Oxford: Bodleian Library, (2026. reprint). Octavo, dustwrapper, colour illustrations.

Beginning with some of the earliest uses of plants,
Stephen Harris takes us on an exciting journey through
history, identifying fifty plants that have been key to the
development of the western world, discussing trade,
imperialism, politics, medicine, travel and chemistry
along the way. There are plants here that have changed
landscapes, fomented wars and fuelled slavery. Others
have been the trigger for technological advances, expanded
medical knowledge or simply made our lives more pleasant.
Plants have provided paper and ink, chemicals that could
kill or cure, vital sustenance and stimulants. Some, such as
barley, have been staples from earliest times; others, such as
oil palm, are newcomers to western industry.