The Triumph of Seeds - How Grains, Nuts, Kernels, Pulses, and Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History (Paperback, First Trade Paper Edition)

We live in a world of seeds. From our morning toast to the cotton in our clothes, they are quite literally the stuff and staff of life: supporting diets, economies, and civilizations around the globe. Just as the search for nutmeg and pepper drove the Age of Discovery, coffee beans fueled the Enlightenment and cottonseed sparked the Industrial Revolution. Seeds are fundamental objects of beauty, evolutionary wonders, and simple fascinations. Yet, despite their importance, seeds are often seen as commonplace, their extraordinary natural and human histories overlooked. Thanks to this stunning new book, they can be overlooked no more. This is a book of knowledge, adventure, and wonder, spun by an award-winning writer with both the charm of a fireside story-teller and the hard-won expertise of a field biologist. A fascinating scientific adventure, it is essential reading for anyone who loves to see a plant grow.

General

Imprint:	BasicBooks
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	March 2016
Authors:	Thor Hanson
Dimensions:	210 x 138 x 24mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Trade
Pages:	277
Edition:	First Trade Paper Edition
ISBN-13:	978-0-465-09740-1
Categories:	Books > Earth & environment > The environment > Management of land & natural resources Books > Health, Home & Family > Gardening > General Books > Reference & Interdisciplinary > Encyclopaedias & reference works > Reference works > General Books > Sport & Leisure > Natural history, country life & pets > Plant life: general > General Books > Gardening > General
LSN:	0-465-09740-5
Barcode:	9780465097401

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My review

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 | Review by: Tanya K.

In this book, Thor Hanson explores "how grains, nuts, kernels, pulses, and pips conquered the plant kingdom and shaped human history". Topics include the evolution and co-evolution of a variety of plant species seeds, how they function, seed banks, dispersal, spices, and historical tidbits (including assassinations, world empires and voyages of discovery). Seeds are a fascinating subject that the author covers in an informal but informative style without overwhelming the reader with science jargon, but also not wasting ink on irrelevant social observations. There are numerous illustrations throughout the book. My only quibble is that I wish there was more of the book and more specific details, but that sort of thing would probably require an encyclopedia on the subject.

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