An Empire of Plants: People and Plants That Changed the World

by Toby Musgrave (Author), Will Musgrave (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $4.01

  For centuries, from foodstuffs to industrial materials, plants have dominated trade between countries. Possession of rare spices, sweets, and narcotics could meand enviable wealth and power, so explorers ventured forth, risking death on unknown seas. Here are stories of seven plants--tobacco, sugar, cotton, tea, poppies, quinine, and rubber--and how Europe's hunger for them led to the Age of Empire and turned world history upside down. Not only did these crops ensure the commercial success of America and Europe, but they became the catalyst foasr piracy, smuggling, addiction, and the slave trade: the darker side of the golden profits. A beautiful presentation of a fascinating subject.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2000

  $3.44

  Unravels the hidden histories of plants that sustained empires, from sugar and cotton to tea and opium Real-life adventures of planters, traders and smugglers by authors of the highly successful The Plant Hunters (over 12,000 copies sold in hardback) Exciting, vivid stories which bring a new and original perspective to the rise and fall of nations, peoples and empires Illustrated with dramatic contemporary photographs, beautiful botanical drawings, paintings and cartoons