Provides the most comprehensive account yet of this part of key radical environmental movment strategy, which has been used to address issues from road building to GM foods, consumerism and global financial institutions. Adopting a uniquely analytical approach, it charts the nature and impact of this phenomenon, including topics such as: the history of the movement; the influence of the movement on contemporary activism; `eco-warriors'; the reaction of the mass media; and the impact of direct action on mainstream politicians and policy.