The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-eye View of the World

(Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Pollan's stories sparkle with curious facts and bold superstitions ... His aim is to encourage us to reconsider our place in the natural world" Sunday Telegraph "Beautifully written, as compelling as a detective thriller" Penelope Hobhouse 'An immensely readable and thought-provoking book' The Independent 'Pollen's stories sparkle with curious facts and bold superstitions ... His aim is to encourage us to reconsider our place in the natural world' Anne Chisholm Sunday Telegraph

Product Description

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (March 3, 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0747563004
• ISBN-13: 978-0747563006
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #276,601 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This Book!, March 15, 2007

By	S. Ruch - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A fascinating read. The Botany of Desire is quite possibly my favorite book. You'll find yourself quoting all kinds of interesting facts about the history of apples and never wanting to eat non-organic potatoes ever again. I constantly recommend this book to others, and I've yet to meet a person who didn't enjoy it. Buy it-you won't regret it!

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, January 31, 2010

By	Jason Barnhart (NYC, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Botany of Desire is a fantastic book. I don't feel that it is as strong as Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemna but it is a great read none the less and tackles the subject matter with top notch story telling. If you are at all curious, DIY minded or just inclined to cook and do a little gardening you'll be inspired to try some new things. Really an essential read for anyone who enjoyed Omnivore's Dilemna. I'd give it a full five stars if it had a little more actionable information and the fact that Pollan himself shows us just how interesting and inspiring a book like this can be with his follow up... Omnivore's Dilemna.

Successfully combines history, botany and agriculture for a look at culturally relevant topics we can all relate to our own lives.