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 ...
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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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Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $4.78, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Bloomsbury Paperbacks.
Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $31.16, good condition, Sold by Anybook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2003 by Bloomsbury.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has soft covers. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 350grams, ISBN: 9780747563006.
Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $33.86, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Clarita, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Bloomsbury Paperbacks.
Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $0.99, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books East rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Glendale Heights, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Random House Trade Paperbacks.
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Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $0.99, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Random House Trade Paperbacks.
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Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $0.99, fair condition, Sold by ZBK Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Woodland Park, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Random House Trade Paperbacks.
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Fast Shipping-Used book in fair conditions-May contain writing notes highlighting bends or folds. Text is readable book is clean pages and cover mostly intact. May show normal wear and tear. Item may be missing CD.
Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $1.39, fair condition, Sold by Aspen Book Company rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Random House Trade Paperbacks.
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Fair. It's been through some chapters of life! Expect visible wear-creases notes highlights maybe even a splash of water here and there. Perfect for readers who love a book with history.
Add this copy of The Botany of Desire: a Plant's-Eye View of the World to cart. $1.45, good condition, Sold by Orion Tech rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Arlington, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Random House Trade Paperbacks.
Author Pollan adds an interesting alternate look at the desirability by humans for four well known botanicals. Additionally he adds many very interesting side comments which make this book a very good read. Clearly, he has put a lot of fact gathering into this book!
Frogprints
Jun 8, 2007
What you didn?t know about plants . . . . .
Quite rightly considered to be a masterpiece, a unique take on our relationship to the natural world.
A cracking good read too!
Bookie
Apr 3, 2007
A Great Read
Mr. Pollan examines the place four plants have played in the human experience. Sounds boring, right. In his able writer's hands it's anything but boring. It's a mind expanding whirlwind tour. Highly recommended.
Sara
Apr 2, 2007
beautiful and interesting book
An unusually elegant narrative style for nonfiction, this book is a must-read. Pollan is a witty, literary, and smart writer. This book may or may not change how you think about your diet (the way some of his work will), but the stories and the history are important links in the missing knowledge of the history of our food system, and the book is an enjoyable read. Nonficiton at its finest.
