Using ecological, historical, humanist, institutionalist, and Marxist methodologies, Duncan argues that the entire project of developing the theory of political economy has been seriously sidetracked by industrialism. Using England as a case study he shows that the relationship between modernity and agriculture need not be uncomfortable and suggests ways in which the original socialist project can be rejuvenated to make it both more feasible and more attractive. Duncan concludes that no sustainable human future can be conceived unless and until the centrality of agriculture is properly recognized and new economic institutions are developed that will encourage people to take care of their landscapes.

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"The Centrality of Agriculture is a highly innovative piece of social criticism directed not only at more orthodox economists but also at the mainstream Marxist tradition. It offers intriguing new twists on older debates on agrarian capitalism and integrates various forms of research in the field in an exciting and knowledgeable fashion. This work will have considerable impact on the study of the environmental dimension in political economy." Andrew Cooper, Department of Political Science, University of Waterloo.