The Triumph of Seeds: How Grains Nuts Kernels Pulses and Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History

About this book

As seen on PBSs American Spring LIVE the award-winning author of Buzz and Feathers presents a natural and human history of seeds the marvels of the plant kingdom. "The genius of Hansons fascinating inspiring and entertaining book stems from the fact that it is not about how all kinds of things grow from seeds; it is about the seeds themselves." -- Mark Kurlansky New York Times Book Review 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.