Grasses

Description

Humble yet vital, grasses are the ultimate staple crop, influencing our lives throughout humanity's biological, sociological and cultural history. Grasses cover approximately one-quarter of the planet's land surface; four species - wheat, rice, maize and sugar - provide 60 per cent of human calorie intake. Almost all of us at some point play on, relax on, plant, tend or harvest grasses for our own pleasure or sustenance, yet for all that their importance to us is not commonly understood.This book explains the profound and oft-neglected importance of the botanical marvel. Featuring numerous botanical images as well as many fine examples from art and popular culture, Grasses is a must-have for gardeners, food lovers and environmentalists alike.

Stephen Harris is the Druce Curator of Oxford University Herbaria and a University Research Lecturer. He is the author of many books, most recently Planting Paradise: Plants in Cultivation (1502-1900) (2011).

"Grasses provides the reader with scientific information about the history and development of the four species of grass: wheat, rice, maize, and sugar. There are also fascinating stories relating to their use and misuse over the centuries. With a population explosion and the problems related to climate change, it is vital that we learn from the past in order to maintain a proper balance. This book should serve as a wake-up call to those of us who may have thought of grasses as only the lovely green covering in lawns and parks." -- "Chicago Botanic Garden" "This delightful hardback, with its thick, glossy pages, beautiful binding, and thoughtful imagery, will open your eyes to the fascinating world of grasses. Reading through, you are struck by the fact that grasses seem to permeate every aspect of modern life, without us really acknowledging their presence. . . . A book full of things you never even imagined you needed to know, but which linger in the imagination long after reading." -- "Garden Design Journal" "Those of us who despair of garden writing being reduced to picture captions or to 140-character long snippets can raise a cheer for the appearance of two new books in Reaktion Books' Botanical series, a compelling collection that allows knowledgeable writers to explore the social and cultural impact of plants alongside their botanical and horticultural significance . . . Grasses is an absorbing description of Poaceae and other grass-like plants. . . . the books are well-produced, each illustration and photograph is carefully chosen and illuminates the text. . . . Both books are magnificent works: breathtaking in their sweep and dazzling in their research and reflection. More like this please." -- "Gardens Illustrated"