The History of the World in 100 Plants

The History of the World in 100 Plants PDF Author: Simon Barnes
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1398505498
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 439

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Book Description
From the author of The History of the World in 100 Animals, a BBC Radio Four Book of the Week, comes an inspirational new book that looks at the 100 plants that have had the greatest impact on humanity, stunningly illustrated throughout. As humans, we hold the planet in the palms of ours hands. But we still consume the energy of the sun in the form of food. The sun is available for consumption because of plants. Plants make food from the sun by the process of photosynthesis; nothing else in the world can do this. We eat plants, or we do so at second hand, by eating the eaters of plants. Plants give us food. Plants take in carbon dioxide and push out oxygen: they give us the air we breathe, direct the rain that falls and moderate the climate. Plants also give us shelter, beauty, comfort, meaning, buildings, boats, containers, musical instruments, medicines and religious symbols. We use flowers for love, we use flowers for death. The fossils of plants power our industries and our transport. Across history we have used plants to store knowledge, to kill, to fuel wars, to change our state of consciousness, to indicate our status. The first gun was a plant, we got fire from plants, we have enslaved people for the sake of plants. We humans like to see ourselves as a species that has risen above the animal kingdom, doing what we will with the world. But we couldn’t live for a day without plants. Our past is all about plants, our present is all tied up with plants; and without plants there is no future. From the mighty oak to algae, from cotton to coca here are a hundred reasons why.

The History of the World in 100 Plants

The History of the World in 100 Plants PDF Author: Simon Barnes
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1398505498
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 439

Get Book Here

Book Description
From the author of The History of the World in 100 Animals, a BBC Radio Four Book of the Week, comes an inspirational new book that looks at the 100 plants that have had the greatest impact on humanity, stunningly illustrated throughout. As humans, we hold the planet in the palms of ours hands. But we still consume the energy of the sun in the form of food. The sun is available for consumption because of plants. Plants make food from the sun by the process of photosynthesis; nothing else in the world can do this. We eat plants, or we do so at second hand, by eating the eaters of plants. Plants give us food. Plants take in carbon dioxide and push out oxygen: they give us the air we breathe, direct the rain that falls and moderate the climate. Plants also give us shelter, beauty, comfort, meaning, buildings, boats, containers, musical instruments, medicines and religious symbols. We use flowers for love, we use flowers for death. The fossils of plants power our industries and our transport. Across history we have used plants to store knowledge, to kill, to fuel wars, to change our state of consciousness, to indicate our status. The first gun was a plant, we got fire from plants, we have enslaved people for the sake of plants. We humans like to see ourselves as a species that has risen above the animal kingdom, doing what we will with the world. But we couldn’t live for a day without plants. Our past is all about plants, our present is all tied up with plants; and without plants there is no future. From the mighty oak to algae, from cotton to coca here are a hundred reasons why.

A History of the World in 100 Animals

A History of the World in 100 Animals PDF Author: Simon Barnes
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1643139169
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 505

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Book Description
Fully illustrated in color, a fascinating exploration of the one hundred animals that have had the most profound influence on humanity throughout the ages. We are not alone. We are not alone on the planet. We are not alone in the countryside. We are not alone in cities. We are not alone in our homes. We are humans and we love the idea of our uniqueness. But the fact is that we humans are as much members of the animal kingdom as the cats and dogs we surround ourselves with, the cows and the fish we eat, and the bees who pollinate so many of our food-plants. In The History of the World in 100 Animals, award-winning author Simon Barnes selects the one hundred animals who have had the greatest impact on humanity and on whom humanity has had the greatest effect. He shows how we have domesticated animals for food and for transport, and how animals powered agriculture, making civilisation possible. A species of flea came close to destroying human civilisation in Europe, while the slaughter of a species of bovines was used to create one civilisation and destroy another. He explains how pigeons made possible the biggest single breakthrough in the history of human thought. In short, he charts the close relationship between humans and animals, finding examples from around the planet that bring the story of life on earth vividly to life, with great insight and understanding. The heresy of human uniqueness has led us across the millennia along the path of destruction. This book, beautifully illustrated throughout, helps us to understand our place in the world better, so that we might do a better job of looking after it. That might save the polar bears, the modern emblem of impending loss and destruction. It might even save ourselves.

