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36 pages 1 hour read

The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001

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Book Brief

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Michael Pollan

The Botany Of Desire

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

271

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2000s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1350L

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Super Short Summary

The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan examines how humans have influenced the evolution of plants and vice versa through the lens of four specific plants—apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes—each representing different human desires for sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control, respectively, showcasing the co-evolutionary relationship between humans and these plants.

Informative

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

59,197 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Michael Pollan's The Botany of Desire explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants through engaging stories and insightful analysis, making botany accessible and intriguing. While praised for its narrative style and fresh perspective on domestication, some readers find it overly simplistic. Overall, it's a compelling read for both science enthusiasts and casual readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Botany Of Desire?

Readers who relish exploring the intersection of nature, history, and human culture will enjoy The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan. Fans of The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Pollan and Silent Spring by Rachel Carson will appreciate its insightful, nature-centric narrative that delves into human relationships with plants.

4.3

59,197 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Michael Pollan

Pollan is both the writer and participant, exploring his discoveries as a gardener and using his garden experiences to reflect on larger agricultural trends.

Known as Johnny Appleseed, he is a central figure in the first chapter, explored as a complex individual beyond the myths, with interests in Swedenborgianism and promoting alcoholic cider.

Curator of the Plant Genetic Resources Unit in Geneva, New York, dedicated to preserving and expanding the genetic diversity of apple trees.

An early European plantsman involved in spreading tulips and other flowers, whose reluctance to share his rare tulips led to their theft and spread in the Netherlands.

Scientists at the agricultural company Monsanto involved in genetic engineering of plants, allowing for patented plant varieties and intellectual property enforcement.

Book Details
Pages

271

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2000s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1350L

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