Bill Laws

The fascinating stories of the plants that changed civilizations. Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History is a beautifully presented guide to the plants that have had the greatest impact on human civilization. Entries feature a description of the plant, its botanical name, its native range and its primary functions -- edible, medicinal, commercial or practical. Concise text is highlighted by elegant botanical drawings, paintings and photographs as well as insightful quotes. Many of the plants are well known, such as rice, tea, cotton, rubber, wheat, sugarcane, tobacco, wine grapes and corn. However, there are also many whose stories are less known. These history-changing plants include: Agave, used to make sisal, poison arrows, bullets, tequila and surgical thread Pineapple, which influenced the construction of greenhouses and conservatories Hemp, used for hangman's rope, sustainable plastics, the Declaration of Independence and Levi's jeans Coconut, used for coir fiber, soap, margarine, cream, sterile IV drips and coagulants Eucalyptus, used in mouthwash, diuretics, vitamins, honey, underwear and fire-resistant uniforms Sweet pea, which Gregor Mendel used in his research on genetic heredity White mulberry, used to make silk English oak, used for fire-resistant structures, dyes, leather tanning, charcoal, casks and ships White willow, used in the manufacture of aspirin, cricket bats, hot-air balloon baskets and coffins This attractive reference provides an innovative perspective on both botanical and human history.

Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History

This delightful book tells you everything you ever wanted to know about real ale - from its first recorded brewing by the Sumerians 5,000 years ago through its spread to Europe via the cultivation of grains to its establishment as a British favourite. Did you know beer was buried with the Pharaohs in Egypt and used as an offering to the gods? Or that in Norse mythology, a warrior who died in battle would go to Valhalla and be entitled to drink as much beer as he wanted? Real Ale unearths all these unknown snippets and is packed with trivia that will inform and entertain. From the origins and history of brews like Bitter, originated in Burton-on-Trent due to the particular style of the water supply, and Black Beer created as a prophylactic against scurvy, this tantalising book includes accessible recipes for brewing and cooking classic beer dishes like Beef and Guinness stew and Welsh rarebit. With delicious recipes alongside little known facts, Real Ale will appeal to everyone from the avid foodie to anyone who simply savours a good pint.

Recipes, History, Snippets

Real Ale

Starting at the front door, this book takes a look at our homes through different eyes, revealing the history of every part from the bricks and beams to pelmets, lights and water pipes; from wallpaper, windows and paints to floors, fires and fitted kitchens. Crammed with fascinating facts about the everyday bric-a-brac of the house in which you live, Nails, Noggins and Newels is written in a lively, informal style which will appeal to any DIY enthusiast.

Bill Laws

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