Fifty Plants That Changed the Course of History

Fifty Plants That Changed the Course of History PDF Author: Bill Laws
Publisher: Firefly Books
ISBN: 9781770855885
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
The fascinating stories of the plants that changed civilizations.

The Cultural History of Plants

The Cultural History of Plants PDF Author: Sir Ghillean Prance
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135958106
Category : Gardening
Languages : en
Pages : 680

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Book Description
This valuable reference will be useful for both scholars and general readers. It is both botanical and cultural, describing the role of plant in social life, regional customs, the arts, natural and covers all aspects of plant cultivation and migration and covers all aspects of plant cultivation and migration. The text includes an explanation of plant names and a list of general references on the history of useful plants.

Around the World in 80 Plants

Around the World in 80 Plants PDF Author: Jonathan Drori
Publisher: Laurence King Publishing
ISBN: 1399608789
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
An inspirational and beautifully illustrated book that tells the stories of 80 plants from around the globe. In his follow-up to the bestselling Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori takes another trip across the globe, bringing to life the science of plants by revealing how their worlds are intricately entwined with our own history, culture and folklore. From the seemingly familiar tomato and dandelion to the eerie mandrake and Spanish 'moss' of Louisiana, each of these stories is full of surprises. Some have a troubling past, while others have ignited human creativity or enabled whole civilizations to flourish. With a colourful cast of characters all brought to life by illustrator Lucille Clerc, this is a botanical journey of beauty and brilliance. 'A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change' The Herald 'This charming and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a voyage of discovery, exploring the many ingenious and surprising uses for plants in modern science and throughout history' Kew Magazine 'With beautiful illustrations from Lucille Clerc, this captivating book traverses the globe via plants: nettles in England, mangoes in India and tulips in the Netherlands' Daily Mail

Food Plants of the World

Food Plants of the World PDF Author: Ben-Erik Van Wyk
Publisher: Timber Press (OR)
ISBN:
Category : Cooking
Languages : en
Pages : 488

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Book Description
A comprehensive survey of the plants that provide food, beverages, spices, and flavorings, this book will serve as an invaluable reference to gardeners, ethnobotanists, nutritionists, culinary professionals, dieticians, and food enthusiasts. This scientifically accurate guide will allow them to identify all the major plant-derived foods and flavors, research culinary uses, and understand their dietetic and nutritional properties. Introductory chapters cover the various categories of plant use, including cereals, pulses (legumes), nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, sugar plants, beverages, spices, and flavorings. The core of the volume is an encyclopedic description of more than 350 food and flavor plants in use worldwide, with over 1000 color photographs. This accessible, pictorial guide is a concise source of practical information, not readily available elsewhere, and should be on every food enthusiast's bookshelf.

The History of the World in 100 Animals - Illustrated Edition

The History of the World in 100 Animals - Illustrated Edition PDF Author: Simon Barnes
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1471194728
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 112

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Book Description
An exquisite edition of The History of the World in 100 Animals by author and journalist Simon Barnes, adapted and abridged for younger readers, with superb illustrations by award-winning artist, Frann Preston-Gannon, illustrator of I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree. This outstanding gift book proposes the 100 animals who have had the greatest impact on humans and the way we view the world around us. From the bees who pollinate our food to the chimpanzees who share over 98% of our DNA, this book explores the unique and thought-provoking relationship between humans and animals throughout history. This fact-filled guide is sure to inspire and delight animal lovers young and old, and will make the perfect gift this Christmas.

