Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History

Laws, Bill

ISBN 10: 1770855882 / ISBN 13: 9781770855885

Published by Firefly Books, 2015

About this Item

A copy that has been read, remains in good condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine and cover show signs of wear. Pages can include notes and highlighting and show signs of wear, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels or previous owner inscriptions. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships via media mail.

Seller Inventory # OTV.1770855882.G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History
• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1770855882
• ISBN 13: 9781770855885
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

The fascinating stories of the plants that changed civilizations.

"This book will mesmerize plant-lovers and non-gardeners alike."
--American Gardener

"This marvelous collection of tales deserves to be read and enjoyed."
--Chicago Botanic Garden

Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History is a beautifully presented guide to the plants that have had the greatest impact on human civilization. Entries feature a description of the plant, its botanical name, its native range and its primary functions--edible, medicinal, commercial or practical. Concise text is highlighted by elegant botanical drawings, paintings and photographs as well as insightful quotes.

Many of the plants are well known, such as rice, tea, cotton, rubber, wheat, sugarcane, tobacco, wine grapes and corn. However, there are also many whose stories are less known. These history-changing plants include:

• Agave, used to make sisal, poison arrows, bullets, tequila and surgical thread
• Pineapple, which influenced the construction of greenhouses
• Hemp, used for hangman's rope, sustainable plastics, the Declaration of Independence and Levi's jeans
• Coconut, used for coir fiber, soap, margarine, cream, sterile IV drips and coagulants
• Eucalyptus, used in mouthwash, diuretics, vitamins, honey, underwear and fire-resistant uniforms
• Sweet pea, which Gregor Mendel used in his research on genetics
• White mulberry, used to feed the caterpillars that make silk
• English oak, used for fire-resistant structures, dyes, leather tanning, charcoal, casks and ships
• White willow, used in the manufacture of aspirin, cricket bats, hot-air balloon baskets and coffins.

This attractive reference provides an innovative perspective on both botanical and human history.

About the Author

Bill Laws is a social historian and the author of 10 books. He has contributed to such publications as the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and BBC History magazine. He lives in England.