Greenpeace

For most of us, Greenpeace has always been there – a basic ingredient of the commonsense moderation of humankind’s self-generated maelstrom of self-destructive ‘progress’. So it’s some surprise to find that what is now a widely accepted – and respected – household word will only be 40 next year.

Connolly’s excellently objective account traces the movement’s development from its Canadian anti-nuclear origins to its current occupation of all aspects of environmental high ground. Very evident throughout the narrative is the ability of Greenpeace always to attract experts in every necessary field – from journalism through science to accountancy. This has ensured an ever-recognisable presence, spectacularly effective demonstrations and influential actions and statements; it could also be said to show that the validity of its actions and purpose draws the best minds.

And here, also, we get what is rare in current ‘series’ information books – a satisfying end-to-end read allowing the constructive accumulation of knowledge. We follow the growth of Greenpeace from a ragged collection of ‘hippies, draft dodgers, monks, artists, seadogs and ecologists’ to the massive environmental pressure group we now know. And on 8 February 2010 falls its 40th birthday – the age at which they say life begins…