100 Plants That Heal

100 Plants That Heal PDF Author: Gérard Debuigne
Publisher: David and Charles
ISBN: 1446380866
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 439

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Book Description
Discover how to use common medicinal plants and natural beauty products for healing and self-care with this sumptuously illustrated guide. Dig up the fascinating history of these plants, their active components and therapeutic properties, and learn how to prepare safe herbal remedies including infusions, tinctures, oils and lotions. This journey into plant-based wellbeing is guided by a respected ethnobotanist and doctor of phytotherapy, meaning you can grow your knowledge of this natural science with complete confidence. Ordered alphabetically, the guide covers a huge range of common plants, including almond, blackcurrant, borage, caraway, chard, chicory, dandelion, fig, hazel, ivy, juniper, nettle, poppy, cornflower, cowslip, oak, walnut, eucalyptus, fennel, flax, nasturtium, heather, horse-chestnut, jasmine, lavender, leek, mint, oregano, pomegranate, raspberry, rosemary, St. John’s-wort, watercress, thyme and yarrow. You’ll find suggested treatments for nausea, coughs, colds and flu, acne, burns, bites and sprains, as well as ideas for pain relief, skincare and aids for digestion, stress, sleep and more. At the end of the book, you’ll find a small practical guide for budding herbalists, featuring useful tips for picking and preserving plants while being an environmentally responsible picker, ensuring you always show respect to nature and its “magical” healing powers. The healing properties referenced for each plant are fully explained and there’s a glossary of botanical terms to ensure that everything is clear for complete beginners. This magnificent book will satisfy all your curiosities about healing plants and become your essential companion to herbal medicines and natural beauty products.

10 Plants that Shook the World

10 Plants that Shook the World PDF Author: Gillian Richardson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781554515202
Category : Plants and history
Languages : en
Pages : 129

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Book Description
Plants might start out as leafy things growing in the earth, but they can come into our lives in unexpected ways. And believe it or not, some have even played an exciting role in our world's history. Discover how : -- - Corn fueled new technologies and turns up in thousands of everyday products -- The ten plants in this book are the source of profound changes in the world, both good and bad. Through vibrant illustrations and astonishing facts, you'll discover that without them, our lives today would be vastly different.

The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants

The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants PDF Author: Wolfgang Stuppy
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781770851252
Category : Plants
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
THE BIZARRE AND INCREDIBLE WORLD OF PLANTS, which sold 6,000 copies in hardcover and is now available in paperback This title brings together the best of these three books in one fascinating union of art and science, POLLEN: THE HIDDEN SEXUALITY OF FLOWERS; SEEDS: TIME CAPSULES OF LIFE; AND FRUIT: EDIBLE, INEDIBLE, INCREDIBLE. Each earned high praise that varied from "breathtaking" and "ravishing" to "enlightening" and "truly revelatory." Visual artist Rob Kesseler uses special light and scanning electron microscopy to create astonishing images of a variety of pollen, seeds and fruits. His razor-sharp cross-sections reveal intricate interiors, pods, pouches, keys, and other examples of botanical architecture and seed dispersal. Seed morphologist Wolfgang Stuppy and palynologist Madeline Harley deftly explain the botanical purposes for which the pollen, seeds and fruit are designed, how they fulfill their mission, and their role in preserving the biodiversity of our planet. Literary references and early botanical illustrations pepper the text. THE BIZARRE AND INCREDIBLE WORLD OF PLANTS is groundbreaking in its intimate examination of plant reproduction. It is an essential source and reference for artists, designers and photographers and will fascinate gardeners and readers interested in the natural world. AUTHOR: Wolfgang Stuppy is a seed morphologist for the Millennium Seed Bank at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Rob Kesseler is a visual arts professor and artist who works with microscopic plant material at London's Royal Botanic Gardens. Madeline Harley, PhD, FLS, is head of the palynology unit at the Royal Botanic Gardens. ILLUSTRATIONS: Colour photographs