I'm sure there are modern books about this based on statistics and all sorts of things, but how about Gilbert White's "Natural History of Selborne". Your library should have a copy, but there's a free ebook available. It covers mid to late 18th century. Letters written around 1783 or so are particularly fascinating as they refer to the result of a volcanic eruption in Iceland which caused all sorts of problems as some of the rainfall was dilute sulphuric acid - lots of animals and people died, and there were crop failures.
Regards
Derby Girl
