Plants, Man and Life

Edgar Anderson's Plants, Man, and Life is a groundbreaking exploration of the complex relationships between humans and the plant world, blending scientific inquiry and accessibility. It offers unique insights into the role of weeds and cultivated plants, the diverse uses of dooryard flora, and the cultural significance of plants. The book has inspired generations of botanists, ecologists, and anthropologists and remains a valuable resource for understanding the vital connections between people and the plant kingdom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Plants, Man, and Life by Edgar Anderson is a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate relationships between humanity and the plant world. Originally conceived as a digest of botanical knowledge, Anderson's work defied expectations, focusing instead on the gaps in understanding and the questions yet to be answered about the plants on which humans depend. His narrative offers a blend of personal observations, historical context, and vivid examples, from the role of weeds and cultivated plants in shaping landscapes to the diverse uses of dooryard flora in underdeveloped countries. These unorthodox insights captivated a broad spectrum of readers, from scientists to curious laypeople, making the book a touchstone in the field of ethnobotany.

Written with a conversational style aimed at the intellectually curious, the book remains a testament to the evolving nature of botanical science. Its discussions of underexplored subjects, such as the cultural significance of plants and their ecological adaptations, have inspired generations of botanists, ecologists, and anthropologists. With its interdisciplinary approach and its ability to bridge gaps between academic and general audiences, Plants, Man, and Life continues to be a valuable resource for understanding the vital connections between people and the plant kingdom.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307926