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Seeds of Change

At first glance, Seeds of Change resembles yet another coffee table book, but it is truly much more. This high-quality publication is a colorful and fascinating source of information about the rich and dynamic history of seed exchange between the Old and New Worlds. Hundreds of photos and illustrations interwoven on virtually every page with unpretentious text provide an enjoyable educational experience to readers. The chapters of this beautiful book are written by different authors. The themes of each chapter are linked editorially yet their literary flavors are distinct. 

The book focuses on the cultural and agricultural foundation of the Americas, which was modified over time by European and, especially, African influences. Consequently, readers could be left thirsty to learn about the history of Asian seeds, to which brief references are made. But that is another story. 

Specifically, Seeds of Change is about the rise and fall of Mesoamerican states; the pain inflicted upon the native New World people by European diseases; the ecological transformation of the Americas due to imported livestock and forage plants. This is the story of cane sugar and its bitter shadow, slavery. It is also about maize, peanuts, potatoes, papaya, guava, avocado, pineapple, and manioc, all New World crops taken to Europe and Africa. Finally, this vivid but quietly haunting chronicle describes the cultural spectrum in the Americas that resulted from the trade of plants, animals, and people between worlds. Readers will appreciate the precise facts, frank observations, tremendous effort, and genuine care by the authors for the subject, Seeds of Change.

H. J. Viola and C. Margolis. 1991. Seeds of Change. The Smithsonian Institution. 277 p. 

Order from:  

Smithsonian Institution, American History Museum Shop, 14th and Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20560  USA
Cost $24.95, $2.50 shipping (to U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico only).