The Triumph of Seeds: How Grains, Nut, Kernels, Pulses & Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History — By Thor Hanson

"Who knew that seeds could be so thrilling and dangerous? Thor Hanson is a lively storyteller, a lyrical writer, and a quick wit. The Triumph of Seeds is more than an engrossing work of natural history. It's a compelling and highly entertaining journey, populated by scientists and historians, criminals and explorers, aviators and futurists. Following Hanson's global voyage is the best sort of armchair travel, because it is filled with wonder, poetry, and discovery."

― Amy Stewart, author of The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World's Great Drinks

―Booklist, starred review

"A delight. Composed in charming and lively prose, the book introduces readers to a variety of quirky figures - biologists, farmers, archaeologists and everyday gardeners - who have something profound to say about a seemingly mundane topic: those little kernels that, against tremendous odds, have managed to take root all around us.... The Triumph of Seeds is a remarkable, gentle and refreshing piece of work that draws readers further into the wide arms of the world and makes them grateful for it."

― BookPage

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, coffee beans fueled the Enlightenment and cottonseed sparked the Industrial Revolution. Seeds are fundamental objects of beauty, evolutionary wonders, and simple fascinations.

Yet, despite their importance, seeds are often seen as commonplace, their extraordinary natural and human histories overlooked. Thanks to The Triumph of Seeds, they can be overlooked no more.

This is a book of knowledge, adventure, and wonder, spun by an award-winning writer with both the charm of a fireside story-teller and the hard-won expertise of a field biologist.

The Triumph of Seeds explores both why seeds are so dominant in nature, and why we are so utterly dependent upon them.
A fascinating scientific adventure, it is essential reading for anyone who loves to see a plant grow.

THE DETAILS

Format: New, paperback

Published: Reprint Edition - March 8, 2016

Publisher: Basic Books

ISBN: 978-0465097401

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 5.5 inches W x 0.88 inches D x 8.25 inches L

Rating: ★★★★1/2 - See details at Contact Us/FAQs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Thor Hanson is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Switzer Environmental Fellow, and an award-winning author and biologist. His books include Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, Buzz, Feathers, and The Impenetrable Forest, as well as children's favorite, Bartholomew Quill.

He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the John Burroughs Medal, the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science, and three Pacific Northwest Book Awards. Hanson's many media appearances have included Fresh Air and Science Friday on NPR, and he co-hosted the PBS Nature series, American Spring Live.

He lives with his wife and son on an island in Washington State.