Timothy Morton's latest work, “Hell: In Search of a Christian Ecology”, offers an elaborate exploration of the interplay between religion, ecology, and spirituality. Building upon his previous works, particularly “Dark Ecology”, Morton takes readers on a journey that delves deeper into theology, drawing inspiration from the visionary Christianity of William Blake.

As a fellow admirer of William Blake, I found Morton's incorporation of Blake's poetry and engravings to be a highlight of the book. Blake's unique and often enigmatic interpretation of Christianity provides fertile ground for Morton's ideas to take root and flourish. Another unexpected companion in Morton's narrative is the music of British singer Laura Mvula, whose work served as a powerful soundtrack to my reading. Mvula's lyrics, with their poetic imagery and evocative language, are a fitting companion to Morton's exploration.

Morton's writing style is evocative and accessible, resembling more of a spoken discourse than a traditional academic treatise. However, there are moments when his arguments become tangled in complexity, making it challenging for readers to follow the thread of his reasoning (which might be something you are accustomed to if this is not your first time reading Morton).


At the heart of "Hell" lies a radical reevaluation of Christianity and its binary fostering interpretations. Morton skillfully elaborates on the nexus between religion, environment, ecology, and biology, challenging readers to rethink traditional notions of faith and salvation in the context of our current ecological crisis.

“Hell: In Search of a Christian Ecology” is poised to become an important text in the field of eco-spiritual studies. While humanities scholars will undoubtedly find value in its insights, readers from all disciplines stand to benefit from its reflections on the urgent need for a planetary response to the climate crisis.

I sincerely thank NetGalley and Columbia University Press for granting me access to an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this thought-provoking work. It has been a privilege to engage with Morton's ideas ahead of its official release