50 Plants that Changed the World

by Stephen A Harris

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening, History

320 pages, Hardcover

Published July 13, 2025

Reviews

[Ramesh Krishnaswamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to our modern world from a different perspective, most books talk about Leaders, Inventions, wars and so on, but plants are what make our world possible.
The author obviously has a Eurocentric worldview, which is fine as most of his audience is likely to be as well. He does present connections between colonialism, the quest for profit and the various stars in his book, and how they have changed the world, from Rice, Potato, Maize to Coffee and Pineapple.
Requires low effort just bring your curiosity. Great for all ages, especially mind expanding for young readers, evoking gratitude from older readers.
I cannot think of any that he may have left out, from plants that are edible by humans to plants that allowed our companion animals to thrive.
The lovely drawings are a bonus, a nod to the thousands who have contributed in meticulously cataloging, collecting and improving our knowledge of our cohabitants on our only home.
Hope it finds a spot on your shelves as a daily reminder, prayer and thanksgiving, and make you a conscious consumer of the bounty provided to us at this point in time.

[Tammy Travis-Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting read, however it is a little light. The author identifies the plants, but doesn't give a lot of information or explanation. I was somewhat disappointed, looking for more information on why these plants are so important.

[Margaret Heller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for Library Journal. Note that my Goodreads score has nothing to do with my professional review.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s…. Fine. Very dry and not that excitingly presented though, sorry to say.

[Beele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plants. Plants. Plants