The Botany of Desire
The Botany of Desire
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Summary
Blending history, memoir and science writing, this book tells the story of four domesticated species - the apple, the tulip, marijuana and the potato. It demonstrates how each has thrived by satisfying one of humankind's most basic desires. It takes the reader on a journey through the landscape of botany and desire.
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The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
A farmer cultivates genetically modified potatoes so that a customer at McDonald's half a world away can enjoy a long, golden french fry. A gardener plants tulip bulbs in the autumn and in the spring has a riotous patch of colour to admire. Two simple examples of how humans act on nature to get what we want. Or are they? What if those potatoes and tulips have evolved to gratify certain human desires so that humans will help them multiply? What if, in other words, these plants are using us just as we use them? In blending history, memoir and superb science writing, Pollan tells the story of four domesticated species - the apple, the tulip, marijuana and the potato. All four plants are integral to our everyday lives and Pollan demonstrates how each has thrived by satisfying one of humankind's most basic desires. Weaving fascinating anecdote and accessible science, Pollan takes the reader on an absorbing journey through the landscape of botany and desire. It is a journey that will change the way we think about our place in nature.
Michael Pollan is the author of two prize-winning books, SECOND NATURE and A PLACE OF MY OWN. A contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, Pollan was recently awarded the first Reuters-World Conservation Union Global Award for Excellence in Environmental Journalism. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and son.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780747557944 |
| ISBN 10 | 0747557942 |
| Title | The Botany of Desire |
| Author | Michael Pollan |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
| Year published | 2002-03-18 |
| Number of pages | 320 |
| Prizes | Short-listed for Natural World Book of the Year 2002 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |