A reissue of a scholarly classic considers the influence of the potato on the social structure and economy throughout history wherever men adopted it as a mainstay of their diets.

Originally published in 1926, this book describes the varieties of potato prevalent in the UK in the early twentieth century. Salaman also examines the environmental and genetic forces 'which control the production of these varieties, their behaviour and their ultimate destiny'. Several plates illustrating points of variety, such as leaves and flowers, are also provided. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of the potato in the UK.