{"product_id":"an-empire-of-plants-people-and-plants-that-changed-the-world-9780304354436","title":"An Empire of Plants: People and Plants that Changed the World","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor centuries  from foodstuffs and fabrics to medicine and industrial materials  plants have dominated trade between countries. Possession of rare spices  sweets  and narcotics could mean enviable wealth and power. In quest of these desired products and the income they brought  explorers ventured forth  risking death as they traveled unknown seas. Here is the story of seven plants--tobacco  sugar  cotton  tea  poppies  quinine  and rubber--and how Europes hunger for them led to the Age of Empire...and turned world history upside down. Not only did these crops ensure the commercial success of America and Europe  but they became the catalyst for piracy  smuggling  addiction  and the slave trade--the darker side of the golden profits. With fascinating contemporary illustrations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45646895382581,"sku":"ByrdShop_0304354430","price":52.21,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780304354436.jpg?v=1781680581","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/an-empire-of-plants-people-and-plants-that-changed-the-world-9780304354436","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}