Triumph of Seeds
How Grains, Nuts, Kernels, Pulses, and Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History
By Thor Hanson | Publisher: Basic Books
About the book
A natural and human history of seeds, the marvels of the plant kingdom.
“The genius of Hanson's fascinating, inspiring, and entertaining book stems from the fact that it is not about how all kinds of things grow from seeds; it is about the seeds themselves.” ―New York Times Book Review
We live in a world of seeds. From our morning toast to the cotton in our clothes, they are quite literally the stuff and staff of life: supporting diets, economies, and civilizations around the globe. Just as the search for nutmeg and pepper drove the Age of Discovery, so did coffee beans fuel the Enlightenment and cottonseed spark the Industrial Revolution. Seeds are fundamental objects of beauty, evolutionary wonders, and biological linchpins. Yet, despite their importance, seeds are often seen as commonplace, their extraordinary natural and human histories overlooked. Thanks to this stunning book, they can be sidelined no more.
The Triumph of Seeds is a book of knowledge, adventure, and wonder, spun by an award-winning writer with both the charm of a fireside storyteller and the hard-won expertise of a field biologist. A fascinating scientific adventure, it is essential reading for anyone who loves to see a plant grow.
Editions of Triumph of Seeds
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780465055999
- EBook
- ISBN 9780465048724
Read an Excerpt
A natural and human history of seeds, the marvels of the plant kingdom.
“The genius of Hanson's fascinating, inspiring, and entertaining book stems from the fact that it is not about how all kinds of things grow from seeds; it is about the seeds themselves.” ―New York Times Book Review
We live in a world of seeds. From our morning toast to the cotton in our clothes, they are quite literally the stuff and staff of life: supporting diets, economies, and civilizations around the globe. Just as the search for nutmeg and pepper drove the Age of Discovery, so did coffee beans fuel the Enlightenment and cottonseed spark the Industrial Revolution. Seeds are fundamental objects of beauty, evolutionary wonders, and biological linchpins. Yet, despite their importance, seeds are often seen as commonplace, their extraordinary natural and human histories overlooked. Thanks to this stunning book, they can be sidelined no more.
The Triumph of Seeds is a book of knowledge, adventure, and wonder, spun by an award-winning writer with both the charm of a fireside storyteller and the hard-won expertise of a field biologist. A fascinating scientific adventure, it is essential reading for anyone who loves to see a plant grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Triumph of Seeds about?
A natural and human history of seeds, the marvels of the plant kingdom.
“The genius of Hanson's fascinating, inspiring, and entertaining book stems from the fact that it is not about how all kinds of things grow from seeds; it is about the seeds themselves.” ―New York Times Book Review
We live in a world of seeds. From our morning toast to the cotton in our clothes, they are quite literally the stuff and staff of life: supporting diets, economies, and civilizations around the globe. Just as the search for nutmeg and pepper drove the Age of Discovery, so did coffee beans fuel the Enlightenment and cottonseed spark the Industrial Revolution. Seeds are fundamental objects of beauty, evolutionary wonders, and biological linchpins. Yet, despite their importance, seeds are often seen as commonplace, their extraordinary natural and human histories overlooked. Thanks to this stunning book, they can be sidelined no more.
The Triumph of Seeds is a book of knowledge, adventure, and wonder, spun by an award-winning writer with both the charm of a fireside storyteller and the hard-won expertise of a field biologist. A fascinating scientific adventure, it is essential reading for anyone who loves to see a plant grow.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Triumph of Seeds?
Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure > Nature and the natural world: general interest > Trees, wildflowers and plants: general interest
Where can I read a sample of Triumph of Seeds?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780465055999
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Triumph of Seeds?
Thor Hanson
Who is the Publisher of the book Triumph of Seeds?
Basic Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Triumph of Seeds is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780465055999) and ebook(ISBN 9780465048724)
Where can I buy Triumph of Seeds online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Triumph of Seeds from below
Where can I buy Triumph of Seeds?