The Cultural History of Plants

Food, clothing, shelter, healing, decoration---through the cultivation of plants, himankind has thrived and civilizations have flourished for thousands of years. Now, this unique new reference work tells the story, plant by plant, of the ongoing connection between human culture and the plant kingdom.
"The Cultural History of Plants" provides details on over 800 plant species in 21 thematic chapters. Coverage emcompasses plants cultivated for virtually every purpose, from the manufacture of textiles, perfume, and drugs, to those used for food and ornament.
After an opening section on the earliets use and cultivation of plants, the book's thematic chapters cover the world's economically and culturally important plants.
Written by some of the world's leading ethnobotanists, these chapters begin with a useful one-page overview of its subject followed by concise A-Z entries, and conclude with a generous bibliography pointing out sources for further research. In addition to listing the common names for each plant, each entry also provides the Latin name and names used in Britain and the United States. Concluding chapters give up-to-date information on industrial agriculture, invasive plants, conservation of wild plant biodiversity and endangered species, and conservation of crop genetic resources.
This unique reference is a valuable aid for ethnobotanists and horticultural enthusiasts, archaeologists and social historians, and anyone concerned with the relationship between people and plants.