"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
In making his point, Pollan focuses on the relationship between humans and four specific plants: apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes. He uses the history of John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) to illustrate how both the apple's sweetness and its role in the production of alcoholic cider made it appealing to settlers moving west, thus greatly expanding the plant's range. He also explains how human manipulation of the plant has weakened it, so that "modern apples require more pesticide than any other food crop." The tulipomania of 17th-century Holland is a backdrop for his examination of the role the tulip's beauty played in wildly influencing human behavior to both the benefit and detriment of the plant (the markings that made the tulip so attractive to the Dutch were actually caused by a virus). His excellent discussion of the potato combines a history of the plant with a prime example of how biotechnology is changing our relationship to nature. As part of his research, Pollan visited the Monsanto company headquarters and planted some of their NewLeaf brand potatoes in his garden--seeds that had been genetically engineered to produce their own insecticide. Though they worked as advertised, he made some startling discoveries, primarily that the NewLeaf plants themselves are registered as a pesticide by the EPA and that federal law prohibits anyone from reaping more than one crop per seed packet. And in a interesting aside, he explains how a global desire for consistently perfect French fries contributes to both damaging monoculture and the genetic engineering necessary to support it.
Pollan has read widely on the subject and elegantly combines literary, historical, philosophical, and scientific references with engaging anecdotes, giving readers much to ponder while weeding their gardens. --Shawn Carkonen
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. A farmer cultivates genetically modified potatoes so that a customer at Mc Donald'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 anecdote and science, Pollan takes the reader on a journey through the landscape of botany and desire. Pollan tells the story of four domesticated species - the apple, the tulip, marijuana and the potato, and describes how each has thrived by satisfying humankind's most basic desires. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780747563006
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780747563006
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. BRAND NEW ** SUPER FAST SHIPPING FROM UK WAREHOUSE ** 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Seller Inventory # 9780747563006-GDR
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 320 pages. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __0747563004
Book Description Condition: New. pp. 320. Seller Inventory # 7245052
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780747563006_new
Book Description Condition: New. 2003. New. Paperback. A book which brilliantly twists our perception of nature by showing us nature's perspective of us. Num Pages: 320 pages. BIC Classification: JHM; PST. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 197 x 130 x 22. Weight in Grams: 256. A Plant's-eye View of the World. 320 pages. A book which brilliantly twists our perception of nature by showing us nature's perspective of us. Cateogry: (G) General (US: Trade). BIC Classification: JHM; PST. Dimension: 197 x 130 x 22. Weight: 222. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780747563006
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. A book which brilliantly twists our perception of nature by showing us nature's perspective of us. Seller Inventory # B9780747563006
Book Description Condition: New. 2003. New. Paperback. A book which brilliantly twists our perception of nature by showing us nature's perspective of us. Num Pages: 320 pages. BIC Classification: JHM; PST. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 197 x 130 x 22. Weight in Grams: 256. A Plant's-eye View of the World. 320 pages. A book which brilliantly twists our perception of nature by showing us nature's perspective of us. Cateogry: (G) General (US: Trade). BIC Classification: JHM; PST. Dimension: 197 x 130 x 22. Weight: 222. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9780747563006
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 6666-MAC-9780747563006