The Danish Revolution, 1500-1800: An Ecohistorical Interpretation(Studies in enviroment and History) by Thorkild Kjaergaard

First of all let me declare that I in no way question the methodology used by Mr. Kjaergaard. What I do question is his political and enviromental ideas which he uses this book to further. These really quite entertaining ideas are a "wonderfull" mix of the ideology of Khmer Rouge and a more or less academic version of the ideas of Greenpeace. The book is a great read, should one want a laugh combined with an interesting new historical viewpoint (ecological-history).A new form of history that really could be an interesting science. When the book was first published in Denmark it caused quite a debate in the intelectual circles and Mr. Kjaergaard, who has often brought forth highly controversial views regarding a broad spectre subjects, was by most people ridiculed and many commented that Mr. Kjaergaard might have lost the key to his ivory tower and therefore totally lost his connection to "the real world". I agree in that theory but nonetheless I found the book an interesting read and would reccomend it highly to those who find very subjective history interesting.

Unfortunately, an 'ecohistorical' interpretation of Denmark's past will always gain a hardy following of critics. Such criticism necessarily devotes its firepower to outlining how 'radical' and 'what a break from tradition' it is. It only breaks from a tradition that accepts man's relationship with the earth as being one of master and servant. By historicising that particular statement, one would discover that humanity's relationship with the earth (our Mother) has not always been so short-sighted.

I recommend this book ... When such important historical writing has such a princely price tag it's no wonder that the world is mired in such dilemmas. Of course, scholars deserve adequate remuneration, but not at the expense of the public good.

Kjaergaard's destruction of the 'common-sense' paradigms that dominate so much scholarship is certainly worth a read - even if it does reek of 'Khmer Rouge' politics. Until the problems that he discusses are removed from the earth, his history will remain relevant. Perhaps any such removal would necessitate the cessation of 'homo historicity'. I certainly hope not!

I think that The danish revolution is intersting for a number of reasons. First of all it is provocative in the sense that it questions the tradition af danish history. TK does not agree with the old view that the reforms of late 18th century marked the beginning of a new progressive period of danish agricultural history. On the contrary he focuses on the brekdown of the rural community which, according to Mr. Tk. was the basis of the ecological recovery the 18th century. This I think is an interesting new angle.