Seeds of Change: A Quincentennial Commemoration

by Herman J. Viola (Editor), Carolyn Margolis (Editor)

Describes the exchanges of animal, agricultural, and cultural products between the Old World and the New World during the five hundred years since Columbus's expeditions, assessing the damage and benefits to populations on both sides of the Atlantic. Simultaneous.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Animals, Agriculture, Food

277 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 1991

About the author

Dr. Herman J. Viola is a curator emeritus at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. A specialist on the history of the American West, he served as director of the Museum's National Anthropological Archives in addition to organizing two major exhibitions for the Smithsonian. "Magnificent Voyagers" told the story of the United State Exploring Expedition of 1838-42, and "Seeds of Change" examined the exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and the New Worlds as a result of the Christopher Columbus voyages of discovery.

Prior to joining the staff of the Smithsonian Institution in 1972, he was an archivist at the National Archives of the United States, where he launched and was first editor of Prologue: The Journal of the National Archives.

Dr. Viola's research specialties include the American Indian, the Civil War, and the exploration of the American West. He has authored numerous books on these topics, including Exploring the West, After Columbus, Warrior Artists, and The North American Indians. He is also the author of the middle school social studies textbook, Why We Remember.

His most recent book, Little Bighorn Remembered: the Untold Indian Story of Custer's Last Stand, was selected by both Book of the Month Club and the Quality Paperback Club, and was a primary selection of the History Club.

Dr. Viola received his B.A. and M.A. from Marquette University, and his Ph.D. from Indiana University/Bloomington. He has an honorary doctor degree from Wittingberg University, Springfield, Ohio.

Dr. Viola and his wife, Susan, have three sons. They are residents of Falls Church, Virginia, and Bozman, Maryland.

Reviews

[Brian Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the greatest biological collision in history, as the plants and animals of the Old and New Worlds encountered each other. This series of very well researched essays trace the aftershocks across the world, as Old World livestock conquered the range, and Native food plants boosted supplies from Europe to China. Seldom have the histories of corn, pigs, potatoes, cows, tomatoes, or sheep been explored in such an insightful, dramatic way.

[Gilbert Wesley Purdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survey text on discovery and development of the New World for popular audience. The text rates a solid 3-stars. The illustrations and photos are often stunning, always informative. They are the reason I rate this book as a whole at 4-stars.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: "American Food Crops in the Old World" by William McNeill

[CFAITC]

Words and photos explain the encounter and exchange of plants and animals between the Old and New Worlds and the transformation of peoples and land in the 500 years since Columbus.