Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Ecology of Environmentalism

Seed
Rudolf Steiner’s Holistic Vision

Roots
Biodynamics and the Origins of Organic Agriculture

Branches
Anthroposophical Initiatives and the Growing Environmental Movement

Flowers
New Economies for Environmentalism

Fruit
The Broader Ecology of Camphill

Ecology
The Boundaries of Anthroposophy

Evolution
Anthroposophy’s Gifts to the Environmental Movement

Notes
Index

About the Author

Daniel McKanan is the Emerson Senior Lecturer at Harvard Divinity School and the author of several books on religion and social transformation, among them Touching the World: Christian Communities Transforming Society and Prophetic Encounters: Religion and the American Radical Tradition.

Reviews

Eco-Alchemy makes a solid case for the importance of anthroposophist initiatives to the evolution of modern environmentalism. . . . It deserves a wide readership among those interested in esoteric spirituality, environmental politics, and the controversial interaction between religion and public affairs. “An especially timely book. . . . A valuable resource for students of new religions, environmentalism, agrarianism, organics, the western esoteric tradition, and, of course, Steiner’s unique addition to the world’s religious ecology. It is an important addition to scholarship on new religions. . . . A fine primer on the religion itself.”
*Reading Religion*

"As its name suggests Eco-Alchemy describes an intermixing and re-constituting of ideas and good intentions that have been emerging and manifesting themselves over the last hundred years. [...] The analysis offered in Eco-Alchemy presents a very respectful and balanced picture of anthroposophy and yet does not shy away from describing the shortcomings and errors which have occurred over the years, nor the need to change, transform itself and learn from other progressive movements. It is an important work that should be widely available particularly to those undertaking a study of environmental philosophy."
*Camphill Pages*

"Eco-Alchemy is a welcome contribution to the study of esotericism and the history of environmentalism, both for its unique insights and for his attention to the influence of esoteric thought and practice on popular culture."
*Journal for the Study of Esotericism*

"This is an exemplary book and a cause for celebration: a judicious, balanced, and well-informed discussion of Rudolf Steiner’s work."
*Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture*