{"product_id":"fifty-plants-that-changed-the-course-of-history","title":"Fifty Plants That Changed the Course of History","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eThe fascinating stories of the plants that changed civilizations.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003e\"This book will mesmerize plant-lovers and non-gardeners alike.\"\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e --American Gardener \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003e\"This marvelous collection of tales deserves to be read and enjoyed.\"\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e --Chicago Botanic Garden \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003eFifty Plants that Changed the Course of History\u003c\/i\u003e is a beautifully presented guide to the plants that have had the greatest impact on human civilization. Entries feature a description of the plant, its botanical name, its native range and its primary functions--edible, medicinal, commercial or practical. Concise text is highlighted by elegant botanical drawings, paintings and photographs as well as insightful quotes. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Many of the plants are well known, such as rice, tea, cotton, rubber, wheat, sugarcane, tobacco, wine grapes and corn. However, there are also many whose stories are less known. These history-changing plants include: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e Agave, used to make sisal, poison arrows, bullets, tequila and surgical thread\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Pineapple, which influenced the construction of greenhouses\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Hemp, used for hangman's rope, sustainable plastics, the Declaration of Independence and Levi's jeans\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Coconut, used for coir fiber, soap, margarine, cream, sterile IV drips and coagulants\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Eucalyptus, used in mouthwash, diuretics, vitamins, honey, underwear and fire-resistant uniforms\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Sweet pea, which Gregor Mendel used in his research on genetics\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e White mulberry, used to feed the caterpillars that make silk\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e English oak, used for fire-resistant structures, dyes, leather tanning, charcoal, casks and ships\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e White willow, used in the manufacture of aspirin, cricket bats, hot-air balloon baskets and coffins. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e This attractive reference provides an innovative perspective on both botanical and human history. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Firefly Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51984293822695,"sku":"9781770855885","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0449\/4075\/5096\/files\/imageloader_0653cf20-b455-4504-9df3-6e49bd3ec30b.jpg?v=1776315853","url":"https:\/\/arvidabookco.com\/products\/fifty-plants-that-changed-the-course-of-history","provider":"Arvida Book Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}