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The Botany of Desire Young Readers Edition

Our Surprising Relationship with Plants

Michael Pollan author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Young Readers

Published:14th May '24

Should be back in stock very soon

The Botany of Desire Young Readers Edition cover

In this entertaining young readers edition of the environmental studies classic, Michael Pollan demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a reciprocal relationship. He links four fundamental human desires—sweetness, beauty, energy, and control—with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, coffee, and the potato. In telling the stories of four familiar species, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind’s most basic yearnings. And just as we’ve benefited from these plants, we have also helped them to thrive.

"Pollan’s friendly, conversational tone and first-person recollections bring levity and enthusiasm; his sharp wit and self-awareness give much-needed life to what would otherwise have been more esoteric and dryly scientific sections. Pollan’s passion for his subject is evident and infectious as he encourages readers to psychologically reconnect with nature . . . those who are drawn to it will find a wealth of information and food for thought. A fascinating and accessible adaptation for science-minded or history-obsessed youngsters." —Kirkus

ISBN: 9780593531549

Dimensions: 197mm x 129mm x 14mm

Weight: 153g

208 pages