Seeds, sex and civilization : how the hidden life of plants has shaped our world / Peter Thompson, [Stephen Harris].

Author
Thompson, Peter, 1931-2008 [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
New York : Thames & Hudson, ©2010.
Description
272 pages : chiefly color illustrations ; 24 cm

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Firestone Library - Stacks SB117 .T46 2010 Browse related items Request

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    Subject(s)
    Summary note
    "This is a scientific detective story with heroes and heroines following clues and, eventually, finding answers. The history of man's relation to seeds is the history of civilization. To many of us seeds mean little more than tiny objects in paper packets, but we should also think of rice, wheat, coffee, nuts, peas, beans, chocolate and cotton. The author, who was head of the physiology department at Kew Gardens and laid the foundations for the Millennium Seed Bank, unfolds the fascinating story of how, after centuries long investigations, we have finally discovered what seeds do and how they work. The book also brings to life the people who have accumulated our knowledge, eccentrics, explorers, amateurs and highly dedicated professionals. Some are well known, such as Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel; others, such as the Russian geneticist Nikolai Vavilov, less so. There are violent confrontations, miraculous successes and heart-rending failures. But the seeds also have a story and appear to have personalities, ambitions and "stratagems" of their own. The book concludes with a chapter by Stephen Harris on current debates about genetically modified crops, seed conservation and plant ownership. Seeds have been hugely important throughout history. Today, how we treat them is of global significance."--Publisher.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (p. 261) and index.
    Contents
    • The roots of agriculture
    • The genie released
    • The making of seeds
    • Strategies for survival
    • Travellers in time and space
    • Seeds in the garden
    • The pursuit of plenty
    • Banking on seeds
    • Future prospects.
    Other title(s)
    Seeds, sex & civilization
    ISBN
    • 9780500251706 ((hbk.))
    • 0500251703
    LCCN
    2010923359
    OCLC
    601096048
    Statement on language in description
    Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
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