The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World | Michael Pollan

The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World | Michael Pollan | We are the world

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The Botany of Desi...

	The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World Michael Pollan Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2002 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 165 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

human psychology in the garden

Human psychology from the plant's perspective? Yep. That's precisely the topic of this book. When our ancestors began breeding plants to serve our desires they inevitably laid those desires bare in the phenotypes in their gardens. Pollan is impressively aware of many current themes in evolutionary biology (e.g., the function of sexual reproduction), and admirably willing to tell a story with the patience and breadth it deserves (hence four 100-page chapters instead of the usual one hundred, A.D.D. 4-page chapters). This book is not for everyone, but if you have intellectual curiosity about why some plants have come to dominate our world, this book will give you many answers and even more tools. There's nothing better I can say about a book.

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We are the world

Pollan's book is a vivid reminder of how intricately human society is woven into the ecological framework of the planet and in particular that of plants. His descriptions of how our societies have affected and been affected by just four plants opens up a series of thought-provoking questions to mull over the next time you find yourself in a garden, at the dinner table, or taking a walk outdoors. It's written with sensitivity towards those he disagrees with, and this gentle touch makes the story he's relating much more effective at prompting you as reader to engage. The weakest part of the book is the chapter on Tulips, but that is hard to criticize since the chapters on apples, marijuana and potatoes are so good.

Read this Book!

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Just buy this book.................

I am not a botanist.Yet. But the study of evolution is quite an exciting journey, made more exciting by the mind melting,eloquent ideas posed by Mr. Pollan. Bought the audio book version, and I can't stop listining to it. From the story of Johnyy Appleseed, to Holland in search of the history of Tulips, the Amazing Marijuana Plant, and the control of the Potato. Seemed random to me. Not any more. Incredible book.

Fascinating perspective on plants and people

Michael Pollan has written a terrific four-part look at the relationship of plants and people. He examines four human desires - sweetness, beauty, intoxication and control - and plants that have satisfied those desires - the apple, the tulip, cannabis and the potato. He includes philosophy and history, retraces Johnny Appleseed's route, and has a frightening tour of commercial potato fields in Idaho (you may never eat another french fry after you read this section!) All in all, a fascinating and educational look at the relationship of people and plants.

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