The Living Fields: Our Agricultural Heritage

Description

All civilisations, ancient and modern, are founded on agriculture. In this fascinating account of one of the most fundamental aspects of humankind's march from prehistory to the present day, the author considers the evidence for the origins and evolution of agriculture in various parts of the world; a balanced view is presented based on the archaeology, botany, genetics, ecology and anthropology of domesticates and their wild relatives. The basic agricultural systems which emerged from areas yielding traces of the earliest plant and animal domestication are described, and their drastic modification in recent times is considered. In a concluding chapter the present situation is reviewed, and the possible risks of a system which now relies on a relatively small number of species to supply the majority of our food are discussed.

'... for all who wish to understand more fully the relations between humans and the plants, animals and environments on which they depend for life and survival, it will be a welcome and attractive introduction.' A. H. Bunting, Journal of Agricultural Science '... an extensive survey of the world's food crops ... The book is no dull academic treatise. The author genuinely appears to want to inform and the style is refreshing and readable.' Marion Ericsson-Nolan, Environmental Education and Information 'The book is well illustrated and easy to read. It must have great appeal to the student of agriculture, the geographer and for farmers with a deep interest in the origins of his or her profession.' Agriculture and Equipment International