The Triumph of Seeds

It's official: seeds have gone mainstream.

How else could a book about seeds be reviewed in the New York Times, opens a new window, the Wall Street Journal, opens a new window and New Scientist Magazine, opens a new window all in the same weekend?

The Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson, opens a new window explores how seeds have shaped nature, culture and history. Hanson is such great storyteller that you don't have to be a scientist or gardener to enjoy the book. Hanson shares many fascinating anecdotes, combining the science of seeds with historical events and cultural phenomena, from the Siege of Masada to the assassination of Bulgarian spy Georgi Markov. Who knew guar seeds, once cattle fodder, are needed for hydraulic fracking, and seed shortages can derail the fortunes of big oil companies like Halliburton? Coffee beans, chili peppers, and peas all have amazing backstories that Hanson shares with infectious enthusiasm.

If you like this style of nonfiction writing, Thor has given similar treatment to feathers in his 2011 book Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle, opens a new window.