Plants and Empire: Colonial Bioprospecting in the Atlantic World - Hardcover

Schiebinger, Londa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0674014871 ISBN 13: 9780674014879

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 2004

Synopsis

Plants seldom figure in the grand narratives of war, peace, or even everyday life, yet they are often at the center of high intrigue. In the 18th century, epic scientific voyages were sponsored by European imperial powers to explore the natural riches of the New World and uncover the botanical secrets of its people. Bioprospectors brought back medicines, luxuries, and staples for their king and country. Risking their lives to discover exotic plants, these daredevil explorers joined with their sponsors to create a global culture of botany.

About this title

Review:

[A] fascinating study...Schiebinger has read widely in the natural-historical and medical literature of the period, and she writes engagingly, bringing to life many of the chief protoganists. This book ought to be essential reading for anyone interested in the relationship between science and empire.--Mark Harrison"American Historical Review" (06/01/2005)

About the Author:

Londa Schiebinger is John L. Hinds Professor of History of Science and Barbara D. Finberg Director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, Stanford University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0674014871
• ISBN 13: 9780674014879
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320