It is over 50 years since the publication of P. J. Faulks' book An Introduction to Ethnobotany (Moredale Publications, London, 1958). Since then much has changed and this book by Bill Laws highlights the inter-relationships between humans and plants by focusing on 50 plants (actually species or genera) that have purportedly changed the course of history. The cultivation of some of these plants has had both positive and negative consequences. Interestingly, wine grape (Vitis vinifera), common wheat (Triticum aestivum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), tea (Camellia sinensis) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) are each accorded most pages (eight). As the search for new sources of food, fuel, industrial products and pharmaceuticals intensifies and climate change poses problems, there is much to be learned from this book.

While the author is correct in emphasizing that Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is now the dominant force globally in the world of commercial cotton, the diploid lint bearing species G. herbaceum and G. arboreum were important crops in the history of India and Pakistan as was the long staple tetraploid G. barbadense in the West Indies, Egypt and the Sudan.

The informative text is well supported by coloured and black and white plates, photographs, ‘information’ boxes, an index and a list of useful websites. There is also a list of books for further reading. This is an enjoyable book for the general public and is recommended particularly to agriculturists, botanists, chemists, historians, horticulturalists and socio-economists. It is excellent value at a price of £12.99.