Customer Reviews:
 Mildly entertaining but unpersuasive attack on the new orthodoxy July 6, 2008
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book champions the benefits of industrialisation for developing countries and the rights of consumer free choice over the concerns of today's environmentalists. It opposes environmental legislation, and sees environmental advocacy as the new orthodoxy. Architecture is a particular focus of interest. The book comprises selected quotations, examples and commentary aimed at humorously exposing environmentalist excesses. This makes it an easy, even amusing, read, at some cost to the coherence of the analysis. By arguing that progress is a political rather than scientific issue, Austin fails to challenge the underlying environmental analysis or address widespread concerns over climate change, resource depletion and environmental degradation. Ultimately, the fundamental arguments of modern environmentalism aren't seriously challenged.
 The Dangers of Austin Williams May 21, 2008
4 out of 14 found this review helpful
Well, what can I say. As the previous review mentions, this book is certainly not afraid of challenging the key assumptions behind the sustainability agenda. As a self-critical environmentalist myself, I think this is no bad thing. But Austin Williams' argument is flawed to say the least.
The book's central message seems to be that all development is essentially good and so we need to do away with planning regulation. Completely barmy. Perhaps we should build a motorway, an airport, a nuclear power station and a giant waste incinerator next to Austin Williams' house. Perhaps then he would concede that not all development is good!
Interesting ideas, flawed arguments, completely barmy author.
 Anti Miserabilists have a voice May 16, 2008
8 out of 10 found this review helpful
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant - I keep reading out bits to colleagues and friends to counter the latest sheep like drift into policy without challenge. About time someone spoke out against those miserable finger pointing zealots with their spurious sense of moral superiority. If this opens up the debate then we will all owe Austin Williams our gratitude Every page evokes 'let me read you this bit' as the book shows up the absurdity of the 'enjoyment police".
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