Seeds of Change: Six Plants That Transformed Mankind

Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
This book, devoted to quinine, sugar, tea, cotton, and the potato, is not just about plants but about history. It shows how certain plants influenced the course of human affairs, often negatively. Quinine, for instance, cures malaria, but that quality allowed temperate-climate peoples to exploit tropical areas. The development of cheap sugar is linked with slavery, and tea with opium. Seeds of Change is fascinating and well researched. (The chapter notes would have been handier as footnotesthey are too interesting to be overlooked.) Recommended. Katharine Galloway Garstka, Intergraph Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
A personal and highly original take on the history of six commercial plants, Seeds of Change illuminates how sugar, tea, cotton, the potato, quinine, and the cocoa plant have shaped our past. In this fascinating account, the impassioned Henry Hobhouse explains the consequences of these plants with attention-grabbing historical moments. While most records of history focus on human influence, Hobhouse emphasizes how plants too are a central and influential factor in the historical process. Seeds of Change is a captivating and invaluable addition to our understanding of modern culture.

From the Publisher
Five plants--quinine, sugar cane, tea, cotton, and potato--have been powerful political historical catalysts, argues this speculative journalist. "Wise and witty . . . deserves to become a classic."--Publishers Weekly --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author
Henry Hobhouse has served on various academic, scholastic and local government bodies. He has been a member of various government advisory bodies, a consultant to the Quincentenary of Columbus Exhibition, the Smithsonian Institute and Chariman of Herstmonceux. His other books include Forces Of Change. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title