The Triumph of Seeds goes on sale March 24th, but early reviews have already started rolling in . . .
“[Hanson is] jocular and entertaining in his dispensing of
remarkable facts about these little vessels of life-to-be.... From high-tech,
high-security seed banks bracing for climate change to the story of the gum
extracted from guar seeds that is used in everything from ice cream to
fracking, this upbeat and mind-expanding celebration of the might of seeds is
popular science writing at its finest.”
⎯Booklist,
starred review
“[F]ast and fascinating prose.... Hanson, who has also
chronicled feathers and gorillas, is a conservation biologist and Guggenheim
fellow, and an ace dot-connector: He can draw a line between all the grain
panics and crises and the tiny, miraculous structure of the seeds themselves,
because he dives deeply into botany, economy and history. Also, he’s just plain
fun.”
⎯Denver
Post
“Conservation biologist Hanson’s new book showcases an even
more approachable style than his 2011 Feathers. Using a personalized viewpoint
derived from his backyard lab and dissertation research in Costa Rica with the
almendro tree, as well as visits with specialists worldwide, he describes how
seeds nourish, unite, endure, defend, and travel.”
⎯Library
Journal
“[A] delightful account of the origins, physiologies and
human uses of a vast variety of objects that plants employ to make more
plants.... A fine addition to the single-issue science genre.”
⎯Kirkus
Reviews
“Who knew that seeds could be so thrilling and dangerous?
Thor Hanson is a lively storyteller, a lyrical writer, and a quick wit. The
Triumph of Seeds is more than an engrossing work of natural history. It’s a
compelling and highly entertaining journey, populated by scientists and
historians, criminals and explorers, aviators and futurists. Following Hanson’s
global voyage is the best sort of armchair travel, because it is filled with
wonder, poetry, and discovery.”
—Amy Stewart, author of The Drunken Botanist
