative, comprehensive and wide-ranging account of the development of organic agriculture and horticulture during the second half of the twentieth century. The author identifies the key individuals and organizations responsible for transforming organic growing from an unappreciated fringe activity into the force it is today, detailing its philosophical, scientific and spiritual underpinnings. Conford explores the influence on, and cross-fertilisation with, the environmental movement, the wholefood tradition, and issues such as animal welfare, vegetarianism and food safety. Thoroughly enjoyable, utterly engrossing, and magisterial in scope, this book should be read by everyone who cares about how our food is produced.' -- Alan Gear, former Director of the Organic Gardens, Ryton

Author Information

Philip Conford (b. 1948) holds the posts of Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Reading and Honorary Visiting Fellow at the University of Leicester. He is a leading authority on the history of the British organic movement, which he has studied for more than a quarter of a century, and his book The Origins of the Organic Movement was published in 2001. He has contributed regularly to the journal The Organic Grower and to the Soil Association's magazine Living Earth, and is on the editorial board of the Association's twice-yearly journal Mother Earth.

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